Sitter Spotlight: Seena Karki
"I found a diary of mine that said what do you want to be when you grow up," says Seena, "and it said [ I wanted to be] a teacher. It has always been my passion. I love working with kiddos."
With her hair pulled back and her self-assured yet easy-going demeanor, Seena definitely has the air of a teacher, but not just any teacher; she'd be the type of teacher whose students would gather around her desk at lunch – the kind of teacher you wish you had.
Seena Karki, who is of Nepali background, grew up with the mountain views of Boulder, Colorado, and has dedicated her life to giving back to the community that raised her. Her work with kids has taken many forms over the years, but it all started with a babysitting job at the age of eighteen.
"I used to nanny during the summers. I nannied for this Russian family. And I used to dog-sit for their dog. It was amazing. They loved me. I felt like I was in the right career."
She nannied while attending the University of Colorado Boulder, where she graduated with a bachelor's degree in communications. Following graduation, Seena committed herself to community outreach. For two years, she joined the AmeriCorps program under the I Have A Dream Foundation, an organization that helps low-income students pursue higher education.
"Then, for five years, I ran my own before and after school care program," Seena tells me, "and now I'm currently working with Illuminate Colorado." Her work there helps struggling families get the resources and support they need.
This type of work is Seena's way of giving back to her community and honoring those who helped her achieve success. "My family, we kind of grew up on a lower income, and I used to be a part of the I Have a Dream Foundation." The support offered by the foundation was invaluable and it gave her the chance to explore new opportunities, college being one of them.
These days, she brings her knowledge and warm personality to Call Emmy, where she babysits for individual families and at various church events.
"I do a lot of church events," she says, "and I really do enjoy those too. It's a range of age groups. Eight weeks old to elementary age, and those have been very interesting. I have picked up a lot of tips and tricks from them as well."
Seena, who usually works with elementary-age kids, enjoys working with babies, too.
"It can be nerve-racking trying to soothe them, but when they feel safe, it can be really entertaining. They can hold a toy and just want to shake the rattle for 20 minutes. It can be very entertaining to watch them explore that."
Seena's experience as a nanny for the Russian family highlighted the different types of energy required for a babysitting gig versus a childcare gig. "I do have to be more prepared to make sure that the kids have things to do—art and crafts supplies—and make sure I know what the kids enjoy," explains Seena. "When you're running your own program, items are already available to you, unlike on babysitting jobs."
But Seena comes prepared for a job. She spends the morning before a job thinking about what the kids might enjoy. This eagerness has made her the sitter of every child's dreams. Kids get excited when they know she's coming, and why wouldn't they? She's determined to make sure they have a good time.
"I know that this family likes to play card games, so I pack up a couple of card games from home that I have that the kids could play," she says, "If I know there are three girls in the house, I'll text parents quickly and ask them, 'is it ok if I bring nail polish for their nails?'"
It's not uncommon for Seena to plan bike rides or trips to the park, either. She's the type of sitter who brings pickleball bats to a job so that kids can play a game in the backyard. "I don't like turning on TVs, so it's about doing the activities."
And what activity does Seena enjoy? She likes going on walks, but she's willing to go along with whatever fun activity the kids like.
"One of the kids I babysit loves bugs, so I'll make sure I have my shoes ready to go and I'll take my water bottle to go outside. He's the only kid that doesn't care how hot it is outside," laughs Seena. "I tell him if you're ready to turn around, you have to let me know, and he goes, 'ok, but let's keep going!' I am very mindful about what the kids are interested in, so I prepare for that so they don't feel like they don't know what's next."
When I ask about what makes her a great sitter, she lists her personability and respect for the parents and children as her strengths.
"I think I really do connect with the family and the kiddos. I want to let their parent know that their kids had a good day and that they can go to their event without worrying about if their kids are ok. I want them to know that I do respect their privacy. If parents don't want me to take photos of their kids, that's totally fine. When I do take photos, it's only to send them to their parents. A quick cute picture of them on their bike."
Having dealt with a class of 40-plus kids in her after-school days, she is adept at handling sibling squabbles. When she's babysitting for multiple kids, they can get into little tit-for-tats. She tells me the trick to dealing with multiple kids is to set boundaries. "Maybe there is something the older can do but the younger cannot; you just have to explain that."
"If there is only one kiddo, I can just focus on their interest. If I have three kids, I have to read to them separately, so I have to limit the number of books they can read before they go to bed. If it's one kid, I can tell them to pick four books because we have time for that."
Given Seena's background, I couldn't help but ask her about life as an after-school teacher.
On starting her own after-school program, she says, "It just makes you realize how much of an impact you can make even when you're not in the classroom because it really does take a village to raise a child."
Reflecting on how long it took to garner respect, she states, "I think things have improved since I started seven years ago; I think the respect that after-school teachers and babysitters get is not the same as teachers in a classroom get. It's me and three other staff and there are 40 kids running around and it's go go go! I plan the curriculum, I bring the snacks, and I make sure we are rotating every hour with activities."
She adds, "I think that's something that's amiss with families, and it is interesting to see in that form because we are not really seen as teachers in the classroom, and respect really has to be earned."
According to Seena, it took two years for families to appreciate her work. "People don't realize that to be an after-school teacher, you have to have a bachelor's degree, and it's a big difference people don't recognize."
Her advice to both after-school teachers and babysitters is to be kind and firm. That's the mindset she carries with her to babysitting jobs and it's been paying off. She often receives compliments from parents who sing her praises. To her, the positive feedback is a sign that she's moving in the right direction.
"I remember there were these two boys I babysat the first time, and the second time, their mom said that when they heard they were getting a babysitter, they were so upset. But when they heard I was coming, they went, 'Oh ok, I guess we'll see you later then.' That was really nice to hear."
Seena Karki's passion for helping children is undeniable. It makes her an excellent babysitter and a valued member of the Call Emmy team. If you want to connect with Seena, check out her profile here.
If you want to make an impact like Seena, sign up to be a Call Emmy provider. If you're in need of babysitting services, house cleaning and home organization services, book a service here.