SOUTHERN STANDARD NANNIES
Traditional Care for the Modern Family
Nashville, TN
We have a passion for helping
Our woman-run organization is a passionate team of professionals with over three decades of collective experience in the industry. Our diverse backgrounds include former nannies, mothers, and individuals who have employed nannies themselves. We believe that finding the perfect candidate is a blend of method and intuition which has been our practice locally since 2013.
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Meet Our Founder
Laura Frank
FOUNDER & OWNER
Following Graduate School as a certified teacher in New York, Laura Frank, Founder and Owner of Southern Standard Nannies, jumped head first into her professional nanny career in Los Angeles, CA. Over several years, her love for adventure, culture, and new experiences brought her to different cities across the US, eventually settling her in Nashville, TN.
Before starting SSN, Laura had over 10 years of dedicated childcare and teaching experience as a substitute teacher, travel nanny, house manager, high profile nanny, and newborn nanny. Throughout her career, Laura was constantly approached by families on the playground, in play groups, and at schools asking where they could find another “one of her.” This was an eye-opening discovery that quality, dedicated, & loyal care was hard for families to find on their own.
Knowing the next natural step was to help on a larger scale, it was time to build an independent brand that would serve families on a local level and provide focused, intentional childcare services to families in need. In addition to this, years of hands-on experience with families, nannies, and working in fully staffed homes gives Laura the foresight for applying the matchmaking skills needed to secure strong partnerships between the very best nannies & household staff and their employers.
Laura lives in East Nashville with her husband, son and dog. When she isn't connecting people you can find her cooking, traveling, hiking and reading historical fiction. She is a published contributor to City Year's Culture & Values with her winning photo for the organization's Founding Story, "The Starfish Story," a message that is carried out in the core values of daily operation at SSN as well.
Meet Our Team
Valerie Venerosa
CANDIDATE SPECIALIST
Valerie grew up in the Los Angeles area and made her way to Tennessee to continue her nanny career. Soon after her arrival, she joined the SSN team in 2018 and is now our Candidate Specialist, walking all of our stellar candidates through the vetting process. Valerie has a knack for connecting with people, organization and offering support and guidance to our candidates. When she isn't chatting with our candidates you can find her event planning, baking the most delicious treats, or spending time with her family!
Makayla Swartz
PLACEMENT COORDINATOR
Makayla joined SSN in 2022 after working hands-on with children for over a decade. She grew up by the Pacific Ocean, but moved to Tennessee with her high school sweetheart and put down her roots here. As a former teacher and nanny herself, she is familiar with the ins and outs of what it takes to help raise littles and support families. Makayla chose to work with children and families to make a difference in their lives, and she feels so rewarded for continuing to do this at SSN! When she isn't helping making connections, Makayla is spending time with her friends and big family, or trying to convince her husband to let her rescue every stray dog she sees!
Melissa Salter
AGENCY ASSISTANT
Mel is SSN's behind the scenes ninja! Before joining the SSN team in 2022 she was a certified Behavioral Therapist and beloved nanny. With two grown children, she understands parenting can be one of the most magical and challenging endeavors in life, and no one gets through it alone! She loves being apart of an industry that makes connections to enhance the life of families. When Mel isn't working to build dream teams, she is loving on her sweet, old Bernese mountain dog, trying a new recipe or restaurant or spending quality time with her friends and family. You may also spot her on an early morning walk too. If you do, say hi!