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Operations and Matchmaking Guru

When Austin joined Southern Standard Nannies in 2025, it was the natural evolution of a vision she's been building since 2012: an agency that leaves no margin for error and no room for "good enough." An agency who helps everyone win- while prioritizing the littles.

As a former nanny, seasoned agency owner, parent, and nanny employer, Austin brings a unique, unmatched perspective to an industry too often treated as transactional. At Southern Standard, placements are never rushed- they are engineered for lasting success. We believe relationships are precious and getting to know people is truly important before making any introduction. Your children, household, peace of mind, and our reputation depend on us being thorough- and Austin has been ultra thorough her entire life.

Austin embodies the Enneagram 6w5: a strategic, systems-driven builder who believes in data, process, and trust earned through perfection, professionalism, and consistency. Her reputation for being discerning has become one of Southern Standard's most defining strengths. "We are not an agency that accepts everyone. Only the most committed families and the most exceptional nannies are brought into the fold, because true compatibility demands nuance and alignment. Not every household is the same, yes- but our standards remain ultra high for every relationship we broker- and that goes for both sides of the equation."

What sets Austin apart is not only her intellect, but her intuition. In life (and business), great leaders learn to trust their gut. It's a journey- but Austin has a very good read on human beings. A highly sensitive leader, she reads dynamics others overlook- catching subtleties in family culture, human behavior, and nanny temperament that transform a good hire into a lasting, harmonious relationship. Her team was built on the belief that trusting their intuition while remaining curious is the key to being a wonderful matchmaker in this highly sensitive industry. It's this blend of strategy and sensitivity that has made Southern Standard Nannies the definitive authority in luxury household staffing in the Nashville area.

Beyond her agency work, Austin is shaping the broader caregiving landscape. She co-founded the Nanny Relief Fund in 2020, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars to support nannies nationwide. She serves as Treasurer for the organization and is a former Secretary of the International Nanny Association, where she influenced professional standards across the field.

Austin splits her time between Raleigh and Nashville with her partner, Adrian- a former local tech entrepreneur deeply connected to Nashville's business community- and their son Nash and beloved dogs, Arlo and Tuna Mae. She leads Triangle Nannies in the Raleigh area and Southern Standard in Nashville. Now that she's a mama- her belief has become "build what you, yourself, need. Make it exceptional."

For families who expect the very best and want to get this right the first time, Southern Standard delivers excellence without compromise.

Chief Financial Officer

Jeremy brings a unique blend of financial expertise and strategic thinking to Southern Standard Nannies, balancing his role here with his position as a Senior Principal Strategy Consultant at Red Hat. His background in corporate strategy and development helps ensure our agency runs smoothly and continues to grow thoughtfully.

As our CFO, Jeremy oversees all financial operations, making sure everything from payroll to contracts works seamlessly for both our families and caregivers. He works closely with Laura and Austin to guide the company's strategic direction, always keeping our mission of creating exceptional matches at the forefront. He's a communication wiz and is available to chat with our clients any time an issue arises.

Beyond the numbers, Jeremy brings warmth and creativity to our team. A lifelong musician who's been playing piano and guitar since age three, he's just as comfortable analyzing spreadsheets as he is crafting elaborate meals for friends. You might spot him exploring Nashville's restaurant scene or cheering on his beloved St. Louis Cardinals.

Jeremy holds a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science and Finance from Washington University in St. Louis and an MBA from the University of Notre Dame, bringing both technical precision and big-picture thinking to everything we do at Southern Standard Nannies.

Recruitment Manager

Valerie grew up in Los Angeles as the oldest of three, with two younger brothers who gave her plenty of early practice in the art of wrangling kids. She started her professional nanny career shortly after high school while studying child development in college, but quickly realized her calling was to become a career nanny and household manager. Working with multiple high-profile families, she was rapidly promoted to household manager in her first role—a testament to her natural leadership and exceptional organizational skills.

After visiting Nashville once in 2015, Valerie got the itch to move to Music City and eventually start a family. She met Laura in 2018 when she applied for a nanny position and got the very first job Laura sent her to. Valerie told Laura she'd love to work for her if she ever hired—and shortly after moving to Nashville, Laura did exactly that. Valerie continued nannying while working part-time for Southern Standard Nannies before transitioning to full-time with the agency in 2021 as our Recruitment Manager.

With ten years of hands-on nanny experience, Valerie understands what makes a great placement from both sides. She knows what families need and what exceptional caregivers look like in action. Her warmth, attention to detail, and genuine passion for childcare shine through in every match she makes.

Valerie married Tim in 2023, and their son Gio was born in 2024. Being a mom is what she's most proud of, and it's given her even deeper insight into what parents are looking for in a caregiver. Her mom moved to Nashville in 2020 and one of her brothers followed in 2021, so Gio gets to grow up surrounded by family—something Valerie treasures.

When she's not working, Valerie enjoys being a boy mom, spoiling her cat Khaleesi, baking, tackling arts and crafts projects, and personalizing everything (giving gifts is her love language). She appreciates people with a good sense of humor and a healthy dose of sarcasm. Fun fact: her dad was a dentist, so she made it her mission during her nanny years to help kids actually enjoy going to the dentist—a skill that came in surprisingly handy.

Vetting Coordinator

Melissa grew up in the Great White North and raised her family in Ontario, Canada. As a stay-at-home mom with two children and a husband in the music business, she knows the juggle struggle of managing kids and a home intimately.

Once her children started school, Melissa pursued a Yoga Teaching Training Certificate to delve deeper into the mind, body, spirit connection, then went back to school to earn a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Brock University. Realizing her passion for helping children with special needs, she completed a Graduate Certificate Program in Autism and Behavioral Studies from Niagara College. Her work in autism centers as a behavioral therapist taught her the essential truth: it takes a village to raise a child. When her husband's dream of moving to Music City called, Melissa and her family relocated to Nashville in 2019.

Seeing the demand for nanny support in the city, she applied to Southern Standard Nannies and was placed with a wonderful family who embraced her as part of their village. After their contract ended, Melissa joined the Southern Standard team in 2021, and now serves as our Vetting Coordinator—the first screen and thorough final filter on verifying that candidates are who they say they are. Her background in behavioral therapy and firsthand nanny experience give her an unmatched eye for authenticity and excellence.

When she's not working, Melissa enjoys spending time with family and friends, hiking, cooking, doing yoga, knitting, watching movies, trying out new restaurants, and two-stepping the night away with her husband.

Placement Assistant

Mara joins Southern Standard Nannies from Central Ohio after four successful years at Harvard University, where she built a strong reputation for precision, warmth, and excellence in both professional and extracurricular leadership. During her time at Harvard, she worked in the First-Year Experience Office and the Law School’s Office of Public Interest Advising, where she was a trusted first point of contact for students, families, alumni, and visitors and reliable administrative support for the leadership team.

Her passion for helping organizations run smoothly extended into her student leadership roles. Mara served as Secretary for three different student organizations at once before becoming Vice President of the Harvard Black Students Association. Known for her meticulous attention to detail and unwavering kindness, she was praised by peers and colleagues alike for raising the standard of excellence in every role she took on. Mara also thrived behind the scenes as part of the stage management teams for multiple Harvard theater productions. She describes her stage management experience as a perfect parallel to her work at Southern Standard Nannies: making sure every detail is handled so others can step into the spotlight. Beyond campus, Mara invested in supporting young people through volunteer work as a Sunday School teacher and as a mentor with the Association of Black Harvard Women’s high school mentorship program.

At Southern Standard Nannies, Mara serves as Austin’s right hand, bringing this rare blend of administrative expertise, leadership experience, and deep care for others to her role, allowing the placement team to focus on what they do best- making perfect matches for families and caregivers.

When she isn’t working, Mara enjoys musical theater, Sudoku, and spending time with her family. She is also a devoted fan of baked goods and the color purple.

Senior Marketing Manager

Carrie is the brain behind Southern Standard's thriving nanny community—and she's built an empire doing it. As our Senior Marketing Manager, she's the creative force behind our social media and the architect of genuine connection among caregivers. After 13 years as a Certified Professional Nanny and graduate of the English Nanny and Governess School, Carrie understands what nannies need because she's lived it.

Her authentic voice about life as a nanny-turned-mom has made her one of the industry's most respected figures, with a significant following among caregivers navigating their own path to parenthood. She founded Circle City Nannies in Indianapolis, then replicated that success in North Carolina's Triangle region, creating vibrant networks through educational events, playdates, and training sessions. Now she's extending that vision into Nashville, exploring local parks and family-friendly destinations with her team to build the same sense of community Southern Standard's nannies deserve.

Carrie's advocacy work runs deep. She serves on the board of directors for the Nanny Relief Fund alongside Austin, and she's a fierce champion of International Nanny Training Day—which she sees as essential for caregivers to grow their skills and find their people.

Carrie balances her work at Southern Standard with life at home with Christopher (who turns 5 this month!), Matthew (1), and their pup Millie. In rare quiet moments, she's either deep in her latest Reese's Book Club pick or sneaking off for a peaceful pedicure. Her dual perspective as industry veteran and mom of two makes everything we do at Southern Standard richer.

Recruitment Director

As a former educator with a passion for child development, Kara brings something special to our matching process—a deep understanding of what helps children thrive. With her background in Education from the University of Central Florida and specialized training in ESOL and reading instruction, she knows how to spot caregivers who will nurture your child's growth and potential. Kara's decade of teaching experience and love for Montessori and Reggio approaches shape how she connects families with their perfect match. She looks beyond basic qualifications to find nannies who share your values and can create the kind of nurturing environment where children flourish.

As Director of Recruitment, Kara has been a leader on our team for two years, bringing exceptionally high standards, unmatched warmth, and an organizational precision that ensures nothing falls through the cracks. She leads our Nashville recruiting team with a focus on finding caregivers who aren't just qualified- they're inspiring role models who become treasured parts of their families' lives. Her own experience as a mom of two daughters helps her understand exactly what parents are looking for in a caregiver, and she brings that insight to every placement we make at Southern Standard.

When she's not helping families find their perfect match, Kara enjoys life in Raleigh with her husband Nick, their daughters, and their playful puppy Reece. After growing up in Florida, she especially loves experiencing all four seasons here! Between family adventures both local and global, she understands what makes a caregiver truly special to a family's daily life.

Placement Specialist

Helen brings a rich tapestry of experience in early childhood education, family support, and educational leadership to Southern Standard Nannies. Originally from south Louisiana's Cajun French region of Acadiana, she grew up between Lafayette and New Orleans before her journey took her across the world and back.

After graduating from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette with a degree in English, Helen spent nearly five years in Prague, Czech Republic, where she discovered her calling in early childhood education. She taught English as a second language, recruited and vetted teachers, and helped expand an early learning center into a Czech/English primary school- all while falling in love with the resilience and capabilities of young children.

Returning to Louisiana in 2018 to be closer to family, Helen obtained her teaching license and taught 1st and 2nd grade, developing a deep dedication to early literacy during those critical academic years. When the pandemic hit in March 2020, she pivoted seamlessly to support students and parents through the sudden shift to online learning.

Her next chapter brought her to western Colorado, where she embraced mountain life in Carbondale. There, she gained experience in ABA therapy supporting children impacted by pandemic-related service disruptions, then served as preschool director in El Jebel for 3.5 years. Under her leadership, the program expanded from 5 to 7 classrooms serving over 120 families, with Helen providing key support for staff development, parent communication, and curriculum integration.

Helen's greatest passion is standing beside families during moments of uncertainty, providing steady support, and ensuring their loved ones feel happy, safe, and fulfilled. She believes that strong, supported families build strong, resilient communities- and she's committed to contributing to that foundation at Southern Standard Nannies.

Vetting Coordinator

Now calling Raleigh home after years in Wilmington, Noelle brings a unique blend of skills to Southern Standard Nannies as our Vetting Coordinator. She has been with our team since 2021 and we're so grateful Her deep connection to both North Carolina communities combines with keen intuition to ensure our rigorous screening process identifies caregivers who will truly shine with their families.

Before joining our team, Noelle's diverse path took her from the fast-paced world of Manhattan's textile industry to a decade of leadership in Kunga Yoga, where she led 12 international retreats and raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for nonprofits like Homes of Hope India and Farm Sanctuary. This varied background gives her a special talent for seeing the whole person during our vetting process, looking beyond just credentials to understand what makes each caregiver unique—and spotting red flags others might miss.

Her hospitality experience and years of mentoring shine through in how she guides potential caregivers through our process, while her sharp eye catches inconsistencies, padded resumes, and references that need further exploration. This combination of warmth and discernment ensures only the most authentic, qualified candidates make it through.

Outside of work, you'll find Noelle immersed in her passions—studying Vedic Wisdom and Sanskrit Mantra, playing harmonium, or performing with various bands (many of which she played with in Wilmington). Her creative spirit and genuine interest in people make her a natural at identifying caregivers who will bring something special to their families.

Client and Candidate Experience Manager

With a background as diverse as the families she supports, Amy brings a uniquely intuitive and people-centered approach to her role at Southern Standard Nannies. A New York native, she holds degrees in Acting and Political Theory and is trained as both a Waldorf early childhood educator and a social worker specialized in crisis intervention. Her early career was spent teaching at a nature-based private school and advocating for unhoused children and families navigating the court system, as well as organizing in communities and working in farmworker outreach with Legal Aid—experiences that taught her how to connect deeply, listen closely, and advocate with both compassion and clarity.

After relocating to North Carolina and welcoming her son, Amy transitioned into private household work as a family assistant and private chef. She later expanded her skillset into systems and operations consulting for emerging and established food businesses, with a focus on talent acquisition, training, and development. This blend of organizational leadership and relationship-driven work gives her an exceptional ability to design support systems that anticipate what families truly need.

As part of our leadership team, Amy built and now leads Southern Standard's backup care system in Nashville, ensuring high-caliber support is always available when our clients need it most. Her customer service excellence and strategic approach to floater network coordination mean families can trust that even unexpected situations will be handled with care and precision. She has a natural gift for making others feel seen and understood, and her systems-thinking allows her to create seamless backup care experiences that families can rely on.

When she's not working with families, Amy enjoys life in downtown Raleigh with her son and can often be found experiencing art in its many forms, cooking, or exploring local food culture.

Technology and Online Experience Strategist

Igor is the architect behind the seamless systems that allow our families to focus on what truly matters: building a life that blends work, play, and family with ease. He brings a unique balance of technical expertise and heartfelt understanding, ensuring every digital touchpoint reflects the care and excellence our agency is known for.

With a passion for harnessing innovation to simplify the childcare search, Igor designs tools and experiences that take the stress out of finding exceptional caregivers. His vision is rooted not only in cutting-edge technology, but also in empathy—because as a devoted father to two dynamic children and partner to his remarkable wife, he knows firsthand the importance of trustworthy support and reliable systems. From juggling soccer games to celebrating academic milestones, Igor lives the same rhythm as the families we serve.

By combining his professional mastery with his personal insight, Igor ensures that our digital experience is not just efficient, but deeply aligned with the values of modern families. He embodies our mission to create space for parents to flourish both professionally and personally—proving that technology, when designed with heart, can be a true partner in family life.