Meet Katie Kelley

Today we’d like to introduce you to Katie Kelley.

Hi Katie, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
Childcare has been my passion my entire life. I started taking care of my neighbor’s newborn when I was only 8 and had a booming babysitting business by 12. I still remember going into a house to babysit and seeing a photo of the kid’s soccer team, and I had babysat all 15 kids on the team.

After high school, the family, I nannied for asked me to move to Texas with them and care for their kids there. I attended Texas A&M University and continued nannying as a way to put myself through school. After graduating, I taught preschool and then was offered the position of a full-time nanny for a family in Los Angeles. From there, they moved to Nashville and asked me to tag along as well!

I was offered a nanny position with a family in the music industry a couple of years later and began my journey as a tour and travel nanny. We visited Africa, Europe, and tons of US States all with a kid or three in tow. In conjunction with a busy work schedule, I also pursued a master’s degree in school-age counseling and my Advanced Newborn Care Specialist certification.

With encouragement from my employers, I began The Katie Sitters Club as a resource for parents and nannies alike. We offer services such as behavior management, sleep consulting, nanny coaching, and beyond. I’ve loved every minute of being able to help families navigate all of their children’s wild and crazy stages.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I’ve been very lucky to have support from so many people in my life.

I would say my biggest obstacle in finding success is believing in myself and that I have knowledge other people want to hear.

Sometimes I feel insecure about whether or not anyone cares about what I have to say, but then the testimonials I receive from clients provide reassurance that I am doing what I am supposed to be doing and helping where I can.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I run a social media page with childcare advice as well as a consulting business. I specialize in all things kid, from newborn to school age. I am most proud of the impact I have been able to make and the people I have been able to help across the world.

I’ve had people buy my sleep guide e-book from here in Nashville all the way to Ireland. Social media has really given people an opportunity to reach audiences I would have never been able to reach before, and I’m so thankful for that. I believe what sets me apart from others is my realistic approach.

I can be honest with parents that kids are hard, it’s not always rainbows and butterflies, but there are simple tools to make navigating the rough spots a bit easier.

In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
I believe this generation of parents cares more than ever about understanding their children and where their emotions are coming from.

We have a whole wave of parents who want to learn, versus parents who run with the “I turned out just fine” mentality.

Children are absolutely the future and I am so encouraged by seeing how hard parents are willing to work to ensure they are raising them to be as strong and competent as possible.

Pricing:

• The Sleep Guide: 0-12 weeks $4.99 with code VOYAGER.
• Consulting 1hr $100
• Nanny Coaching 30 mins $50

Contact Info:

• Website: thekatiesittersclub.com
• Instagram: @thekatiesittersclub