2012 Au Pair of the Year Award Winners

2012/03/13

Au Pair of the Year Award Winners

Cultural Care Au Pair has once again received numerous nominations for the “Au Pair of the Year” Award in 2012. Thank you to all of our host families who submitted heartfelt nominations, and congratulations to each and every Cultural Care au pair who was nominated for this prestigious award. From the nominations, Cultural Care Au Pair chose three finalists whose host parents' essays were sent to the International Au Pair Association for consideration. These nominees were:

Simone Staudenmann from Switzerland living with the Liebold family in San Diego, CA

This is amazing -- Simone was a semi-finalist last year, nominated again in her extension year and selected AGAIN as a semi-finalist. Her host mom writes, "Our au pair Simone Staudenmann, one of last year’s Au Pair of the Year finalists, is almost another mother to my children. Despite rocky circumstances this year, they are thriving and I feel it has a great deal to do with the EXCEPTIONAL childcare they have and the consistent love of an additional family member. Simone always, always puts my children’s needs and well-being first. Having seen it time and time again, I know we are the luckiest family in the world to have her in our lives."

Alex Krosse from Germany living with the Urbaniak family in Potomac Falls, VA

Alex continually goes above-and-beyond for this family with two adopted children, one with special needs, and a host father who lost his spouse shortly after Alex arrived in their home. "Alex is a blessing -- I have checked his back for the wing-stubs that all aspiring angels must have. He has not only become a true member of my family, he has also become a member of the community. He is a volunteer fire fighter in our community. He has also volunteered with meals on wheels. This nomination isn’t for someone who has done his job. It is for someone who has joined our family and became a true friend during a time of need."

Nadia Nielsson from Denmark living with the Owers family in Houston, TX

Nadia cared for two adopted children with emotional issues who had just lost their father. Being adopted herself, she related to the girls on this and many levels and was always there for them, every day, every mood, every practice, every dance recital, every game, every birthday. From her host mom, "I imagine over the years we will welcome several au pairs into our home. But I can’t imagine that any will be as special to us as the wonderful young woman who nurtured all three of us through the most difficult year of our lives. Nadia will always have a special place in our hearts and will always remain a treasured member of our family."