2023 Family Helper of the Year

Olga Severino   

Olga was born and raised in Queens, New York. She has had a passion to work with children from a very young age. She worked in a daycare setting as a young adult. After she married and had her own children, she completed the New York State Family Group Daycare Training course. She then opened and operated her own licensed group family daycare in the Bronx. She cared for children 6 weeks old through 12 years old. She continued her education and took training courses through the Office of Children and Family Services of New York State. She enjoys being an instrumental part of the growth stages and milestones of the children she cares for. She enjoys supporting their parents as well in any way she can. Olga feels fortunate to have been able to raise her own three children while running her in-home daycare. She ran her daycare for eight years before moving with her family to Westchester County in 2017, which is when she began working as a private in-home nanny. She has worked for several families since 2017. She loves forming new relationships with each of the families she works for, as well as maintaining a relationship with each family after the positions have come to an end.

Olga’s current employer, Mrs. O., describes Olga as “a calm and loving presence in our family; her warmth radiates through the way she cares for our children (and their parents!), and her own family as well.”

“She builds full days for our children as they explore the world. They are always learning and going on adventures. She is a gifted teacher with unbounding patience and carries exceptional empathy. She pushes our children to experience new things and makes them feel safe as they take risks and grow.”

“In summer of 2021, we became new members of the Westchester community. Olga’s knowledge of every part of the county that young children would delight in, has been exceptionally helpful for our family. Her creativity and spirit have transferred to our children, who wake up each day and start reciting the places they want to go and tell us stories about seeing the snakes and an eagle at the Greenburgh Nature Center, along with the fun they have at the Westchester Children’s Museum.”

“Her initiative to find these venues and utilize the resources available to young children in this area is outstanding, and our children absorb each experience as they create their own memories. Together they’ve found every Thomas the Tank Engine book in the Rivertowns, know which parks have views of the Metro North tracks, and, equally important, they know where to have a scoop of ice cream, or slice of pizza.”

“Grandma, who visits from California, loves Olga as much as we do!”

“Olga is one of the keystones in our family’s life. We’re grateful for her constant support, kind loving energy, and dedication. We’re thrilled to have the opportunity to nominate her for “Helper of the Year” in our community. We look forward to many more memories and adventures to come with Olga!”

Previous Winners

2022 – Menana (Mona) Roudah
2021 – Maria Tosto
2020 – Mavette Singh
2019 – Cindy Augustine
2018 – Lori Conklin
2017 – Norma Wagner
2016 – Ana Kluk
2015 – Mitzy Blair
2014 – Dorrett Henry
2013 – Elizabeth Ramoutar
2012 – Isabel Brito
2011 – Claristine Greer
2010 – Lisa Pagan
2008 – Kristin Smith