My name is Debra Mendelson and I am the local, greater Western PA and Pittsburgh representative for Au Pair in America (APIA). I am the liaison between a host family, an Au Pair (from outside of the US) and our agency located in CT. I am here to help you through the process of bringing your Au Pair into the US through conversations, an orientation for you and your family and a 2 week follow-up once your Au Pair is living in your home. I also meet with the Au Pairs once a month doing fun things in an around the Pittsburgh area. Read my blog and see the things we have done together!
APIA is an awesome program! Not only does it give you a very flexible, always reliable (wait for those snow days) and cost-effective child care, it also gives you a culture exchange. YOU can choose the nationality and/or language of your Au Pair. You also will fill out a “preference” form to help you narrow down your search. We also have an excellent Placement Coordinator in CT who helps you find your perfect match! APIA has recently come out with an app for the iPhone so that you can search while out of your house or office.
The APIA business attracted me as I had a culture exchange experience years ago. It was with a Swedish girl who lived in my family home as an exchange student. My Swedish friend flew to the US just to attend my wedding. We have been in touch with one another for over 30 years. She and her family (husband and 3 children) came to my home and stayed with my family for a few weeks a few years ago. This definitely is a life-long relationship!
On a personal note, I am the mother of two grown children: Lauren is 26 and is living in NY and is in her 4th year of medical school; Jesse is 22 is a senior at Carnegie Mellon University in the Tepper School of Business. My house is now quiet and it is just my husband, Robert, and our English Springer Spaniel dog, Duke.
I hope I get the change to meet you and work with you and your family!
Debra
Au Pair in America
Community Counselor for the Greater Pittsburgh area
DebraPgh @ gmail dot com