Au Pair: Cecilia Colunga from Mexico

Host Family: Grunwell family in Rhode Island

Ceci is an amazing person, not just a good au pair. Ceci is responsible for taking care of two kids for two active duty military parents. Ceci has certain responsibilities, but she goes above and beyond. Our kids love her like a family member and respect her as a teacher. Ceci is more than a caregiver for our kids, she is an educator. Ceci has taught both of our kids to speak Spanish, she has exposed them to Mexican culture, she has taken them on field trips, and created some amazing art projects with them. Our kids are excelling at school and in gym classes and there is no doubt that Ceci is a major reason for both of those. Aside from that, Ceci has taken more than the minimum required courses, including a nursing assistant's course, which she will complete this month. She was inducted into the National Honor Society for Adult Education. Additionally, she has volunteered her time for various activities at our son's school and on the base. We decided to go with an au pair over a nanny for the cultural aspect of the program. Ceci has been an excellent ambassador for Mexico, a great friend to Julie and me, and a remarkable role model for our children. I am sure there are many good au pairs throughout various programs, but there is no one who embodies the values of the program any better than Cecilia Colunga.  She is most deserving of the title, "Au Pair of the Year."

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