Introduction

Hello! My name is Zara, and I am an American living in the Kawasaki area with a genuine passion for working with children. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Conservation Biology and a TEFL/TESOL certification, and I have several years of diverse, hands-on experience caring for and educating children of all ages.

My background includes work as a substitute teacher, camp counselor, karate instructor, nature education intern, and even a princess performer — so I’m comfortable keeping kids engaged, safe, and having fun in just about any situation! As a martial arts instructor, I taught Okinawan Goju-Ryu karate to children and adults, emphasizing discipline, focus, and respect. As a camp counselor, I supervised children ages 5–11, and as a substitute teacher and 1-on-1 teaching assistant, I supported students from kindergarten through 6th grade with reading, math, and science.

I studied abroad in Tokyo in 2022 and moved to Japan in October 2025, and am currently working as an environmental scientist. I have been studying Japanese and have a basic understanding of the language, and am continuing to improve every day.

I am patient, responsible, energetic, and genuinely love spending time with children. Some of my favorite activities to do with kids are play outiside, color and do crafts, as well as teach them about science (plants, animals, outer space, and more!). I also love Disney Princesses and martial arts, so if your child also loves these things I think we'd be a great match! I look forward to the opportunity to support your family!

CANCELLATION POLICY (all timing is calculated based on the start time of the scheduled sitting)
48+ hours before the scheduled sitting: No cancellation fee
Between 48-24 hours: 50% of sitting fee
Within 24 hours: 100% of sitting fee (+ transportation cost if on the way)

Experience

Camp Counselor (Town of Camillus Parks & Recreation) — Supervised and cared for children ages 5–11 during summer camp, ensuring their safety and wellbeing throughout the day.
• Substitute Teacher & 1-on-1 Teaching Assistant (West Genesee Central School District) — Worked directly with students ages 5–13, providing individualized support and supervision across grades K–6.
• Martial Arts Instructor (Tearney’s Martial Arts) — Taught Okinawan Goju-Ryu karate to children, fostering discipline, focus, and confidence in a structured environment.
• Nature Education Intern (Baltimore Woods Nature Center) — Led hands-on science lessons and activities for children in grades K–5 in small and large group settings.
• Princess Performer (Royal Promise Productions) — Entertained and engaged children at events, maintaining a safe, fun, and imaginative environment.
Total years working with children: 8+ years
Ages worked with: 5–13

Can Babysit

Children

  • 7+ years old
3 Children

Skills & Services

Languages

  • English
Basic Japanese

Services

  • Online Lessons
  • Pick up children from
  • Mother's helper after childbirth
  • Light Housekeeping
  • Cooking/Meal Preparation
  • Care with foreign language
  • Homework help
  • Events

Certificates

  • Not Completed Government Approved Babysitter Training
TEFL

Availability

 
6am - 9am
9am - 12pm
12pm - 3pm
3pm - 6pm
6pm - 9pm
9pm - 12am
12am - 6am
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
This schedule may not be up-to-date.

Reviews

5
Your rating: 5

[ CareFinder Team Review ]

Zara is a fun and friendly caregiver who brings an extraordinarily diverse background as a camp counselor, martial arts instructor, substitute teacher, and environmental scientist. She excels at keeping kids completely safe and highly engaged by blending her energetic spirit with creative activities, from teaching discipline through karate to exploring science, crafts, and the magical world of Disney Princessesーmaking her a great fit for CareFinder families.

Chyanne@CareFinder Support Team
CSV
Find the best babysitter for your family today!