Emily Vass is a liberation therapist and counselor intern with more than 25 years of experience supporting families. As an Indigenous Deathworker (Delaware Tribe of Indians/Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma) and a longtime veteran spouse, she has provided continuous support to military families navigating caregiving, service, and major life transitions. Her work centers on providing education and compassionate guidance around end-of-life care, grief, and trauma-informed support. Emily’s deep commitment to addressing systemic oppression and elevating crucial conversations around caregiver mental health makes her an invaluable addition to the Community Advisory Committee.

• Florida Mental Health Counselor Intern

• Indigenous Deathworker (Delaware Tribe of Indians/Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma)

• MA in Clinical Mental Health, Liberty University

• MS in Human Relations, University of Oklahoma

• Facilitator of Mending Broken Hearts, White Bison Healing Resources

• Compassion Fatigue Educator Level 1, Green Cross Academy of Traumatology

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Monique DuPree is a professional nanny and house manager with nearly 28 years of experience across ROTA, live-in, live-out, and travel placements. Based in Chicago, she brings a background in Reggio Emilia-inspired care and art history to her daily work with families. Beyond direct care, Monique is an active youth literacy advocate and frequent speaker at industry conferences, dedicated to elevating the standard of care.Monique’s decades of hands-on knowledge and dedication to advocating for caregivers as respected professionals make her a tremendous addition to the Community Advisory Committee.

•  US Nanny Association, Certified Professional Nanny (PNCP)

• Literacy Partner: Penguin Random House, Albert Whitman & Company

• Volunteer: Books with Color, Pajama Program

• Featured Speaker: INA, US Nanny Association, The Today Show

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Peach Sommerfeld is an Atlanta-based nanny and child advocate. Known as a private educator, baby whisperer, and specialized care provider, their heart was made to work with children. Peach is particularly adept at supporting dynamic households with infants, toddlers, and neurodivergent children. Their greatest love is learning, constantly expanding their knowledge through training in behavioral health, newborn care, and accessibility while leading grassroots mutual aid efforts in their community.Peach’s lived experience as a neurodivergent, nonbinary caregiver and their ongoing advocacy for marginalized voices make them a vital addition to the Community Advisory Committee.

• Executive Director, The Foxhole Fund

• NCTA Newborn Care Specialist & Postpartum Doula

• Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) Course Certificate

• American Sign Language Interpreting, University of Tennessee

• TCAP Early Childhood Development and Family Studies

Ryan Spies is a Boston-based career nanny and family assistant with a background in supporting households with complex logistics and caring for children across diverse ages, identities, and individual needs. Originally from Southern Africa, he brings an international perspective shaped by global youth programming and refugee relief efforts. Alongside his nine years of private service, Ryan continues to expand his work in household management and neurodiversity coaching. Ryan’s practical insight from the field and passion for creating sustainable, respected career pathways make him a valuable addition to the Community Advisory Committee.

• Volunteer Coordinator, On the Ground International (Colombia)

• Advanced Newborn Care Specialist, Newborn Care Solutions

• Neurodiversity & ADHD Coach, Efficient Coach (In Progress)

• AS Business Management, Quincy College (In Progress)

Johanna Gamboa is a professional nanny, educator, and advocate with 20 years of experience supporting children and families. Her background spans early childhood education, Montessori in the home, newborn care, and household management. Originally from Costa Rica and based in Orlando and Las Vegas, Johanna is dedicated to connecting and elevating Spanish-speaking nannies through community initiatives and professional development.Johanna’s belief in the power of caregiver representation and her passion for professional growth and inclusion make her a wonderful addition to the Community Advisory Committee.

• Founder, Niñeras del Mundo

• Early Childhood Educator, Universidad Internacional de Las Americas

• Montessori in the Home, The Prepared Montessorian Institute

• Life and Leadership Coach, International Life and Leadership Coaching Academy (In Progress)

Lissah Garcia is a ROTA nanny and Newborn Care Specialist with twenty years of professional experience. A 2026 INA Nanny of the Year nominee, she works in the California Bay Area while residing in Chicago. She specializes in supporting new parents and providing intuitive care for infants and toddlers in dynamic households. Throughout her career, Lissah has continually expanded her early childhood practice while staying active in community volunteer efforts. The perspective she brings as a Neurodivergent Latina and her dedication to practical accessibility and professionalism make her an essential voice on the Community Advisory Committee.

• 2026 Nanny of the Year Nominee, International Nanny Association (INA)

• Elite Newborn Care Specialist (NCS), Newborn Care Solutions

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Clara Akwarandu has built her career supporting diverse families across Texas. Her 11 years of experience includes complex travel logistics, household management, and specialized care for autistic children. As a child of Nigerian immigrants, she brings a personal understanding of culturally responsive care and is dedicated to community building and peer support within the industry. Clara’s commitment to community engagement and passion for elevating diverse perspectives make her an incredible addition to the Community Advisory Committee.

• Director of Community & Partnerships, Nanny Relief Fund

• MA Candidate in Human Development & Family Science, University of Missouri

• Graduate Certificate in Special Education, University of Missouri

• Degrees in Public Health & Early Childhood Education

• International Nanny Association (INA) Credentialed Nanny

• US Nanny Association Certified Professional Nanny (PNCP)

• Registered Behavior Technician (RBT)