In business since 1990, our staff is comprised of nationally recognized industry leaders who combine their skills to provide personal service to families and nannies in the Twin Cities metropolitan area.  We are experts in recruiting, selective screening, and qualifying applicants and families.

 Congratulations to Mary and Becky who have received 20 Year Service Awards from the International Nanny Association.

Owner/President: Mary O'Connor

Mary has a Master's Degree in Education with ten years of teaching experience. Prior to starting Nannies from the Heartland in 1990, she worked six years for a corporation where she recruited, trained, evaluated and supported a part-time work force of over 1000 persons in a multi-state area. From 1992 to 2002, Mary served on the Board of Directors of the International Nanny Association (INA), the oldest, largest and best-known professional organization for this industry. She served as chair of the INA's annual conference for four years, and as President of the INA from June 1997 through June 1999.  In 2000, Mary was honored as one of six finalists for the "Women of Achievement" recognition award sponsored by the Twin West Chamber of Commerce. That program recognizes many years of volunteer service to a variety of non-profit organizations.  More recently she has provided volunteer leadership to the University of Minnesota Campus YMCA, where she served on the board for six years, two of those as board chair.  In 2007 Mary was honored as a recipient of both the U-YMCA Ethical Leadership and Honoring Our Leaders Awards.

Mary and her husband Bob are the parents of two adult daughters.  When the girls were young, the O'Connors employed nannies to care for their children over a ten year period.

Placement Counselor/Temporary Services Manager: Becky Kavanagh

Becky joined Nannies from the Heartland as a part-time placement counselor in September 2000. Becky has an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education with an Infant/Toddler Specialty Certificate. She is an INA Credentialed Nanny. Becky seven years experience as an assistant child care program director and as a preschool teacher. Since 1990 she has been (and continues to be) a professional nanny. She has served on the Board of Directors of the International Nanny Association (INA) for ten years, and is currently serving as co-president. Becky is also an active member of Twin Cities Professional Nannies, serving as president for two years and is currently the secretary.  She has been a member of the National Association for the Education of Young Children since 1992.

Becky was chosen as INA's 2006 Nanny of the Year. Becky was also the 1998 recipient of the Parents Magazine Child Care Award which honors outstanding child care providers and advocates.

Placement Counselor: Kelly Miller

Kelly joined our staff in 1998 as a part-time placement counselor. She has over 15 years of experience as a full-time, part-time and temporary nanny. She has a bachelor's degree in Communications/Journalism.  Kelly and her husband moved to Pennsylvania in 2000 to manage a hostel. They also adopted their daughter when there were living in Pennsylvania, and decided it was time to come back to Minnesota when their daughter turned one. Kelly then rejoined the staff at Nannies from the Heartland. She also is working as a part-time nanny. In addition, Kelly is on the board of her homeowner's association and volunteers at her church.  Kelly is in process of adopting her sons, ages 6 and 2 years old.
 

Additional office staff assist families and nannies with basic questions, take messages and perform clerical duties.

Professional and Business Affiliations:

• Member/Accredited Business, Better Business Bureau

• Member, International Nanny Association

• Member, Twin Cities Professional Nannies

• Member, National Association for the Education of Young Children