I recently had the opportunity to work with College Nannies and Tutors, located at the Blackhawk Plaza in Danville, CA, for our Valentine’s Day Fundraiser. I wanted to take a moment spotlight this local business. In this day and age, when big box superstores rule, it’s important to take a second look at our local businesses, owned and run by community members who live in our neighborhoods and who take the time to work one-on-one with us.

Dave and Shelley Culp are the husband-and-wife team that owns the local College Nannies and Tutors that serve Danville and Lamorinda areas. They work hands-on every day with their clients to provide them with great matches for childcare and tutoring. One of the things that are most important to them is matching clients with someone who is a good personality fit and who is rock-solid reliable. Their nannies can even be there to cover you on short notice. What a great idea, since it can sometimes be so hard to find occasional childcare with for a date night!

One other thing that I wanted to personally mention is how kind-hearted Dave and Shelley are. One of the ways you would know this is how they have become the foster parents of 10 little ducklings that lost their mother. Today, the ducklings are no longer little, but they still regularly come over to the front door of the office when they are hungry. It’s quite a sight to see them “knocking.” It’s also touching to see Dave and Shelley continue to care for them.

If you are ever at the Blackhawk Plaza with your little ones, stop by at their office to get some free duck food so that you can feed the ducks. The office is pretty interesting, designed innovatively with floating cubicles that can be moved around to suit the needs of their tutees. On the cubicles are images of great role models and heroes of all types, from Pablo Casals to Jane Goodall. They also host craft days to keep little hands occupied. Check them out on Facebook get advance notice of their activities!

Here is a question-and-answer to help you get to know them better.

Tell us a little about yourselves.

We’ve lived in Central County for more than 30 years. We went to high school here; college nearby, birthed and raised our children here, built our careers here. The roots are deep and strong. We wouldn’t have had it any other way.

What sparked your interest in the field of nannies and tutors?

I’ve always been passionate about the lack of support and resultant poor quality of education in California’s K-12 schools. 49th in the nation! As well, I remember the difficulties finding quality child care when our three children were small. The opportunity to open a College Nannies & Tutors location strongly resonated with my long-held beliefs. I’m enjoying every day of it!

What inspires you?

Good work. Hard work. Results. Fairness.

What do you like to do for fun?

Ski, sail, and read. I enjoy re-living my youth vicariously through my children.

What’s the best part of doing what you do in your job?

It makes my day when we successfully pair a family needing custom-matched child care or tutor services with a dedicated and motivated new tutor or nanny. I love it when both parties experience the delight of a perfect match. I feel like an old-time matchmaker!

What is something that you learned that you would like to pass on to people like the moms and dads with whom you work?

Though a bit cliche, I believe the children are our future. I have a real sense that our little business occasionally touches on the lives of the future leaders of our world. It gives me a thrill to know these kids.

Three words that make you smile.

Building Stronger Families.