Jaymie Elder
Settimo Vittone,Italy
Summary
With a lifelong passion for children, nature, and arts and crafts, I have cultivated a profound connection to the natural world. Growing up amid the picturesque landscapes of rural New Zealand, I immersed myself in the outdoors, exploring the ocean, rivers, mountains, and lakes with my family. Embracing a minimalist lifestyle, my partner and I traveled extensively and lived in campervans across Australia, Canada, and Europe, allowing us to stay intimately connected to our beautiful surroundings, especially the majestic mountains.
In New Zealand, I successfully ran a small business offering face painting services, which became very popular for birthdays, special events, festivals, markets, and annual celebrations. I complemented this service by illustrating and selling my childrens animal cards at regional markets, bookstore retailers and other gift shops. Additionally, I have valuable experience working as a Graphic Designer, Teacher Aide in local schools, facilitating a busy After School Care service, and as a Nanny with a prominent service in the region.
In early 2025, I enhanced my skill set by earning a 120-hour TESOL/TEFL Certificate, becoming a certified English language teacher. In Italy, I have since been offering private English lessons to children (4-10 year olds), young adults (14-20 year olds) and adults in my area. I am deeply passionate about art, nature, and inspiring children and young adults as they embark on their journey to embrace the English language and develop an open, inspired world view.
Overview
2
2
Languages
1
1
Certification
27
27
years of professional experience
Work history
Private english lessons
Private clients
Settimo Vittone / Ivrea, Italy
2025.02 - 2026.07
- Provided private English lessons for children aged 4-10 and young adults 14-20.
- Tutored adults using structured practice and consistent lesson materials.
- Taught during local summer holidays in 2025, with student totals rising to 5.
Freelance animal portrait artist
Private clients
, New Zealand and Italy
2010.01 - 2026.07
- Created animal pet portraits for private clients in New Zealand and Italy.
- Produced custom likenesses capturing companionship, trust, warmth, and heart connection.
- Delivered portrait artwork tailored to animal character, bond, and shared emotion.
Elderly care worker / Domiciliary care
La Merenda Sinoira
Settimo Vittone, Italy
2026.02 - 2026.07
- Provided consistent domiciliary care to improve daily wellbeing and comfort.
- Offered compassionate emotional support through everyday routines and check-ins.
- Delivered weekday care for elderly couple aged 93 and 83.
Childrens entertainer (Face painting)
Self employed
Dunedin, New Zealand
2003.02 - 2014.01
- Delivered face-painting entertainment at birthday parties, festivals, and corporate events.
- Painted faces for children of many ages across my region.
- Built repeat annual bookings through reliable service over 7 years.
Freelance graphic designer
Self employed
Dunedin
2004.01 - 2006.01
- Freelance graphic designer specialising in impactful advertising posters, innovative logo designs, and compelling marketing booklets for diverse clientele.
After school care
Portobello community
Dunedin, New Zealand
2004.01 - 2005.12
- Collaborated with a team to deliver engaging after-school care and activities for children in our rural community.
Teacher aide
Portobello school
Otago, New Zealand
2003.01 - 2005.12
- Provided tailored one-on-one support for a young student with special needs, enhancing reading skills and facilitating engagement in classroom activities.
Assistant
Elwing Discoveries
Stewart Island, New Zealand
2004.01 - 2005.01
- Charter yacht youth adventure trips to Stewart Island.
- Support crew member providing overall wilderness experience for youth and family voyages on a charter yacht in Stewart Island.
House cleaner
Private clients
Dunedin, New Zealand
2003.01 - 2005.01
- Delivered impeccable cleaning services to private clients and a boutique hotel, ensuring pristine rooms and client satisfaction.
Nanny
Otago Nanny Educare Center
Dunedin, New Zealand
2002.04 - 2004.11
- Delivered reliable and nurturing care to a preschool boy, supporting a family's needs in Dunedin three days a week.
After school care coordinator
Chipmunks association
Dunedin, New Zealand
2002.03 - 2004.07
- I was in charge of after-school care services at a bustling urban children's entertainment venue, ensuring engaging and educational experiences.
- Developed creative and engaging daily programs for children.
- Enhanced customer experience with coffee and food service.
Graphic designer
APN Educational Media
Wellington, New Zealand
2000.01 - 2001.09
- Spearheaded the redesign and enhancement of a book series on employment opportunities for school leavers, serving as the sole Graphic Designer.
- Collaborated effectively with writers, editors, sub-editors, and publishers to ensure cohesive and high-quality content.
Education
Higher National Diploma - Graphic Design Skills
National College of Design and Technology
Christchurch, New Zealand 1999.01 -
Skills
- Visual storytelling through photography
- Crafting health products from nature
- Animal portrait painting and drawing
- Foraging for wild plants and mushrooms
- Face painting for children
Languages
English
Native
A1
Italian
Elementary (A2)
A1
References
- Ileanna, Peretto, info@campingmombarone.it, 338 817 4048, Camping Mombarone
- Susanna, Orlassino, susyorlassino, 0125658470, La Merenda Sinoira
- Cinzia, Galvani, 335 185 4822, Studio Yoga
Hobbies
Painting, Photography, Reading, Hiking in the mountains, Mountain traditions, Ancient cultures, Travel, Wildforaging and wildcrafting, Personal growth and healing, Writing, Cooking
Certification
- 120 hour TESOL/TEFL Certificate World TESOL Academy Jan 2025 - Jan 2025
- 70 hour TEAL Course Teaching English to adults World TESOL Academy Jan 2026 - Feb 2026
Timeline
Elderly care worker / Domiciliary care
La Merenda Sinoira
2026.02 - 2026.07
Private english lessons
Private clients
2025.02 - 2026.07
Freelance animal portrait artist
Private clients
2010.01 - 2026.07
Freelance graphic designer
Self employed
2004.01 - 2006.01
After school care
Portobello community
2004.01 - 2005.12
Assistant
Elwing Discoveries
2004.01 - 2005.01
Childrens entertainer (Face painting)
Self employed
2003.02 - 2014.01
Teacher aide
Portobello school
2003.01 - 2005.12
House cleaner
Private clients
2003.01 - 2005.01
Nanny
Otago Nanny Educare Center
2002.04 - 2004.11
After school care coordinator
Chipmunks association
2002.03 - 2004.07
Graphic designer
APN Educational Media
2000.01 - 2001.09
Higher National Diploma - Graphic Design Skills
National College of Design and Technology
1999.01 -