Home-Security Tip #5

 Do not list your full name on your mailbox or your entry in the telephone book. Use only your initial and your last name.

Home-Security Tip #3

A spring-latch lock is easy prey for burglars who are "loiding" experts. Loiding is the method of slipping a plastic credit card against the latch tongue to depress it and unlock the door. A deadbolt defies any such attack. It is only vulnerable when there is enough space between the door and its frame to allow an intruder to use power tools or a hacksaw.

Home-Security Tip #1

Plan to "burglarize" yourself. You'll discover any weaknesses in your security system that may have previously escaped your notice.

Nancy McIlvaine, Vice President, San Francisco

Nancy grew up in North Palm Beach, Florida. She has her Master’s degree in Psychology from San Francisco State University. She was originally placed by Town & Country as a Household Manager in 1993 and stayed with that family for three years, and later joined Town & Country in 1997. Nancy draws on her own experiences daily as she works with clients and candidates. She loves making matches that enable incredibly hardworking candidates to use their skills to make a client’s life easier. Nancy lives in the North Bay with her husband and two children.

MaryPat Power, Placement Counselor, Palo Alto

Mary Pat grew up in Westport, Connecticut and Lexington, Massachusetts. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Education from Lesley University in Cambridge, Massachusetts. MaryPat has spent much of her career in non-profit work. She founded and directed two early childhood education programs including Playschool in Atherton. She is the former Director of the Children and Outreach Programs for the Child and Family Institute in Menlo Park. In her free time, she continues to do volunteer work with children. MaryPat joined Town & Country in 2002. She likes the fast-paced work environment and team approach. She feels satisfaction when she can help Nannies find employment, and help families find great Nannies. MaryPat lives in the South Bay with her husband and two children.

Kristine Lange, Placement Counselor, Palo Alto

Kristine grew up in Naples, Florida and earned her Bachelor’s degree in Rehabilitation and Psychology from Springfield College in Massachusetts. Prior to joining Town & Country, Kristine spent 12 years working for community service organizations. Kristine worked with child protective services and then for Big Brothers and Sisters matching children with adult mentors. She moved to the Bay Area joined Town & Country in 2006. Kristine enjoys working at Town & Country because, “it’s great to work with a team of people who pride themselves on customer service, relationship building and a passion for successful placements.” Kristine lives on the Peninsula with her husband and two sons.

Melissa Browne, Placement Counselor, San Francisco

Melissa grew up in Menlo Park with her parents and three siblings. She graduated from San Francisco State University with a Bachelor’s in Psychology and joined Town & Country in 2006. Melissa loves working in the temporary department filling urgent requests for families and hearing the relief in a parent’s voice when she tells them that a pre-screened, qualified Nanny is on the way to their home! Melissa lives in Oakland with her fiancé where they can be found riding their bikes or enjoying the sun at Lake Merritt.

Sarndra Elejorde, Assistant Placement Counselor, San Francisco

Sarndra grew up on a dairy farm in New Zealand. She received a Diploma of Early Childhood Education, a National Nursery Examination Board certificate and a Certificate in Special Needs Education. Sarndra left New Zealand in 1994 and moved first to Canada, then England and finally the United States where she worked as a Nanny and a Baby Nurse for over ten years. Sarndra joined Town & Country in 2001 and says she enjoys working here because, “I love working with a great team, in a fast paced environment, helping our candidates find great jobs.” She lives in San Francisco with her husband and son.