We sat down with one of our a fav NYC-expats, Noam S, to hear about what led him to to become an artist, then a Kid Expert, then a Los Angeleno! Families adore this fun-loving, hyper creative kiddo pro, and it’s pretty easy to see why:

1.     Hi Noam! Where are you from and what brings you to LA?

Hey! I’m a born and raised New Yorker. I grew up Downtown – on Canal Street and have lived in Queens for the past ten years. New York will always be home for me – but my acting career has evolved into a bicoastal lifestyle, where I’m spending The Winter Months in L.A. and the Summer months back in New York. This is my first year on the west coast and there are definitely moments where I miss home, especially the Pizza! – that being said, I’m happy that my acting career is moving forward. I’ve been here a month and a half and have had over thirty auditions and booked an amazing role in an upcoming film. I’m very grateful and have no complaints!

2.     What is your experience with kids? Can you share a favorite story?

 I grew up an only child and always begged my mom for a baby brother. She would say “No way, you’re enough.” I’m happy to say I now have a six-year-old half-brother who, since he was an infant, I’d help take care of and play with. That experience inspired me to apply for Curated Care and become a Kid Expert back in 2016. Since then I’ve had over 190 bookings! – Cultivating relationships with families who I’ve worked with over the past three years.  

I’ve been doing after school pickups for the same little boy for the past two years, since he was three and a half. He’s the sweetest boy with the most amazing mom, who always encourages us to take adventures and do new things! I took him to the Transit Museum in Brooklyn, where we were both equally excited to explore all of the old train cars and learn the history of the subway. After that, we walked back to his apartment in TriBeCa, across the Brooklyn bridge – I’ve never seen him so happy. Sometimes the simplest things can be the best. New York is the greatest place for a child to grow up – you don’t need money to learn and have fun. Everything is right in front of you.

3.     When you’re booked for a Curated Care session, what is your process in terms of preparation/items you bring? What kinds of activities do you incorporate into sessions?

Before I go in for a first-time session, the first thing I like to do is talk to the mom or dad so I can get a very clear idea of their expectations and find out if we’re a fit. I tell them the types of things I specialize in – cooking, rapping, yoga, theatre games, etc. and let them and their little one(s) decide what type of session to have. I always offer to bring books, toys, balls, etc. except nine times out of ten parents are like “Don’t bother! We have so many toys already!” But those are always good things to have handy, especially for the first booking.

When I arrive, I make sure to act as professional as any other job. That means dressing nice but in comfortable clothes I can move around in, taking off my shoes, and washing my hands. I like to get to know the kid(s) and figure out their interests – they’re usually eager to show me their favorite toys and play games within a few minutes of me showing up. Lastly, if the Mom and or Dad are leaving, I like to know the rules of the house so that I make sure the kids follow them. I want the kiddos to know that we can have tons of fun – but just because Mom and Dad are gone, does not mean you can have all your Halloween candy in one evening.

4.     You have a varied background in music and performing––a self-identified cooking, rapping, yogi. Can you tell us a little more about what makes you tick?

Although I still incorporate rapping and yoga into my bookings when parents request it, my biggest passion is teaching little ones how to cook! In addition to regular classes, Curated Care and Riprap friends [a NYC-based non-profit specializing in connecting sick kids with inspiring teachers and artists] have teamed up in order to bring activities into the homes of kids with ongoing cancer treatment. It’s amazing to see how something as simple as cooking uplifts the spirit of these little ones. We make big yummy meals and feast with the whole family! And I’m not talking about chicken nuggets and hot dogs, no way! We make REAL food with fresh and nutritious ingredients and the kids love it – gyoza dumplings, risotto, you name it! It’s an incredible feeling to pass along the passion I share for cooking and put a smile on the faces of kids who are going through a rough time.  

5.     What do you think is the benefit in hiring a Kid Expert vs a traditional babysitter?

I think it’s obvious, Kid Experts are leagues ahead! I grew up with traditional babysitters – no bueno. And since this was before cell-phones and nanny-cams there was way more rule breaking on their part. Many “traditional babysitters” take the job because it’s an easy paycheck but have no passion for it – scrolling through their Facebook feed the whole booking. I’ve hosted events and met many other KEs and they’ve all been great – I’ve even got many of my friends down with CC! We are a community of thriving and upbeat teaching artists who are passionate and care about what we do. We bring that same enthusiasm into all of our bookings!

6.     What are you most looking forward to in the future?

My goal is to be in feature films and on Broadway. I am also working to get my first play produced – Radio, a semi-autobiographical hip-hop themed story that takes place in early 90’s NYC. The artistic journey is what excites me, not just the end result. Right now, I’m taking it one day at a time, working my butt off and enjoying life to the fullest. I’m not after money or fame, just happiness and creative freedom. And as I continue along this path, I feel grateful to be a part of the Curated Care family.