Meet The Team
Kara Varnell
Owner
Kara is a mom of two rambunctious and sweet children Luke (9) and Eliza (who is 6 going on 16)! She has worked in almost every role with children in her career including babysitter, summer nanny, live-in nanny, live-out nanny, date nights, overnights, and working with special needs children. She has a Master’s degree in Human Services with a focus on Marriage and Family and thoroughly enjoys building relationships with both her clients and nannies. She started Select Sitters in 2011 and is so thankful for all of the families that she has had the opportunity to partner with. Kara is married to her high school sweetheart Caleb, co-owner of Select Sitters, who is a Real Estate Attorney. In the very limited free time she has, Kara enjoys reading, baking, the beach, and being outside.
Jessica Whitley
Operations Manager
Jessica has been working with Select Sitters as the Operations Manager since 2018. She's originally from Indiana but moved to North Carolina to be with her husband. She has her A.A.S. in Veterinary Technology and her B.A. in Communications. She loves connecting with the families we serve, and always looks forward to meeting and interviewing potential babysitters and nannies! Jessica is a new mom to a 9-month-old boy named Lennox. She enjoys exercising, reading, cooking, being with her dogs, and spending time with her friends and family in her free time.
Meredith Cross
Placement Coordinator
Meredith began working as an Administrative Support Specialist for Select Sitters in 2022 and later transitioned to the role of Placement Coordinator. Meredith has her Master of Arts in Elementary Education, from East Carolina University. Prior to joining the SS team, Meredith taught in the K-5 setting for 13 years before stepping away when her daughter, Charlotte, was born. Meredith's experience in the classroom gave her the ability to think quickly and to always be ready for whatever the day may bring. She enjoys working with families and babysitters to find the best fit based on their needs!
Ashley Giampietro
Recruiter
Ashley has been a Recruiter for Select Sitters since 2019. Since graduating from the University of Central Florida in 2010, she has worked in a variety of industries, including elementary and middle school teaching, training, child and animal welfare, and recruiting! She has a passion for the nanny and babysitting industry, as she is a former babysitter and nanny herself. Ashley loves spending time with her family and friends, traveling, and also enjoys the great outdoors! Ashley is a mom to two little ones, Anthony and Olivia, and uses this perspective to guide her as she screens and recruits potential candidates for our clients.
Alexa Swanson
Administrative Support Specialist
Alexa began working as an Administrative Recruiting Specialist with Select Sitters in 2023. Originally from Delaware, she earned her BS in Human Services and quickly after graduating discovered her interest in being a full-time caregiver with families in North Carolina. She has been a sitter, part-time, full-time, and long-term nanny for families, and enjoys using her industry knowledge to assist those she works with. She uses her past volunteer experience working with children internationally to influence her approach to helping others and appreciates connecting with the unique families and caregivers Select Sitters works with. Alexa enjoys spending time with her family and pets, cooking, traveling, seeing live music, and frequenting North Topsail Beach.