Meet The Team
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Kara Varnell
Owner
Kara is a mom of two rambunctious and sweet children Luke (11) and Eliza (who is 8 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 continues to partner with families through North State Nannies. She is so thankful for all of the families that she has had the opportunity to partner with and is excited to meet new families in need of quality nanny services. Kara is married to her high school sweetheart, Caleb, co-owner of North State Nannies, who is an Attorney. In the very limited free time she has, Kara enjoys reading, baking, the beach, and being outside.
Jessica Whitley
Operations Manager
Jessica joined the team in 2018 and currently serves as Operations Manager. With a Bachelor's degree in Communications and years of hands-on childcare experience as a substitute teacher, babysitter, certified lifeguard, and swim instructor, Jessica brings a strong foundation in child safety, communication, and trust-building to her thoughtful and detail-oriented approach to supporting families and caregivers.
As a mom to two young children (Lennox, age 2, and Temperance, 9 months), Jessica understands how important it is to find trustworthy, nurturing care. She’s passionate about building strong relationships with families and ensuring every childcare professional is thoroughly vetted, so parents can feel confident and at peace when welcoming a caregiver into their home. An innate connector at heart, Jessica thrives on building relationships and helping families and nannies feel understood and supported through the placement process and beyond. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, exercising, and attending monthly book club dinners with friends.
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Meredith Cross
Placement Coordinator
Meredith joined the team in 2022 as an Administrative Support Specialist and later transitioned to the role of Placement Coordinator. She holds a Master of Arts in Elementary Education from East Carolina University and brings over 13 years of experience teaching in K–5 classrooms. After the birth of her daughter, Charlotte (6), Meredith stepped away from the classroom but remained passionate about supporting families and children.
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Meredith is energized by helping both families and sitters feel confident, supported, and heard throughout the placement process. When she’s not working, you can find her at the beach, crocheting, or having a dance party with Charlotte.​
Ashley Giampietro
Recruiter
Ashley has been a recruiter with North State Nannies since 2019, bringing experience in elementary teaching, advocacy, program coordination, and recruiting. As a former babysitter, she knows how important it is to find the right fit. Now a mom to two children, Ashley combines her professional background with a parent’s perspective to match caregivers with care and empathy. When she’s not working, she enjoys reading, traveling, fun outings with her kids, and spending quality time with family and friends.
Alexa Swanson
Administrative Support Specialist
Alexa began working as an Administrative Recruiting Specialist with North State Nannies 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 North State Nannies works with. Alexa enjoys spending time with her family and pets, cooking, traveling, seeing live music, and frequenting North Topsail Beach.
Ashley Downer
Recruiter
Ashley joined the team in 2025, bringing a strong background in education and family support. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from East Carolina University and a Master’s degree in Counseling from Liberty University. Her career includes roles as a nanny in a nanny share, kindergarten teacher, school counselor, and Regional Director, where she recruited host families and placed international exchange students across the U.S. Ashley is passionate about building strong relationships and enjoys helping families and nannies find the perfect match. Outside of work, she stays busy with her two young sons and loves traveling to the beach and lake, spending time outdoors, volunteering at her children’s school, and planning family vacations, especially to Disney.