When Stephanie Fornaro welcomed her second child, she found herself in the depths of postpartum depression. Overwhelmed, exhausted, and isolated, she struggled to meet the impossible societal expectation of “doing it all.” But one decision changed everything: hiring a mother’s helper.
That small but transformative act not only helped Stephanie heal but sparked a realization that would shape her future—and change the lives of families across the country.
Today, Stephanie is the founder of Hello Nanny!, a groundbreaking nationwide agency that’s redefining childcare by offering professional nanny services to families at every income level. With flexible, tailored options ranging from low-investment job ads to full-service concierge placements, Hello Nanny! is a lifeline for parents navigating the complexities of modern childcare.
But Hello Nanny! is more than a business. It’s Stephanie’s mission to empower families, destigmatize asking for help, and create a cultural shift where support is seen as a strength, not a weakness.
A Personal Journey of Strength and Resilience
Stephanie’s journey founding Hello Nanny! is deeply personal. Abandoned by her biological mother as a child, she grew up witnessing the devastating effects of a lack of postpartum care and mental health support. That experience left a lasting impression, shaping her understanding of the critical gaps in maternal care and family support systems.
Years later, after the birth of her second child, Stephanie faced her own battle with postpartum depression. The pressure to “do it all” left her feeling like she was failing. It was her husband who stepped in, encouraging her to hire a mother’s helper—a decision that changed her life.
“At first, I thought asking for help meant I was failing as a mom,” Stephanie recalls. “But what I discovered was that accepting help was my superpower. It allowed me to heal, regain my confidence, and be the mother I wanted to be.”
That revelation became the foundation for Hello Nanny!, a business designed to help families access the support they need—without guilt or stigma.
The Hello Nanny! Revolution
Historically, professional nanny agencies have been a luxury reserved for wealthy families, leaving middle-class parents to navigate chaotic online marketplaces with little guidance. Stephanie saw an opportunity to change that and make agency-level services accessible to all.
Inspired to make childcare access more equitable, Hello Nanny! offers a range of flexible, expert childcare solutions that meet families where they are, regardless of budget or circumstance.
Flexible Services for Every Family
1. Low-Investment Job Ads and DIY Options: Families who prefer to manage the process themselves can access affordable job advertisement services and a la carte vetting for background checks and reference reviews.
2. Concierge White-Glove Services: For parents seeking a more hands-off experience, Hello Nanny! provides comprehensive recruiting, vetting, and personalized matches to ensure a seamless placement.
3. Expert Guidance: Every family has access to in-house recruiting experts who help navigate the process, providing a level of support absent from traditional online platforms.
“Our goal is to meet families where they are,” Stephanie explains. “Whether they want to do it themselves or hand everything over to us, we’re here to make childcare safer, easier, and more accessible.”
Beyond Childcare: Advocacy and Community Impact
Hello Nanny! is more than simply connecting families with nannies and household support. We’re about building stronger, healthier communities.
As a board member of the International Nanny Association, Stephanie is working to address systemic challenges, including the childcare desert and inequities in legal pay for caregivers. Hello Nanny! advocates for legal-pay legislation and tax incentives that make hiring professional nannies more feasible for families, while ensuring caregivers are treated with dignity and respect.
“Professional, legal childcare shouldn’t be a luxury,” she says. “It should be an option for every family. By supporting both families and caregivers, we’re creating a system where everyone thrives.”
Changing Lives, One Family at a Time
Since its launch, Hello Nanny! has helped countless families reclaim their peace of mind and find trusted, professional childcare.
One client shares, “Hello Nanny! took all the stress and uncertainty out of finding a nanny. The process was seamless and gave us the support we needed during a challenging time. Our nanny has become like family.”
For Stephanie, testimonials like this reinforce why she started Hello Nanny!. “The most rewarding part of this work is seeing families and caregivers thrive. Mothers are realizing they don’t have to do it all alone. Asking for help isn’t a weakness—it’s a strength.”
Looking Ahead: A Vision for Empowerment
As Hello Nanny! continues to grow, Stephanie’s focus remains on empowering families and caregivers. Her vision is clear: to create a world where every family has access to the support they need to thrive, and where caregivers are valued for the vital role they play in shaping the next generation.
Her message resonates with families everywhere: “Help isn’t a weakness—it’s a superpower. When we embrace it, we don’t just survive parenthood—we thrive.”
Stephanie Fornaro’s journey from personal struggles to entrepreneurial success is a testament to the power of resilience, innovation, and a mission-driven mindset. Through Hello Nanny!, she is not only transforming the childcare industry but also redefining what it means to support families in today’s world.
