About Southern Nannies Plus

A Little Bit About Me

Founded in 2001 by someone who has lived both sides of childcare — as a nanny and as an agency owner.

Where it all began

I began working as a nanny in 1995, and from the very beginning, it was never just a job or a paycheck to me. I loved each child I cared for and made it a priority to create meaningful moments in their lives.

From nature walks and park picnics to exploring the Birmingham Zoo, our days were filled with intentional time together. We attended Gymboree and Kindermusik classes, and we never missed storytime at the library — where we would enjoy the story, participate in the day's activities, and pick out books to take home and enjoy until the following week.

I encouraged families to have Zoo memberships. Why? Because when children got bored in the afternoons and wanted to sit in front of a screen, we were instead at the zoo — riding the train, watching the alligators, or laughing at the monkeys' antics.

My goal was to create something special every day — moments that would build confidence, nurture love, and encourage independence in small but meaningful ways. I wanted the children in my care to remember me long after I was gone. And the truth is — I carry a piece of each child I was blessed to love and care for in my heart to this very day.

From 1995 until I started my business in 2001, I worked as a nanny. Other moms would see how I engaged with the children and often assumed I was their mother — which, to me, was always the greatest compliment. Because it was never just a job. I truly loved the children in my care, and it showed.

Why I started Southern Nannies Plus

In 2000, I had the idea to start my own agency. I spent over a year researching, learning, and preparing before officially launching Southern Nannies Plus in 2001.

My intention from the very beginning was different — I could see both sides. Because I had worked as a nanny, I understood what it took to make a nanny feel valued and supported within a home. At the same time, I also knew what parents were looking for when inviting someone into their family. That perspective shaped everything — and it still does today.

It should also be noted that my mother owned a preschool, and I began working there as a helper at the age of 14 during the summers. By the time I was 20 years old, I had already gained six years of classroom experience.

We have been in business since 2001 and our goal is to continue to offer excellent nannies for domestic positions.

What families say

Words from the families we have served

Having moved to Alabama earlier this year, I was most worried about the transition for my kids and making sure we found the right fit for a nanny for our family. I truly appreciate your patience, flexibility and support as we worked through the process. Jim and I are so pleased with the services you provided and we would recommend you without hesitation to anyone who is searching for a nanny.

Sheila Richardson

SPHR Vice President

As a first time mom and new to the area I knew I needed help finding someone to help care for my daughter. Rachel met with me and asked all the right questions to find the perfect fit. Our nanny Laura is the best fit for my family. Not only is she excellent with my daughter, she helps out with the housework and runs errands. I highly recommend Rachel Harville and Southern Nannies Plus.

Mrs. BeBe Brown

Hoover, Alabama

I have worked with other agencies in the past, and feel that the integrity of Rachel Harville and Southern Nannies Plus is beyond reproach. Rachel saw that Casey and I would connect well, and kept me from possibly making a mistake with another hire. Casey has gotten my girls to school, dance, soccer and multiple other places on time.

Joy Atchison

Birmingham, AL

After just a few telephone conversations, Rachel found the perfect nanny for my family. She not only listened to the long list of qualifications I had compiled, but also helped me think through my needs and identify requirements I had not previously considered. Rachel's professionalism and dedication made the process simple. My family and I highly recommend Rachel Harville and Southern Nannies Plus.

Jennifer L. Howard, Esq.

Birmingham, AL

Rachel helped us find the perfect nanny. Candi is very loving and caring and our children adore her. She has quickly become another family member, and we feel blessed to have found such a wonderful person to leave our children with. It is without hesitation that I would recommend Southern Nannies Plus to anyone in need of a nanny.

Vera Egorshin, M.D.

Hoover, Alabama

All mothers want to provide the best for their children. Working with Rachelle could not have been easier. Within weeks, she was able to advertise, prescreen the candidates and narrow the field to those that may actually be a good fit. My husband and I interviewed the candidates and picked the best fit for our family. I highly recommend Southern Nannies Plus.

Alane Barnes

Birmingham, AL

We don't know how we got so lucky. Julie is like Mary Poppins with our child. Our little girl won't let her leave at the end of the day. Southern Nannies Plus sent us a good selection of qualified nannies, and we got to keep interviewing until we found Julie. We couldn't be happier. Thank you, Rachel!

Ethan and Lee Ann Beisher, M.D.

Birmingham, AL

Rachel was extremely helpful and found the perfect nanny we were looking for. She was willing to be patient with me and answer all of my questions with this very important decision. The company is very thorough with the families and nanny's history and situations. I highly recommend Southern Nannies Plus and Rachel Harville.

Christy Keyes

Birmingham, AL

When we were looking for a nanny 7 years ago, you helped us understand what our needs were going to be and focus on those candidates most likely to be successful. You helped us weigh the pros and cons of several great candidates and finally developed a clearly written contract. It is not surprising that we found someone who was wonderful for our whole family for 7 years.

Eben Rosenthal and Mary Hawn

Birmingham, AL

We had a wonderful experience working with Rachel at Southern Nannies Plus. She was very prompt at answering emails and always pleasant and professional to work with. Rachel was able to match us with a wonderful nanny that was able to accommodate a very special schedule. She is meticulous in her selection of candidates and only provides families with options that she fully endorses.

Ryan Adkins

Birmingham, AL

We highly recommend Rachel Harville from Southern Nannies. We were new to Birmingham and she coordinated the entire process in a professional manner — all while we lived states away. She took the busy work out of the process and screened and interviewed candidates. She carried a huge burden for us. Another aspect we did not know until after the hire was how respectful Rachel was to our nanny. Our nanny refers her friends to Rachel because Rachel was such a pleasure to work with.

Rachel Sinkey

Birmingham, AL

Thank you for helping us out twice in finding a nanny for our kids. Both nannies have been very wonderful and very nurturing. The experience in the process with you was very smooth and dealing with you was so professional. You were very thorough, readily available and very attentive to our needs.

Dr. Eima Zaidi

Birmingham, AL

I appreciate you giving me the opportunity to help find the best nanny for your family.

Andrew Romeo

Birmingham, AL

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