About Our Team
Shannon Downe - Partner & Founder
Like many first-time parents, I didn't know where to start when it came to finding childcare for our first son—Just Like Family was born out of this experience. I felt intimidated by the interview and hiring processes and uncertain on how best to find the right long-term fit for our family. Through networking, research and many interviews, we found our incredible nanny who has been with our growing family for now nearly 5 years! But the overall process got me thinking -- there had to be a better way.
Shortly before Chicago went in to COVID lockdown, I had begun setting up many of my friends who were new parents with our nanny’s trusted colleagues and friends. Suddenly every daycare was closing, the borders shut for all au pairs, and nannies were in higher demand than ever. Just Like Family quickly became a full time job.
As connector by nature, my interest in this particular type of matchmaking is two-fold: I want parents to feel empowered to return to work or their daily schedules with a strong sense of comfort knowing they have someone just like family caring for their child.
The honor and responsibility of being welcomed into someone’s home to care for a child must be met with an equally thoughtful, professional and stable working environment. By providing parents the tools to be phenomenal employers, Just Like Family fuels meaningful long-term placements.
With time spent as an au pair living and working in Paris and as a parent seeking childcare, Shannon Downe is uniquely qualified to support parents and nannies through the placement process. Prior to launching Just Like Family, Shannon consulted on Starbucks Global Roasterie projects as Project Coordinator in Tokyo, Milan, New York, and Chicago. She also served as Director of Sales at Trunk Club where she helped grow Trunk Club's national presence. These experiences solidified her ability to build and foster strong networks, as well as understand the demands of balancing career, travel, childcare and motherhood.
Sarah Martinez - Partner
Unlike Shannon’s childcare journey of finding the right nanny the first time, my family of now five has had 5 nannies across two cities. Although none were negative experiences, we had yet to find the right long term fit for our growing family and changing needs. As a working mom with multiple kids, I felt I didn’t even have time to think about finding a nanny, much less go through the act of self-sourcing one. I was very overwhelmed by the process and needed help so desperately, I found myself overlooking what I knew to be red-flags out of pure desperation! I was finally referred to JLF nearly 3 years ago and became one of Shannon’s first clients. We worked together to find our now fabulous nanny who I hope is with us for many years to come. Fast forward a few years and after having my third and last baby, I joined the JLF team.
Prior to joining Just Like Family, Sarah worked in the restaurant/hospitality industry in both New York and Texas. One of her favorite roles was Director of Business of Tiny Boxwoods, a small group throughout Houston and Austin.
Not only is helping parents and women on a day-to-day basis very rewarding work for Sarah, but it is also very near and dear to her heart having grown up with an incredible nanny in London. Sarah’s childhood is full of amazing memories with her nanny who she is still close & in touch with to this day! Sarah loves helping recreate this special bond for families in Chicago.
Goreti Figueroa - Placement Specialist/Assistant
Goreti is from the beautiful city of Oaxaca, Mexico but has been loving life in the Windy City for the last few years. Beyond being a very busy nanny to two adorable girls in the Gold Coast, and our right hand woman at Just Like Family, Gore is also a Political Scientist! As a current nanny, Gore is uniquely positioned to connect with and identify other qualified nannies in the industry. Gore loves nature, books, yoga, and meditation. And fun fact, her favorite animal is a tarantula!!!!