After an exhaustive search and numerous casting calls throughout the United States, childcare specialist Deborah Tillman has been named host of Lifetime’s all-new unscripted series America’s Supernanny, which is set to premiere on Tuesday, November 29, at 9:00pm ET/PT. The Virginia-based wife, mother and author boasts more than 19 years experience in early childhood education, working with infants, toddlers, preschoolers and elementary school students. Chosen among a pool of over 400 candidates to find an American homegrown nanny for the program, Tillman, who owns several children learning centers in the Old Dominion state, wowed producers with her charisma, firm but loving philosophy to caring for children and natural ability to connect and work with families experiencing relationship problems.
As America’s Supernanny, Tillman will visit the homes of parents throughout the U.S. seeking guidance and assistance on how to best raise their children. Diving straight into the chaos and heart of the matter in the all-new program, she will give viewers an all-access look at troubled households by closely observing each family dynamic to pinpoint their complicated problems – ranging from extremely intense tantrums and constant timeouts to bad habits and misguided parenting – and follow through to resolve their issues to put families on the road to happiness.
Frustrated after seven horrific child care provider experiences with her infant son, in 1992 Tillman ultimately took matters into her own hands by quitting her job as an accountant to start a home-based school where she could provide quality daycare and instruction to her son and other children. An immediate hit among other families in the community, Tillman soon expanded her business into a 5,600 square foot space with a staff of six serving 45 children. Shortly after that, her center amassed a six-month waiting list and in 1998, she opened a second site to accommodate more than 100 students and 16 full-time staff. Today, Tillman operates three centers in Virginia. Tillman holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from Upsala College and a Masters Degree in Early Childhood Special Education from George Washington University. She also studied at Oxford University. Tillman has presented workshops on child care throughout the country and is the author of the book Stepping Out on Faith, a guide to opening a quality child care center. She currently lives with her husband and their son in Virginia.
“As soon as we saw Deborah, we knew we had found America’s Supernanny,” said Rob Sharenow, Executive Vice President, Programming, of Lifetime Networks. “She a fresh and original voice, and brings a completely new style and attitude to the franchise. She was by far the best candidate for this important job. We can’t wait to introduce her to America.”
Tillman added, “I feel blessed and privileged that I have been chosen to do exactly what I was put on earth to do — and that is to help children and families come together, get it together and stay together.”
Shed Media US President Nick Emmerson said, “Deborah’s life story is truly inspiring and her passion for helping families is incredible. As America’s Supernanny, she is going to take on whatever parenting problems come her way.”
Lifetime has ordered eight one-hour episodes of America’s Supernanny, which will be produced by Shed Media US with Nick Emmerson and Stephanie Schwam, and Rob Sharenow, Gena McCarthy, Abigail Harvey and Jim Rapsas of Lifetime executive producing.
A global hit Supernanny has been formatted throughout the world, including Belgium, Brazil, China, France, Greece, Holland, Indonesia, Israel, Italy, Germany, Malaysia, Romania, Singapore, Spain and Sweden.
(Source: Lifetime)
