Welcome to
Holland Host Families!

A premium au pair agency for families seeking calm, warmth, and comprehensive support. Built on psychological expertise and real-life experience within a large, lively family.

Hi, I'm Maruschka van Duren

founder and owner of Holland Host Families

Psychologist, entrepreneur, and mother of a large, loving blended family with eight children. I know from personal experience how full — and sometimes overwhelming — life can be when you’re trying to combine motherhood with your own ambitions. Creativity, new ideas, and a vibrant energy are part of who I am, but they can also make life wonderfully intense at times.

In my search for more calm and stability within our family, I discovered the au pair program. That extra pair of hands, a familiar presence for the children, and the cultural enrichment it brings made a tremendous difference for us. I want to share that experience — and the impact it can have — with other families.

My Story

My career & growth as a professional

My career began as an independent psychologist and couples therapist. In 2019, I partnered with a mental-health organisation to provide insured care, but soon after, my partner and I decided to take over the organisation entirely. Since then, we’ve been building a warm, professional, and fast-growing mental-health practice where quality and humanity are central. While he became director, I completed my post-master GZ-psychologist training and continued my development with the Psychotherapist program — steps that deepened my work and broadened my expertise.

Our family & the birth of Holland Host Families

Our personal life grew just as quickly. For years, we thought our blended family was complete — until the kids became older and we found ourselves missing those tiny humans around the house. We welcomed two more little ones together. A decision that made our lives even richer, but also much fuller. In the midst of that busy life, an au pair turned out to be both a beautiful and essential addition. But even though we were very happy with our au pair, the support from the agency disappointed us: little personal attention and far too much unnecessary admin. It could — and should — be done better: with more care, more warmth, and far more support. That’s how Holland Host Families was born. A premium au pair agency that truly supports families and au pairs with attention, clarity, and thoughtful guidance. 

Our core values

Warm & personal

Professional guidance

Transparent & trustworthy

Thoughtful & discreet

Fully supportive

What we stand for

At Holland Host Families, we believe in warm, personal guidance delivered with professional care. We work transparently, attentively, and with genuine consideration for both families and au pairs. Quality and humanity are at the heart of everything we do.

What we don’t do

We intentionally choose not to operate as a mass-market agency or offer quick placements without thorough screening. No standard packages, no “figure-it-out-yourself” guidance, and no vague expectations. We work selectively, carefully, and always tailor-made.

How we work

We support families from start to finish with clear communication, defined steps, and dedicated guidance throughout the entire process. Our approach is structured yet warm, allowing families to enjoy a wonderful au pair experience without added stress.

Let’s explore together how an au pair can enrich your family!

Holland Host Families is here for families who value quality, care, and personal guidance. With psychological expertise, we help you select an au pair who truly fits your family. We guide you throughout the entire process — discreetly, attentively, and with every detail carefully taken care of.