I am the past President of Campaign D Social Club. Social club is a recreation program for independent adults of all abilities that focuses on socialization, friendship and acceptance. We meet weekly providing an open door in the community to those seeking connection. 

As a mom of Autism, I have 28 years of hands on experience of working with individuals on the Autism spectrum. I am passionate about  advocating for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Professionally, I work in the community supporting individuals as a Direct Support Professional. 

 I am excited to be a Campaign D board member. My background is mainly in the field of special education where I have worked for over 10 years. I have my bachelor’s in special education and at my last teaching position I taught in a setting with students who were medically fragile and had multiple disabilities. I received my master’s degree in education and certification as a teacher of the Visually Impaired at Dominican University of New York.

Currently, I teach at Mary Cariola Center as a Teacher of the Visually Impaired. In my personal time I love spending time with my family and participating in events and activities in the community and being outdoors. I have a wonderful husband Joe, and three sons Jose, Luis, and Gabe. Additionally, I enjoy volunteering at Campaign D Social Club where my son Luis has been a member since 2019.

“Just as every human being is unique so is every individual with a disability.” I had come across variations of this quote in my teaching career, and it stuck with me. Essentially it means that it’s important not to generalize a person’s diagnosis and think all those with a specific disability have the same characteristics or attributes. You want to be treated as an individual with respect and dignity and that is how all individuals should be treated regardless of disability. I am so glad to be a part of Campaign D and I hope to help spread the mission and the voices of these great individuals of all abilities!

She is excited to be part of an organization that helps people make connections, cultivate friendships and build their social skills. Nikki has been advocating in the developmental disability community since 2005. She has volunteered with a local medical facility moderating a national app for families of children with developmental disabilities, and has been a representative for parents on the Family Advisory Board . She has volunteered as a teacher/aide for various homeschool co-ops and classes. She was involved with the PTA at a local Special Education school, organized and assisted in school fundraising events, volunteered as an aid in special education classes, as well as volunteered in the schools community food pantry. She has assisted in various church ministries organizing and directing many church events including children's programs, hospitality events, and meals for the sick. Nikki considers it a privilege to be once again using her strengths to advocate for others and looks forward to serving the Campaign D participants as they grow and flourish in the local community.