Nikki Staszewski views foster parents as an integral part of the child’s team alongside the case team. She has been practicing social work for many years and receives satisfaction knowing she has helped, mentored, and guided her families.

Having been nominated by several individuals, certain themes emerged in their descriptions of Nikki: kindness, compassion, crisis support, family focused/strengths-based practice, organization skills, advocacy, collaboration, team player, always willing to help, and many more! As one nominator wrote, “Nikki has a beautiful way of gently working/collaborating and communicating with families when giving feedback, strategies, and navigating difficult situations.”

Nikki knows each of her families, from what placement would best fit their home, to focusing on the well-being of her foster families through active listening, empathy, advocating on their behalf and willing to drop everything to help in any way she can, making sure they feel supported.

As Nikki explains it, “all great things come through relationship, and that relationship is a privilege that I hold in high regard…to be able to connect with families and give grace and compassion.”

Colleagues have also shared how Nikki has been wonderful in aiding their learning, being a positive mentor/peer support, demonstrating the importance of collaboration and the beauty in caregiver support and case teams working as a united front with families.

Nikki is well respected amongst her colleagues, case teams and families and her kindness and caring shines through in her work.