This month we are thrilled to put the spotlight on Niki Hudson! Niki is a volunteer with OSNS as well as a very dedicated to parent to our friend Rod. We wanted to shine a light on Niki so that our parents know she is ready and willing to help!
What is your job title? Volunteer Parent Ambassador
What do you do at OSNS? I have volunteered at events held at OSNS like the Appreciation Night and Share a Smile Telethon. I also gave a tour for the accreditation. I am happy to meet with families at OSNS or over phone or email and chat about what the centre has to offer. I can give a tour of the centre. I'm also happy to share about other info or groups I have found out about through our experience.
How long have you been at OSNS? I'm not exactly sure how long I have been volunteering but in September 2014 my son started attending KinderPlace Preschool two days a week and receiving ABA services the other three. So we are at OSNS 5 days a week.
What is your favourite part of your job? Meeting and talking with families and kids. It's really nice to chat and relate to other families. I love seeing the kids growing and developing!
What has surprised you about working at OSNS? Before becoming a parent I never really realized OSNS really even existed nevermind helping hundreds of children and their families each year! I feel so lucky to be in the same town as the center and all the caring people inside of it. I feel lucky to say I volunteer for such a wonderful place that helps my son so much and be part of the team.
Our positive journey through OSNS: After finding out our son could have Autism it seemed like it was a long wait for his assessment. But we were able to borrow books from the OSNS lending library . I was able to call and talk to Maryland and she helped me so much apply to preschool and support from child development. They ladies at the front are always so nice and friendly and will try to help any way they can. Now it's Rod's 2nd year at the center It is just so special to have a whole team that truly does care about our kids' happiness and development. OSNS has helped us make friends for us and our kids. They offer parenting courses and support groups that we have attened. Now in Sept 2016 Rod will be starting kindergarten and even though I have no idea what is going to happen I feel so positive and excited for him because we have his team and it's going to be a smooth transition. They have been helping us get him kindergarten ready. He has made tremendous progress since starting here.
Who is your favourite Disney character and why? Ariel from The Little Mermaid. Have always loved mermaids with their long pretty hair. Now I don't really have a choice but to love Buzz and Woody and Lightning McQueen!
What do you do when you need to get pumped up? Gotta have a big coffee in the morning. Singing along to music having Rod laugh at me!
What is your favourite animal? I love dogs. Grew up with a boxer and yellow lab. My first born is an 8 1/2 year old shar pei. She is beautiful perfect and complicated expensive. She is a really patient big sis.
What is your favourite food? I love baking and coooking from scratch. I try to recreate our favourite Indian, Thai, and Mexican dishes.
What is your favourite part about living in the Okanagan? I take my dog for a walk every day and now that Rod knows how to and loves riding his new tricycle. It's nice weather almost all year.
Where would you go on your dream vacation? I have been to Disneyland a few times as a child and I would love to take my son. Anywhere with my familly maybe actually nice warm resort!
What is your favourite quote? Autism is a journey I never planned but I sure do love my tour guide.