In October, Nicole Powell, Nursing Manager, celebrated eight years with New Hope. This is actually Nicole’s second time being part of the New Hope family. From 1996 to 2004, she worked as a DSP, Skills Trainer, and eventually Lead Skills Trainer. Nicole left to focus on her family but she never stopped learning. During that time, she earned her Nursing Degree from Western Governors University.

When the Nursing Manager position opened in 2017, Nicole knew it was meant to be. As she says, “That’s how I came back home.”

Nicole has always been a caretaker. Growing up, she helped care for her older sister, who has an intellectual and developmental disability. That experience inspired her lifelong passion for serving individuals with disabilities. Nicole says she loves coming into work because, “Where else can you go to work and get hugs on a daily basis?”

Outside of work, Nicole is a proud mom of 4, a loving “Gigi” to 11 grandchildren, and a devoted pet mom to three dogs, two cats, and a gecko. In her free time, she enjoys listening to music and curling up with a good book. Her current read is Let Them.

Thank you, Nicole, for your compassion, leadership, and unwavering dedication to advocating for individuals with disabilities especially during your eight incredible years at New Hope!