Nicky, the Personal Care and Support Resource Coach, shares her inspiring journey of growing with CONNECT Partners.
Born and raised in the Philippines, Nicky always had a passion for healthcare. She graduated as a nurse, a career choice that was driven by a desire to help others and make a positive impact. After completing her nursing degree, she moved to Saudi Arabia, where she worked in rehabilitation for seven years. While in Saudi Arabia, Nicky learned Arabic to bridge the language gap and ensure her patients received the best care possible.
Embracing New Cultures and Opportunities
Nicky’s adventurous spirit led her to India, where she spent a year before making a spontaneous move to Canada. She arrived in Vancouver, British Columbia, on January 1, 2023. Despite not being able to work as a nurse in Canada due to qualification differences, Nicky’s determination to stay in healthcare remained strong. Within 10 days, CONNECT Partners offered her a position as a Life Redesign Coach, a role she was immensely grateful for, as it helped her feel settled in a new country. As a Life Redesign Coach, Nicky supported four people at CONNECT Partners. She provided personal care, organized social outings, and assisted with daily activities like cooking and cleaning.
Growing with CONNECT Partners
In November, Nicky was promoted to Personal Care and Support Resource Coach. With her new role, she manages both directly and indirectly the personal care of 44 individuals at CONNECT Partners.
Nicky organizes activities and advocates for the people she supports. For the summer months, Nicky has organized the Cambie Olympics which are held every Friday. This activity encourages the CONNECT team and the people CONNECT support to play different games such as bingo, the price is right and spinners. She also successfully organized a musical event and art class recently, which everyone enjoyed.
Nicky greatly appreciates the opportunities she receives at CONNECT Partners, praising Ricky, Jess, and Owen for their help and support as she transitioned to her new position. Nicky’s passion for her job is evident as she states, “I love what I do; it doesn’t feel like work because it’s fun and enjoyable.”
Embracing CONNECT’s Unique Culture
Nicky is inspired by the Life Redesign Model at CONNECT, which fosters a coaching culture and encourages personal accountability. This innovative approach empowers people receiving support to become more independent and re-engage with the community. Nicky values the transformation she witnesses daily and continues to learn and grow. She hopes to enjoy many more years at CONNECT Partners, further developing her skills.
Balancing Work and Her Personal Life
Outside of work, Nicky enjoys reading, watching movies, hiking, and adventurous sports like paragliding and skydiving. She emphasizes the importance of self-care, having quit social media ten years ago to enhance her well-being. Nicky describes CONNECT Partners as passionate, transformational, and fascinating, reflecting the essence of her journey and the organization she loves.
Nicky’s story is a testament to the power of passion, resilience, and the impact of a supportive work environment. Her journey with CONNECT Partners showcases the profound difference that dedicated healthcare professionals can make in the lives of others.