My name is Nikki Fangman and I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. I have worked in the mental health field for 25 plus years providing case management, counseling and summer programming services. I’ve always had a desire to work with kids and offer them positive experiences to provide some light in a maybe otherwise dark world for them.

I am the Executive Director of Survive & Thrive. a summer program for kids. Many of these kids are high risk, they may face challenges with emotional regulation or trauma, and otherwise wouldn't be able to attend a summer camp.

I just want to make a positive impact on people, especially kids. Being in this field, you hear many terrible things and challenges that children have to deal with and if I can offer them a safe place to feel comfortable, important and loved, then I feel blessed. A side benefit from that is personal and emotional growth for myself. I learn just as much from our kids as they can from me – maybe more.

What I get out of my involvement is simply joy. That’s not to say that it’s not challenging, stressful, tiring, and all of the other things, but the smiles and hugs that are given on our last day of camp each year, is worth all of it! It’s a privilege to be part of children’s lives and I truly cherish that.