Name
Nikki Stusick
Age
39
Company/Organization
Kaleidoscope Playground Project
What Does Your Company/Organization Do?
Kaleidoscope Playground at Kiwanis Park is an all-abilities playground in St. Joseph, Michigan. Opened earlier this summer, the playground was built with a universal design featuring accessible surfacing and equipment for all kids to have fun!
Education
Calvin College (BA) University of Michigan (MSW)
Accomplishments
– Proud mom to Theo, Louisa, & Olive 🙂 – Middle School Science Teacher (Novi Middle School) – The TBCK Foundation Co-Founder + Director – Race for Rare Kids Director – Chan Zuckerberg Initiative Rare As One Grant Lead – The TBCK Foundation Board President – CAMK2 Therapeutics Network Parent Board – Kaleidoscope Playground Project Co-organizer (Kaleidoscope Playground, an all-abilities playground just opened this summer at Kiwanis Park!)
What else do you hope to accomplish by the age of 40?
I only have 11 months! A lot of what I was involved with in my 30s have evolved into next chapters, I’m more so looking ahead into my 40s for what’s ahead.
Current City
Stevensville
Place You Were Born
Berrien Center
What was your first job?
Ice rink guard at John and Dede Howard Arena
What’s the best advice you ever got?
Leave people better than how you found them.
Who inspires you most?
My children and family. My son was born with a rare disease and disabilities. He’s been through a lot in his lifetime, yet most days when I get him up in the morning he has the biggest smile on his face, his way of saying it’s going to be a good day! My mom and dad have always been huge supporters, inspiring me to be the same for my kids.
That one thing about you we’d be most surprised to learn.
I did my student teaching on a Navajo reservation in New Mexico.
What do you love to do in your downtime?
Lots of little hobbies and mostly being outside with my family (walks, jogs, swimming, & hopefully this winter, everyone skiing!)
What book are you reading now?
The Ministry of Time
Volunteer activity you love the most.
Most of my volunteer work the past 8 years has been in rare disease advocacy and in the disability community, the best part of that has been crossing paths with the most resilient and compassionate people. Also, coaching youth girls rec soccer is super fun!
What motivates you to give back to your community?
Our family feels connected and grateful to this community and giving back to make it a better place for everyone in the ways I can is very meaningful.
What Superpower would you most love to have?
Being able to re-live days.
What would you like to leave behind as your legacy once you are gone?
For my children to know and live with kindness, compassion, and thoughtfulness.
What does the honor of being named to the 40 Under 40 most mean to you?
I’m very grateful and appreciate it very much. It’s heartening to see all of the wonderful people supporting and growing our community in meaningful ways. I’m hopeful this recognition may help families learn about Kaleidoscope Playground at Kiwanis Park and continue to raise awareness about inclusion and accessibility for everyone.
