Meet Miss Diane (affectionately called Miss D. by our kiddos), a House Parent and recently crowned “Best Cook”!
How long have you been at A Kid’s Place and what is your role? What’s the thing about your role that brings you the most joy?
I have been with A Kid’s Place for two years and I have been a House Parent in both Dottie and Curry Houses. What brings me joy is reaching the kids and giving them a point of view that they can understand and seeing them recognizing what I am explaining to them.
What inspired you to join the AKP team?
I raised a foster child from when he was 7 years old, now he is in the Army and married and has a child of his own. I also owned a daycare and I enjoy learning how to connect with children on the Autism spectrum and being able to love and nurture our children and show them the good in life.
If you could hang out with any fictional character or celebrity for 24 hours, who would it be and what would you do?
Nico Pucciarelli. His acting is what he experienced in his life and learned from his family, so it feels like his heart and soul is in it. I’d like to go to dinner with him and pick his brain. I’d take inspiration from him and bring it back and share with the kids.
What’s one thing that you wish the community knew about our kids?
The kids are all special, and they’re here for a reason. It’s so hard to know that before they came to A Kid’s Place, for some of them nobody at home would tuck them in or love on them. It’s so special to see the dynamic of their hearts change, and changing just one heart is important.
What impact do you hope to leave with AKP staff or children?
When I came in for my interview, I was so excited to work at a place where everyone was so welcoming and kind, I had never experienced that before. Employees and leadership being so loving towards each other is very motivating and I want to be a person who makes others feel that way.
What is your most fun/funniest memory from working at A Kid’s Place?
Last summer we had a party and we learned to line dance! I used to be a line dance instructor and I had so much fun teaching the kids “Boots on the Ground”.
If you could only eat one food or snack forever, what would it be?
I am a pescatarian so I love any seafood! Especially salmon and snow crabs.
The kids voted you “Best Cook” at our AKP Awards Ceremony! What do you make for them that you think won you that title?
The kids love my baked spaghetti, chicken and dumplings, macaroni and cheese and having breakfast for dinner! When I am cooking I tell myself “simmer down, and don’t rush it”.
If our kid’s described you using 3 words, what would they be?
Honest, Encouraging, Kind
What do you like to do outside of work?
I take lots of naps and read! I have a tradition on Thursdays after my shift where I go to Publix and have steamed crab and potatoes made. I go home and take a long shower and just decompress while I catch up on TV!
If you could give advice to 10-year-old you, what would it be?
When I was 10 my mom worked hard to keep me motivated because I really struggled with school. I grew up in an era where my parents where really big on respect and showing respect to others. I would say “Be encouraged and stay strong. Through prayer and God, all things are possible.”