featured
Love Was Nikki’s Destiny
Imagine having a job where you are organizing opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to come together to play, learn and grow. That is exactly what Nikki Earhart is charged with in her job with the City of Blue Ash where she is responsible for youth and family programming, and for managing the Farmer’s Market.
“I am providing fun for people,” she told me was her greatest reard.
For the past several years I have been partnering with the City of Blue Ash through my dog training business, offering the community educational programs on dog behavior. Nikki became my main point of contact this year. Always so organized and positive, she has been a joy to work with. I thought I’d take a few minutes to learn something new about her.
Below are her own words.
Nikki’s love story
Jon (her husband) and I had known each other nine or ten years by the time we started actually dating. Growing up, I was good friends with him and three other guys. We all went our own ways after high school. I went to Bowling Green University. Jon stayed in Cincinnati to work and then began training in the army. He started writing me letters, almost every day. There were days when his mail was not picked up, which meant I sometimes I got six or seven letters at a time. It was through his writing that I saw in him for the first time something really special, something beyond just friends, and I began to realize I need him in my life. Jon has told me he knew from the first time he saw me that he was going to marry me one day.
We got married really young. I was 22, recently out of college, and Jon was 21. We moved across the country shortly after. Jon was deployed to Iraq for the first time just four or five months after our wedding. He ended up being deployed twice. Those were difficult days and challenges to overcome.
Nikki’s return to Cincinnati
With Jon being in the army, we had lived from coast to coast, moving about every year since we were married. We stopped that when our son, Eli, was born and we knew we wanted to settle down. Cincinnati is where we grew up and we wanted to return. We were living in Indiana just prior to moving back here last fall. Eli was ten months old.
Speaking about family
I grew up in Evendale, and we used to travel once a month to Indiana to spend time with my dad’s family. Being close was so much a part of us. Now we use FaceTime to talk with my parents at least two times a week. It is very important to me that we raise our son to know and appreciate the value of family too.
Nikki’s legacy
When I think about life, I always think about Eli and how my actions and his environment will impact him. I try to be the light in his world and show him there is good.
Isabella Noe Is New Intern
Among the gifts this blog has given me has been the opportunity to get to know, inspire and explore with young minds who want to grow. I have loved seeing the ways in which they have grown from the experience.
One of the greatest compliments came several weeks back when Isabella Noe, a senior at Walnut Hills High School, reached out to me at the suggestion of my former intern Andrea Francisco. They are working together this summer and Andrea recommended Isabella get in touch with me. I am so very proud of Andrea and her personal growth, and I am so grateful to have been part of her journey.
It is with great pleasure that I introduce to you my newest high school intern…Isabella.
Isabella has a great interest in photography and theatre. When she isn’t out photographing the world, she inhabits the Walnut Theatre Department, acting, directing, stage managing, set designing, and set building. She is an omnivore but thoroughly enjoys spending time in the kitchen making vegan snacks. Most nights she can be found working at a local healthy cafe or at the gym.
These are Isabella’s own words…
I started with a film photography my sophomore year of high school and my love for it has continued throughout the years. I love both film and digital manipulation and spend quite a bit of time in the dark room at my school. I intend on continuing my photography journey throughout my life. Long term, I want to go to school for directing. I hope to pursue acting and directing as a career because I have never seen another future for myself since playing God in my first grade Christmas play.
Someone who really inspired me while he was alive was my grandfather. He found value in every single human being he interacted with. This belief has shaped who I am as a person and made me want to pursue that goal of seeing value. I love and miss him dearly but I remember him every time I follow my dreams, as he always supported me in everything I did.
My goal each day is to make one person’s day just a little bright, and I hope my articles for Good Things Going Around do just that!
For Jeff Stone, It Is More Than A Job
I’d like to introduce you to Jeff Stone, a direct care professional for Stepping Stones, a Cincinnati nonprofit whose mission is mission is to increase independence, improve lives and promote inclusion for children and adults with disabilities. Jeff began working at Stepping Stones as a summer camp counselor in 2012, and quickly added more responsibilities before joining their team as a full-time direct care professional at in 2014.
Each year the organization honors one of its employees who exemplifies its mission, and Jeff was this year’s recipient.
These are some of things his co-workers had to say about him.
“One only has to work with him for one day and you’ll see the care he puts into his second family at Stepping Stones.”
“This job is so much more than a job to him. His passion is inspiring and I love working with him.”
“He is one of the most selfless, compassionate and dedicated staff I’ve ever had the privilege to work with.”
Let’s get to know more about him.
Lisa: Please tell us about your job, what you do as a direct care professional, how long you have been at Stepping Stones, and what you enjoy most about your job?
Jeff: I have been with Stepping Stones for about four years. I started as a unit counselor at Camp Given in 2012 and have worked several Saturday Kids Clubs and Young Adult Clubs throughout the Fall and Winter. This is my third year at our UCP Campus as a direct care professional. One of the best things about being a DCP is understanding how rewarding it is to be in this field. At Stepping Stones we help individuals find pathways to independence. We offer several activities here for the participants such as, Art, Recreation, Continuing Knowledge, Technology (Computer Lab), Sensory, Life Skills, and Employment Exploration for those who are interested in finding a job some day. I also offer assistance with personal care (feeding, toileting).
I love my job because every day is different and I learn something new. There are many amazing people here, staff and participants and I have made some great friends. I love seeing the participants every day and having fun. I love making them laugh and making their day better. And I especially love making a difference in people’s lives.
Lisa: Tell us about Fred (pictured with you) and your relationship with him.
Jeff: I would have to say that Fred is one of my best friends. He is such a funny person and is loved by so many. We always have a great time together every day because we make each other laugh. Fred is extremely smart and always cares about the other participants. He is always wanting to help me throughout the day and even letting me know if I miss something. He is very observant. Another thing I admire about Fred is his patience. Even when I am having a rough day, he understands and is always trying to make me feel better. If I need him to wait for a little bit, he will and not complain about it. Being with Fred for quite some time, I’ve noticed that he loves art. He will sit and paint if I give him a canvas using several different colors. Fred also loves nature, especially birds. I can relate that to him because my mom was a birdwatcher and has shared with me her experiences and knowledge of birding. I can show him a picture of a Cardinal and he will know what that is. Fred even just finished painting his very own birdhouse not too long ago. I know for a fact though that one of Fred’s favorite things to do is laugh because you can always hear it no matter where you are in the building.
Lisa: How have you grown as a person as a result of the people whom you work with?
Jeff: The people I work with bring a whole new view on those with disabilities. A long time ago where I didn’t understand someone having a disability, I would try and avoid them because I had no idea how to approach them. My parents had to tell me that they were “special” because they also did not know how else to explain it to me when I was that young. Today, I can tell anybody that individuals with disabilities are people just like us. Maybe some of them might need our assistance in doing some things but they have rights too and should never be denied doing something they enjoy. I honestly feel like a whole new person due to my job and also feel like a better person too. I have a lot more patience, I understand situations and views better, and respect those other people who work with individuals with disabilities.
Lisa: What is a piece of advice or words of wisdom that you have received that has stuck with you?
Jeff: One of the most important things that has stuck with me is “CCF” or Campers Come First. In this case now it is “PCF” or Participants Come First. We should always try to help them first and not think about ourselves, even when we are doing something we don’t want to do. If we are watching a movie, a staff member should not pick something that they want to see only because they like it. The staff and participants should communicate and agree on what movie to watch. If a staff member has a rough day and they just do not feel like being there one day, they can do several things to calm them down (take deep breaths, take a 5 minute break, exercise after work). Staff should always remember that they should make sure the participants have a good day because it’s for them. We assist them, make friends, and should work to know them better every day.
Lisa: Who is someone who has been an influence in your life and how?
Jeff: I have met so many people and have made so many friends here at Stepping Stones. There have been several people who been an influence in my life but someone who has always stood by me no matter what is Amanda Kay. She was my boss back when I was a part of summer camp and is my boss now here at Stepping Stones/UCP. Amanda has a love for the people she works with and has helped me get to where I am today. She messaged me out of the blue asking if I wanted to interview for a job at the adult program in Norwood because I was recommended by several people. I’m really glad I did and got a job here. I can definitely call her a fantastic boss, a role model for others, and a friend.
Lisa: Outside of work, what are some of your simple pleasures?
Jeff: I love the city of Cincinnati even though my heart will always be in Cleveland (GO CAVS!!). I love going out with friends downtown and Newport, going to concerts, bowling, going Reds, Bengals, Cavs, Indians, and Browns games, kayaking, hiking seeing movies, checking out new breweries, playing basketball and football, and just being with my family. I just enjoy living life and having fun with those who I am close to.
Nicholas Gatrell Turns Sadness Into Smiles
We shared no words the first time we met, but no words were needed to communicate. His clothing was a conglomeration of tattered pieces of fabric wretchedly sewn together. His face bore the expression of deep, pensive sadness. And he walked with heavy shoulders, the weight of some sort of life circumstances boring deep in his soul.
Nicholas Gatrell was just old enough to have been able to legally drive, although his mother was his chauffeur on that day. She also was, and still is, his agent, manager, and biggest fan.
Now at age 20, Nicholas is often better known as his alter ego, Scraps the Clown, than himself. And he prefers it that way.
Completely self-taught and self-created, he is one of the few – if not the only – sad clowns in our region, perhaps even further out. He has an unbelievable gift to affect people, lift them up, give them courage, and empower them by his presence. (He also happens to be a gifted artist too and draws and paints clowns.)
Being Scraps the Clown is Nicholas’ passion and heart. It is now his full time job and one he hopes to pursue for a lifetime.
Please learn more about Nicholas below.
Lisa: How do people typically react to a sad clown?
Nicholas: It is very different from a happy clown that entertains with juggling, magic, balloons and other whimsy acts. As a sad character, I move slowly. People actually try to entertain ME instead. They want to make me happy. Kids are the most honest audience you can get. They will tell it like it is, and they will do everything in their power to make me a better person. They take my character so seriously and are so sold on everything I do. Most of the time, I can keep their interest for two to three hours.
When people see me as Scraps, it somehow helps them with their own insecurities. I am so much more relatable and more human than a happy clown.
In my entire seven year career, I have never broken character – although sometimes it is hard not to do, especially with a child that really takes to me.
Lisa: We’d love to hear about a story that has touched you from your performances.
Nicholas: I will never forget this little boy. It was about three years ago and I was performing as an ambassador of good will for a check company. I sat down with this boy, he was 7 or 8 at the time, and he was overjoyed by my attention and our playing with his hot wheels for about an hour. My mom took a photo of us, and when I showed it to his mother, she began crying. It turns out the little boy has autism and was not accepted by most of the world around them. Those kinds of moments and memories give me so 
much more than any paycheck I could receive.
Lisa: Where did your interest for clowning come from?
Nicholas: Art and creative expression is something that runs in my family. My father is a graphic designer/artist and has also done a lot of commercial talent work. People enjoyed entertaining on my mom’s side too.
I have always been fascinated with clowns. When I was 10, my mom took me to buy my first pair of clown shoes with money I made delivering papers. I was about 12 years old when my mother brought me a big picture of a sad clown and we hung it on my wall. I remember looking at it and looking at it, and being so perplexed. When you see a clown that is sad, you can’t help but ask, ‘Why?’.
I began drawing and researching clown artists. It just kind of evolved. When I drew the clowns on paper, I got a feeling of what the character would be like as a person; and so then began painting on my face and just developed Scraps the Clown. The first time I went out in 2009, it was with no coaching from anyone. I made my whole costume by hand.
When I was 16, I was getting paid to perform at birthday parties and I kept getting more and more calls. As an illustrator, I also draw clowns. I am currently working on a poster for the American Clown Academy.
Lisa: Tells us about someone who has been a positive impact in your life.
Nicholas: Definitely my mom. She has been and is my biggest supporter. She has worked so hard to make sure my brother and me have what we need, and would take the clothes off her back to make sure we succeeded. Mom was and will always be my example of what it means to be strong, confidant and giving. I carry her wisdom with me through everything I do. For Scraps the Clown, she is my agent, my driver, and my manager.
Lisa: What do you enjoy most about life?
Nicholas: Definitely performing, and making people laugh and smile. Being Scraps the Clown gives me a purpose that I wouldn’t have without it. It completes me. Everyone says they are put here with a purpose. I found my purpose when I was 13. I am extremely thankful for that.
Every time I go out there as Scraps, I am hopeful that something I do can make a difference in someone else’s life. I can’t think of anything else that I’d be happy doing the rest of my life.
Pat Meier’s Lesson On Empowerment
Today I’d like to introduce you to Pat Meier, a life coach and financial consultant. Pat and I met first virtually as Facebook connections, before becoming real life friends. She is someone with whom I have so much respect, for the life challenges she has faced head on and overcome, her resiliency, and her wanting to use those experiences as motivations for inspiring other women to gain strength, purpose and forward direction.
In this interview, Pat opens up about a deeply personal challenge that has impacted her on so many levels. It was not easy to share, and her willingness to do so speaks volumes for her inner growth. She wanted to tell her story in hopes that it may help others to reach within themselves and find their great capacity to flourish as well.
Lisa: Where did your inspiration come from for becoming a life coach and financial consultant?
Pat: I became a life coach and therapist because I am passionate about inspiring and empowering women to get unstuck and move forward with creating their best life and living their vision. I found that psychotherapy wasn’t allowing my clients to move forward quickly and that life coaching didn’t always seem to include room for emotional healing. I call my work a hybrid, it helps my clients heal, grow and thrive more holistically and completely.
I recently added financial education and consultation to my services because I came to believe that it’s difficult, if not impossible, to build a life you love without a healthy financial foundation. I have a business partner who has been a financial advisor for 20 years and I am currently studying to get my securities license.
Lisa: Please tell us about someone who has been a positive influence on your life.
Pat: If I had to pick one person who has greatly impacted my life I’d say it was my high school art teacher, Mrs. Bolin. She set the bar high regarding the expectations she had of her students. She encouraged quality craftsmanship and presentation, creativity, commitment, consistent production and thinking outside the box. She inspired us and believed in ourability to create high quality works of art as well as exhibiting our work. She also” walked her talk” as she was a productive artist herself. She was a great role model for me, especially as a life coach.
Lisa: Please tell us about something you have overcome in life and how you have grown from it.
Pat: A personal challenge I’ve overcome in my life is learning how to manage my PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) in order to live my life full out. I was sexually assaulted at age 28 while living in NYC and was challenged for many years with the symptoms of PTSD.
Because the body becomes stuck in a continual “fight and flight” mode I experienced years of often feeling hyper-vigilant and over-stimulated by any kind of environmental factors such as sound and temperature, and difficulty focusing. I developed fibromyalgia due to the toll that “fight and flight” mode and the contraction of muscles had on my body. I felt stuck emotionally and paralyzed to act and tap into the tremendous potential I knew I had.
In the 1980’s there was not a lot known about how to treat PTSD effectively. There were some therapies that worked on stimulating the brain and de-sensitizing the trauma. (EMDR). I researched and experimented for years on ways to heal from my trauma. I have always been really spiritual and my spiritual beliefs and understanding helped a great deal. It often felt like I was trying to cross the Grand Canyon to feel whole again, and although I didn’t know why I was meant to live such a challenging life, I had faith there was a silver lining and someday I would fit the puzzle pieces together. I went to therapists, energy healers back in the day when it was considered weird, body workers, did a lot human potential work, attended workshops and seminars, have been a long-time meditator, and more.
I managed to go back to school and get a master’s degree at Columbia University and to work and support myself. It was never easy as I looked normal on the outside but suffered on the inside from the symptoms of PTSD. Over many years I have eventually healed for the most part from the fibromyalgia and rarely do I experience PTSD symptoms anymore. Every now and then I get triggered and I need a few days to get back on track. Because I have lived my life for so many years from the inside–out I am very perceptive and in tune with my own internal compass and know who I am. I feel highly equipped to help others get to know themselves better in order to create a life based on true authenticity and their own personal values.
I have come to find that because of the circumstances I experienced earlier in life, my life purpose was revealed. My journey to healing through the trauma led me to my mission in life, which is to inspire and empower women to live their best lives. I also find it extremely empowering to give back to others who are still struggling. I am currently serving on the communications committee for The Board of Directors for Women Helping Women here in Cincinnati.
Lisa: What are some phrases by which you live?
Pat: Some of the mottos I live by are ‘The meaning of life is to live it” and “ It’s neither good nor bad, it just is.” I often remind my clients the second motto because we won’t make lasting change if we are judging ourselves. We need to learn to be compassionate with ourselves.
Lisa: Please tell us about your bucket list.
Pat: Some things on my bucket list include parachuting out of an airplane, traveling to Tanzmania in Africa and spending some time with the various tribes there. I recently became friends with a woman from Tanzmania whom I lived with in San Francisco. I’d like to travel with my work and give talks and workshops, nationally and internationally. I’d like to write a couple of books and live in the countryside with my future husband. I’d like for us to invite friends and family to visit and we would dine and wine them! As I get older I crave intimate connection and rejoicing in shared friendships with like-minded people.
