We had the good fortune of connecting with Nicholette Driggs, CFLE and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nicholette, how do you think about risk?
If you had asked me in 2017, I wouldn’t have considered myself a huge risk-taker. My childhood and early adult life were inconsistent and I longed for consistency and predictability. Immediately after high school, I started working for the school district I graduated from in their child care center. I worked there for 16 years, slowly moving up the ladder until I took over as Director. In 2017, I started what was my dream job in the district, Coordinator of Family Resources. Unfortunately, after a year in the position, the District needed to cut its budget, which included me. I was in an uncomfortable place, still finishing up my bachelor’s degree and now unemployed. I spent the next couple of years trying to figure out what I wanted to do with my life. I graduated from Western Michigan University in May of 2020. My time off during the pandemic gave me space to start thinking about what I wanted to do. I was working somewhere, making a difference, but by the middle of 2021, the cons began to out way the pros. After a particularly difficult week, I put in my resignation. I knew there would be risks and fallout. I didn’t have another position lined up, my emotional health was not great, and I was mourning the loss of friends and community that came with my former position.

It can be terrifying to leave the known for the unknown. A former boss used to say, “The Devil you know is better than the Devil you don’t know.” Here I was, in my 2nd semester of a Master’s of Social Work, unemployed, and feeling completely friendless. I had had multiple interviews only to be told, it was between you and another person, and we went with the other person. I took a risk and applied for a job as Development Director at Comprehensive Therapy Center. They saw something in me that I was struggling to see at that time. My imposter syndrome was in full force. My baggage from past jobs was fresh in my mind and I was so worried that I was a fraud. I was so grateful for the gentle and supportive leadership that allowed me to grow and learn in to position. Having the space to really think about my goals, I also decided to change my major. This semester I started the Philanthropy & Nonprofit Leadership Master’s program at GVSU. Another big change, but less scary this time.

I knew it was a risk, leaving places and people that no longer suited me. But the worst part of it was holding myself back. You never know what you can achieve when you release yourself into the unknown and take the chance, as Shannon Cohen says, “Bet on her.”

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
In 1982, Jean Silbar, a dedicated Speech-Pathologist, observed a concerning trend among her students. During the summer break, many of them experienced a decline in their academic progress, leaving them ill-prepared for the upcoming school year. This phenomenon is commonly known as “summer setback” and is supported by studies revealing that students tend to forget approximately 25-30% of what they learned during the school year. This learning gap is even more pronounced among children from lower-income families and those with learning or developmental disabilities. In response to this pressing issue, Jean created Therapy & Fun summer program.

Recognizing the need for a solution, Jean Silbar introduced a summer therapy program that primarily focused on speech-language therapy. As time progressed, this program expanded to encompass occupational and sensory therapies as well, eventually evolving into our flagship service known as Therapy & Fun.

Incorporated officially in 1982, Comprehensive Therapy Center achieved 501(c)(3) nonprofit status in 1987. A significant milestone was reached in 2006 when the organization earned CARF accreditation for its clinical excellence, an accolade that it still proudly upholds to this day.

Therapy & Fun has garnered numerous awards for its innovative approach in addressing the needs of children in West Michigan who face developmental delays and disabilities. Additionally, our organization has gained widespread recognition for our youth volunteer program, clinical fellowships, and graduate internships, all of which play a pivotal role in training the next generation of healthcare providers. In 2021 we won the Grand Rapids Chamber’s NonProfit of the Year award. Then in 2022, we were awarded the Better Business Bureau’s Torch Award for Ethics.

Although the pandemic came with its own challenges, Comprehensive Therapy Center was able to weather it and emerge into a season of growth! We have expanded our programs and clinic services over the last two years, including programming for middle schoolers and teens. Most notably a sister program for Therapy & Fun, Therapy & Life Skills. This program is for 9-14 year olds focusing on executive functioning skills.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Grand Rapids and West Michigan have so much to offer! You can never go wrong with a trip out to the lakeshore. Each town has its own charm. Depending on the time of year, check out one of the many community and cultural festivals in Grand Rapids. I love going to the Grand Rapids Art Museum and the Grand Rapids Public Museum and seeing the latest exhibits; ending the trip with a show at the Planetarium.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I have some amazing friends who have supported me and encouraged me.

Rebecca Thomas & Alicia Schmaker of Kaleidoscope Affect, Thank you for seeing in me what I was struggling to see in myself and inviting me on your journey.

Rebbeca Dexter & Liv Lyszyk Maxwell, thank you both for being your authentic selves and for always being there.

The amazing staff and leadership team at Comprehensive Therapy Center.

My amazing partner, who always believes in me, even when I’m struggling to believe in myself.

Lastly, all of my other wonderful friends & family deserve shout-outs! Thank you all.

Website: www.therapycenter.org

Instagram: @CTC_GR

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholettedriggs/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/therapycenter

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