I met Nikki at a sort of turning point in my life. I was 19, had recently left school, and moved back to a “home” that wasn’t my hometown. I wasn’t sure where to go from there. I knew the nursing path my family encouraged wasn’t my future. I wasn’t quite sure where I stood in the present.

After a few weeks of applying to any and everything, I began a job as a teachers assistant at a local daycare and preschool. My first few weeks were a little rough. I knew that I liked children, but I didn’t know how to control a class of 16 two year olds. Eventually, I was placed with Nikki. Though she had been working for the company for years at this point, she had only been transferred to our location shortly after I did. I like to think this gave us a connection. Nikki is a wonderful strong woman. The rest of the staff at our school had been there for years. Learning to fit in was hard for both of us.

I worked with Nikki for three years. During our time together we quickly became friends, and grew in both our personal and professional lives. I saw Nikki go from one child, to two. And she saw me go from lost 19 year old, to preschool teacher, to leaving to pursue life as a professional chef, and now photographer. I’ve always thought of my time in our shared classroom as a safe haven (pun full intended!) and I’m not sure where I would have ended up without her guidance and kind spirit.

To the Havens family, I have been so happy to watch you grow, and I’m extremely honored to capture these beautiful memories for you at our family session at Lilacia Park . I am so lucky to know you!