Who Nicole is . . .

• Originally from California.
• A long-term resident of Carroll Gardens.
• A first year masters degree in social work student at New York University.

• Nicole served as an Ambassador Volunteer from June 2009-August 2010 visiting with patients and caregivers throughout the Hospital giving over 100 hours of service.
• In December 2010 she created Spoonful of Sugar. 
• Once a month she coordinates a group of visiting artists to come to NYM and share their talent with the patients, “providing a little bit of sweetness during challenging times.”
• Artists involved with Spoonful of Sugar are from all media; those who draw, paint, sing, knit, and read poetry visit with individual patients and create a unique gift for the patient.
• Nicole is in the process of becoming a leader through New York Cares in the hopes of bringing their volunteers into NYM and continuing  to expand the program.

• “One of my favorite aspects is seeing how the staff reacts to our visits.  The nurses and all of the staff work so hard and if we can lift their spirits, we know that it will reverberate throughout the Hospital.  I'm very grateful to the Volunteer Department because volunteering at New York Methodist was a great catalyst in helping me to change careers and to choose social work as my new path.”

Spoonful of Sugar volunteers, Hilary Downes and Christian Gibbs, performing original songs along with classics by the Beatles and by Johnny and June Carter Cash.