Meet Nikki Goff, memory care director at Ovation Heartwood Preserve (ovationbyavamere.com).
Tell us a little about your business. – Ovation Heartwood Preserve is an urban, upscale retirement community with a continuum of care located in west Omaha. Ovation focuses on ensuring our residents are still exploring, engaging in an active lifestyle with the support they desire or need at any time. Ovation is an amenity rich experience for our residents and our staff; that has on-site 24-hour nurses. We are happy to have Meadowlark and Cottonwood as our two memory care neighborhoods at Ovation. Each neighborhood has 30 private suites with Meadowlark designed for only female residents and caregivers.
How did you get started in the business? – As a little girl I knew that I wanted to be a nurse. My first job, around the age of ten, was taking care of an elderly woman in the small town I grew up in. I would get her meals ready, clean her house, and help her pay her bills. I became a nurse because I thrive off the enjoyment I get from taking care of others. When you look in their eyes you can see so much love and appreciation. There is truly nothing better. I have been in the healthcare field for 27 years. My true passion is caring for those with dementia.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – Helping residents and family overcome the stigma of Alzheimer’s disease. Removing the negative labels associated with the disease can help all who love and care for the resident to realize that their loved one can still live a beautiful life.
What has been your most important achievement professionally? – Becoming a licensed practical nurse, memory director at Ovation, receiving my CDP (Certified Dementia Practitioner) and MDCP (Montessori Dementia Care Practitioner).
Tell us a little about your family. – I have been blissfully married to my gorgeous husband Ryan for 26 years. We have four wonderful children Kirsten, Taylor, Averi, and RJ. They have blessed us with four grandchildren: Hadley, Waylon, Ty, and Kelby.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? – Finally going to nursing school in my 30’s with three very busy daughters and a son on the way. It was the hardest thing to do but also the most rewarding thing I have accomplished. My girls were able to see me be a mom that had a dream and through tough times succeeded in fulfilling that dream.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – Spending time with family! We spend much of the summer camping together at a small campground near Ashland. We also love spending time in the backyard by the pool for Sunday Fundays. There is never a dull moment with our family.
Who inspires you? – My husband. He always sees the good in everything. He motivates me to be a better person.
If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? – Strong. I want people to see confidence and determination in everything I do.
What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? – Alzheimer’s Association. I see how difficult it is for residents and their families as they navigate through all the changes one goes through as the disease progresses. The Alzheimer’s Association does amazing things for the Alzheimer’s community as far as education and research.
What is your favorite local restaurant? – Mahogany Prime Steakhouse.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – (402) 999-7900 ext 1049; nicole.goff@ovationbyavamere.com; ovationbyavamere.com.