Tell us about yourself:
To know Nichelle Daniels professionally is to witness an impassioned leader, a diligent crusader for many worthy causes and her dedicated philanthropic service to the greater Cleveland area. To know her personally is to observe a steadfast wife and mother of 8, who prides herself on being an involved parent and member of her beloved Garfield Heights community for more than 10 years. A populace that is rich in diversity, culture and altruism. Just like Nichelle and her family.
Her vast and multifaceted professional experience includes serving as a Legal Assistant in both the private and public sectors. As well as being a well-respected, private business owner. Known for her driven work ethic, natural leadership abilities and assiduous troubleshooting skills, Nichelle knew she wanted to merge her devotion for family, career and community by becoming the newest Garfield Heights school board member.
Her vision began to develop in 2012 when she left the mainstream workforce to pursue her calling becoming a specialized treatment foster parent for Ohio Guidestone, as well as a surrogate parent for the Ohio Department of Education. Here she is an advocate for the education of children with special needs all over the state. In 2015 she furthered her expertise, becoming a Cuyahoga County court-appointed special advocate. Nichelle also spent 6 years on the Community United HeadStart parent policy committee, serving 2 years as vice-chairperson. In addition, she is an enthusiastic co-leader for the Girl Scouts of America and remains continuously involved in many service-based organizations.
She is currently running her non-profit organization, Abundant Love Community Outreach. Abundant Love Community Outreach is dedicated to enriching families through literacy and the arts in order to support social emotional wellbeing within family units. Nichelle works is not just impacting individual families, but her work is improving her Garfield Heights Community. Her passion and dedication to youth and families was featured in the Cleveland Magazine, Spectrum News and WEWS Channel 5 media outlets.
Through her mission work as a foster parent, Nichelle and her husband adopted 5 of the 8 children they nurtured in their home. Her insurmountable dedication to at-risk youth and educating the public in regards to the thousands still in need of forever homes was featured in a 2018 episode of Leon Bibb’s Kaleidoscope.
It is with pride and excitement that Nichelle Daniels has become a working representative for the students, teachers and academic body within Garfield Heights in her new role on the school board president. She plans to implement her ever-developing vision for positive change and opportunity by remaining committed to being the “change we need and the voice we deserve”.
How do you support students in northeast Ohio?
Through my non-profit organization, Abundant Love Community Outreach, I support student through my Lunch and Literacy Program. This is a family based program that utilize literacy to promote bonding and family wellbeing. Normalizing literacy in the comfort of the family unit will increase our students confidence and ability in the classroom.
Through my works as Surrogate Parent for the Ohio Department of Education, I am able to advocate for the rights of students with exceptional abilities that do not have a parent available to do so. I work collaboratively with the school, the county, the student and various agencies to ensure that students have access to Free Appropriate Public Education.
As the School Board President, I am elected to ensure that equitable systems and policies align with student achievement and success in my school district.
If you have one goal for students or teachers in northeast Ohio, what would it be and why?
My hope is that all students throughout America have access to high quality education no matter their zip code. The lack of resources in our urban school districts is shameful and a disadvantage to both our students and educators. Our Northeast Ohio educational institutions are victims to this systemic poverty trap that even governs education. We must create better systems so that every child can achieve at their best and highest potential.
What would you consider yourself an expert in and how did you gain your expertise?
My expertise and passion is for children with exceptional needs. My expertise was garnered through personal experience. I am the mom of 6 children that receive accommodations through an IEP or 504 Plan. Over the years, I have learned through experiencing the inadequacies in this system how to legally navigate the system.
What is a school, teacher, group, organization or learning community in northeast Ohio that holds a special place in your heart?
The Garfield Heights City School District holds a special place in my heart. Through this district, my children are thriving. In particular, I have 3 children that have transitioned from self contained units to general education settings. My one daughter was in a cross categorical setting from K-4 and she is now in the 10th grade, in honors classes with a few accommodations through a 504 Plan. I am forever grateful to the team of educators that are supporting successful transition to the general education setting.
Why are you excited to be part of the #weteachCLE community?
I love this community because there is so much encouragement and support amongst those who are passionate about students in our region. Our connections are bound to create outcomes within our school communities.
What is your favorite space in northeast Ohio?
My favorite space in NEO is our METROParks. Our metroparks have so many opportunities for recreation and education. You can bike ride, hike, visit various nature centers, camp, fish, swim and the list goes on. It’s affordable and each and every community in this region is connected to a Metro Park!
Share with us your favorite way to combat the Sunday Scaries.
I take time out on Sunday to plan my week. Seeing it in writing reduces my anxiety for the upcoming week. Happy Planner makes for Happy Sunday!
