Nicole English

YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids
Assistant Director
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
Nicole English

Nicole English serves as an Assistant Director with the Grand Rapids YMCA, where she combines her passion for early childhood education with strong leadership and community engagement. With a background rooted in child development, she holds a CDA (Child Development Associate) certification and a bachelor’s degree, graduating with honors. Her commitment to excellence and her nurturing approach to education earned her the prestigious Teacher of the Year award in 2020, a recognition that reflects both her professional skill and her deep dedication to the children and families she supports.

As a member of the 0 to 3 organization, Nicole continues to advance her expertise in early childhood development, ensuring that the youngest learners receive the best possible foundation for growth and success. Her work emphasizes the importance of building supportive environments where children can thrive physically, emotionally, and socially. She is highly regarded by her peers and families alike for her ability to foster strong relationships, promote curiosity, and lead with empathy and professionalism.

Beyond her work at the YMCA, Nicole is deeply involved in her community. She volunteers with Hand to Hand, an organization that provides food assistance to families in need. Each year, she takes the initiative to organize holiday food drives, bringing together colleagues and families to give back and make a meaningful difference. Through her leadership, compassion, and commitment to service, Nicole exemplifies what it means to educate, inspire, and uplift others both inside and outside the classroom.

• CDA Certification

• Bachelor's Degree - Graduated with Honors

• Teacher of the Year - 2020
• Honors High School Diploma

• YMCA

• Hand to Hand

Q

What do you attribute your success to?

I attribute my success to my genuine passion for helping people—especially children and, more recently, their parents. This passion drives me to create supportive, nurturing environments where families feel valued and empowered. Seeing the positive impact my work has on both children’s growth and parents’ confidence continues to inspire and motivate me every day. I’ve also learned that success is never achieved alone. My mother, grandmother, husband, and mother-in-law have been my foundation, offering unwavering support, encouragement, and grace through every challenge. Their belief in me has fueled my drive to keep growing and giving my best to others.

Q

What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?

The best career advice I’ve ever received is to always find a way to navigate challenges and overcome them. Every obstacle is an opportunity to learn, grow, and build resilience. This mindset has helped me stay adaptable and solution-oriented, even in the face of uncertainty or change.

Q

What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?

My advice to young women entering this industry is to always help where you can. Collaboration and compassion go a long way—whether it’s supporting a colleague, mentoring a new teacher, or lending a hand to a family in need. Every act of kindness and teamwork strengthens not only your workplace but also your professional growth and sense of purpose.

Q

What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?

One of the biggest challenges in my field right now is finding the right balance between meeting parents’ expectations and adhering to licensing regulations. It can sometimes be difficult to help parents understand that certain guidelines are in place to ensure the safety and well-being of all children. Communicating these requirements in a way that builds trust and understanding is an ongoing part of the job. Licensing itself can also be challenging, as it requires continuous attention to detail and strict compliance with evolving standards. However, these challenges also present opportunities—to strengthen relationships with families through transparency, to advocate for best practices in early childhood education, and to ensure that every child receives the highest quality of care in a safe and supportive environment.

Q

What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?

The values most important to me in both my work and personal life center around helping children and their parents. I believe in creating supportive, compassionate environments where families feel heard, encouraged, and valued. Seeing children grow and parents gain confidence is deeply rewarding and motivates me Outside of my professional role, I express my creativity as an artist. I enjoy being creative with my family and spending time with them while making works of art. Art allows me to connect with others in a different, but equally meaningful way—it inspires reflection, joy, and connection. Whether through my work with families or through my art, I strive to make a positive impact and bring a sense of care and creativity to everything I do.

Locations

Assistant Director

Grand Rapids, MI 49504

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SpartanNash YMCA

5722 Metro Way, Wyoming, MI, 49519

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