Nikki Stokes

Nikki Stokes helps local government, public schools, and community agencies walk their talk of serving everyone. Her journey started when she needed to advocate for her son, who is on the autism spectrum. Raising a child who doesn’t process the world like others revealed the obstacles and opportunities for helping people who don’t fit society’s outdated definition of “normal. An artist by passion and training, Nikki leaned into creativity to find solutions. Nikki creates kits and spaces out of yarn, fabric, and other materials that not only feel “safer” for those who are neurodiverse, but also empowers them to advocate on their own behalf. Through examples and stories, she guides schools, hospitals, and other social agencies into the shoes and feelings of those they serve.