FAMILY WORKS: St. Nicholas Center for Children

by Haley Armand Tarasiewicz

Christy Papania Jones began her career at Immaculate Conception Cathedral School where she taught for one year before moving into the school counselor position for the next 17 years.  During that time, she had a son, Bain, who was diagnosed with Autism.

“When I was searching for help for my son when he was diagnosed with Autism, there were very limited resources,” said Christy, founder and executive director of St. Nicholas Center for Children. “By his third birthday, my husband Chris and I had traveled the country seeking specialists to provide him with the best future possible. That’s when we decided to bring a pediatric therapy center to Southwest Louisiana in the form of a non-profit so we could help families like ours.”
Since October 30, 2008, St. Nicholas Center for Children has provided services to hundreds of children from infants to young adults diagnosed with Autism, developmental delays, and disorders in Southwest Louisiana and Southeast Texas. They pride themselves on offering multiple therapeutic services—Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA Therapy), Occupational Therapy, and Speech Therapy—under one roof. Their collaborative approach to create individualized goals and action plans helps to meet the needs of the whole child.

Speaking of collaborating, Christy’s husband Chris— a National Guard veteran, who also served as the former athletic director and physical education teacher at Immaculate Conception Cathedral School—leads the St. Nicholas Center Worldwide non-profit. St. Nicholas Center Worldwide provides Autism support systems for communities around the world through education, consultation, and advocacy. They have the knowledge and skills necessary to build and deliver training programs that meet the individual needs of each community.

“We train and build supports necessary to create a sustainable model of education for centers, schools, parents and communities,” said Chris, CEO. “Currently, we are providing trainings, consultations and temporary direct services to area school districts to ensure teachers have the tools to appropriately manage the behaviors that often accompany Autism. Our support, in turn, allows teachers to do what they do best—educate students to reach their fullest potential!”

Together, the two organizations—and couple—work together to provide parent/staff trainings, free workshops for teachers and daycare providers, and host the annual Louisiana Autism Conference where more than 300 parents, educators, therapists, first responders and others come together to learn practical strategies to work with and care for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

The family business doesn’t just include this power couple. Christy’s mom, sisters, nieces and nephews also work for or help the St. Nicholas Center. Her mom, Debbie Papania, joined the business as receptionist 10 years ago. She is the first face that welcomes families and visitors. She is fondly thought of as the resident grandma to all staff, parents, and clients. Everyone knows she has a treat bowl with the best goodies to make anyone’s day “sweeter.” Her sister Dynette Hoffpauir has served as the office manager for 13 years. She makes the phrase “family support” from their mission statement personal. She works tirelessly to make sure the families they serve get the support they need to help their children. She develops personal relationships with families, especially those who struggle financially. She is their biggest advocate and cheerleader and tries to help them in any ways she can. Her sister Amanda Martin served as the first board president and played an integral role in getting the center opened. Her sister Monica Devall and her children are avid volunteers and always willing to answer a ‘call for help.’

While St. Nicholas Center was created for their son Bain and children like him, he has thrived under the care of the center’s talented therapists. “We had no idea we would one day need the services for our second child, Mary Agnes,” said Christy. “She was born 14 years after Bain, and our greatest surprise! Mary Agnes was born prematurely and needed Speech Therapy and Occupational Therapy to overcome challenges associated with an early birth. This time, the services she needed were available and no programs or systems needed to be created. She is thriving, and we are grateful beyond measure.”