Buddy Break

Buddy Break is a FREE kids/respite program designed to give caregivers of kids with special needs (VIP kids) a break from their ongoing care-giving responsibilities.

VIP Kids

Kids with special needs are our VIP kids! VIPs include kids with any physical, cognitive, medical, or hidden disability, chronic or life-threatening illness, or those who are medically fragile.

Buddies

Buddies are friends to VIP kids. Volunteer Buddies must be at least 14 years of age, complete a two hour Buddy Training 101 program, and agree to have a background check. No previous experience necessary!

Each VIP kid at Buddy Break is paired up with a Buddy friend for one-on-one attention as everyone has fun playing games, hearing and seeing great children’s stories, videos, music and more while giving the caregivers a much needed break! Siblings have fun too! Meanwhile, their caregivers get a break from their ongoing care-giving responsibilities for three hours on a Saturday once a month.

Bios

Jessica Stadt - Program Director

Hi, my name is Jessica Stadt! I joined Buddy Break in 2019 and became an intern for Buddy Break in 2020 while getting my bachelor's degree in exceptionality and disability at WWU. I decided to continue my education and got my master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling in August 2023. I currently work as a manager at Cascade Connections Supported Living supporting adults with disabilities. I currently hold an active home care aide license, right response certificate, and CPR certification. When I am not working, I love to travel, going to musicals/shows, thrift shopping, and crocheting. I have been to 19 countries so far and currently have the goal of going to all 6 Disney theme parks around the world and currently halfway there!

I look forward to chatting with you about Buddy Break and supporting your family! Please email me at nccbuddybreak@gmail.com with any questions or if you would like to get involved by volunteering or having you child(ren) come to Buddy Break.

DeAnna Marshall - Lead Buddy Volunteer

Hi, I am DeAnna. I have 4 kids, all neurospicy and a bonus kid, that married into our family. My kids range from 6 to 23 years old! My 2 youngest kids attend Buddy Break, one who is a participant and the other who is a suburb student volunteer! I have been a part of the program since the very roots of the program. I also advise as the Northside Community Church liaison.

Over the years I have learned much about how I can be an asset in our community and be a bigger voice for support for programs that offer respite, education and serve our delightful family with disabilities. My role is to support our director, provide a bridge of communication with the church that sponsors and provide spaces and funding for the program. I bring a lot of fun themes to our imagination play area, fun crafts and the overall mom vibe.

In my free time I own a pet toy business, enjoy crafting, I love the thrill of a good thrift find and if I had endless Disney money, I would be in Disneyland all the time. My favorite ride is Big Thunder Mountain Railroad!

I look forward to meeting you and your littles in person!

Eli Marshall - Buddy Volunteer

Eli has been a part of the program since he was a kid, being a junior helper as his mom, DeAnna volunteers on the Buddy Break Team. Eli provides the high energy and skill to keep up with the fast-paced kids who love to run and jump, and he has the energy to keep up. Eli understands the complex needs of many of our attendees and when he isn't in school sports, you can see him volunteering at the monthly gatherings.

Eli enjoys hanging out with his friends, loves to cook, loves board games and a good discussion about history. He is a whiz in math!

Brian Allan - Buddy Volunteer

Hello! I'm Brian Allan. I've been with Buddy Break for 8 years. I currently work with children on the autism spectrum from ages 2 to 5. In my free time I enjoy video games, reading, and doing spray paint art!

At Buddy Break, Brian has always been such a dependable volunteer for so long. Brian is often running around with the kids whether its playing soccer, by the ball pit, or outside.

Rebecca Zener - Buddy Volunteer

Hi, my name is Rebecca Zener! I just retired from 25 years teaching special education classes from kindergarten through middle school. I have a special place in my heart for parents of kids with special needs and love for the kids. I miss the kids and recently joined the Buddy Break team as a volunteer.

Kaitlin Gebhardt - Buddy Volunteer

Hi, my name is Kaitlin Gebhardt! I have a passion for working with the elderly and disabled. I have worked in Long Term Care and Skilled Nursing on and off since I was 16 years old. I currently work as a community relations director at a skilled nursing facility, where I interact with people who have a wide range of physical and intellectual abilities daily. I love volunteering with Buddy Break to use my skills to help support others in the community!