Nikki Matthews - Thesis Defence
“THINGS DON’T HAPPEN FOR MY KIDS UNLESS I KICK AND SCREAM”, EXPLORING EXPERIENCES OF INFORMAL CAREGIVERS OF CHILDREN WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES WITHIN THE ANNAPOLIS VALLEY
MAK Candidate: Nikki Matthews
6 August 2025
1:00 PM Atlantic
Hybrid Defence
GYM 491
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Meeting ID: 292 365 195 090 1
Passcode: fx32dX2B
Thesis Committee:
Dr. Emily Bremer, Supervisor
Dr. Laura St. John, University of Calgary, External Examiner
Dr. Roxanne Seaman, Internal Examiner
Dr. Laura Ferguson, Chair of the defence
Abstract
Informal caregiving for an individual experiencing disability has been associated with numerous health benefits and challenges. To inform future health promotion with a first-voice perspective, this project explored the experiences and needs of informal caregivers of youth with developmental disabilities within the Annapolis Valley of Nova Scotia. Eleven caregivers completed an online survey and virtual focus groups to share their experiences pertaining to their and their families’ overall health and well-being. Caregiving insights spanned five interconnected themes: (a) Psychosocial landscape of caregiving; (b) management of employment and caregiving obligations; (c) systemic barriers impacting service access; (d) desire for more support and services; and (e) burden of advocacy. Results from this study discuss the need for action to improve knowledge transparency for families and professionals, navigate systems’ “grey” areas regarding funding, assessments, and support, increase training and resources towards childcare/respite support, and facilitate community events to promote inclusion and social connection.
About Nikki…
Nikki Matthews is a Master of Applied Kinesiology student working under the supervision of Dr. Emily Bremer. Her thesis discusses the experiences and needs of informal caregivers of children and youth with developmental disabilities within the Annapolis Valley. Exploring the benefits and challenges of caregiving, the first-person perspective is used to discuss potential future areas of action or next steps for health and wellness promotion. Nikki’s volunteering within the Acadia S.M.I.L.E.® Program throughout her undergraduate degree then led to the opportunity to work as a coordinator for both S.M.I.L.E. and the Axcess Acadia Inclusive Post-Secondary Initiative. Working with various students, staff, and community members, as well as seeing the behind-the-scenes work that goes into facilitating both inclusive physical activity and educational opportunities, she became interested in how and where barriers associated with disability and the responsibilities of caregiving intersect with family quality of life and caregiver health. Originally from Bradford, Ontario, Nikki moved to Wolfville, Nova Scotia in 2018 to begin her undergraduate studies, quickly finding a home away from home, and a place she is grateful to have spent her last 7 years learning and living.