On our first Hope Grown with a current staff, we welcomed on the ever effervescent Ms. Kim Hudson. She was named as the building’s third Residential Director in January, 2024, tasked with overseeing the Learning Enriched Autism Program (LEAP). After just four years at New Hope serving in various roles, her tenacity, persistence, attention to detail and dedication to excellence allowed her to advance in her career.

Ms. Kim is considered a force of positivity and creativity. Her compassion and understanding of the residents are unquestionable and well known throughout all at New Hope. Ms. Kim embodies being kind, yet firm. She has an unquenchable thirst for knowledge and is constantly wanting to improve her craft. She is admired and beloved by the staff and the residents at New Hope. She is a powerful example of what people should strive to be.

Joining New Hope in January, 2020, the South Carolina native served as a Team Lead, Clinical Counselor and a Supervisor on the LEAP program. Hudson brought her talents NHTC after years of experience working in customer service roles and as a lead employee trainer for Belk Fulfillment Center, program coordinator and Parks and Recreation Director for the City of Chester.

She is a wife, a mother and a grandmother. Hudson is a professional who is dedicated to fostering growth and connection, with a passion for building meaningful relationships. Hudson is a lifelong learner who has a bachelor’s and master’s in business and a bachelor’s in biblical studies. Ms. Kim is also an Ordained Minister and empowerment speaker who has over 30 years of experience working with youth. She is full of enthusiasm for life and embraces new opportunities. Her Motto is “Everyone Deserves to Feel their Best”

(00:01:48-00:02:36) Her background and journey at New Hope, arriving in her current role as Residential Director of LEAP.

(00:02:38-00:03:33) What she finds most rewarding about the work she does.

(00:03:35-00:07:03) What a day in Ms. Kim’s life looks like while at our PRTF and what keeps her motivated and driven.

(00:07:05-00:14:40) Some of the misunderstandings and misconceptions about what the youth at New Hope go through and what their experience is like while receiving services; what makes the staff at New Hope different; the importance of engaging activities for the kids.

(00:14:41-00:16:50) How her perspective on mental health has developed and changed while working at New Hope.

(00:18:36) What LEAPS expansion has meant to the program, the staff and kids.