Michelle Crombie helps people. It’s what she does, as a professional, a volunteer, and a mom. This Canadian transplant to Naples is a home health physical therapy assistant and mother of four. She also launched and directs the Buddy Break program in Naples, to help other parents of children with special needs by providing an evening of respite care so that the adults can enjoy a break.
Born and raised in Alberta, Canada, Michelle met her husband, Philip, after graduating from high school. They will celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary this year. After Philip finished his physical therapy degree, the couple moved to Naples from Edmonton, Alberta, in 1994. Since then, the Crombies moved to Washington state twice, but “Naples has always called us back and we call it home,” said Michelle.
Michelle attended Edison Community College (now Florida SouthWestern State College) and became a physical therapist asssistant in 1996. She later received a bachelor of science in technology management from Devry University.
Tell us about your career. I currently work as a home health physical therapist assistant. I enjoy home health and being a part of helping people regain their independence and func-tion once home from hospital or rehab. Home health also allows me the flexibility I need to manage family and fun.
Tell us about your children. James is 21, currently in the FSW nursing program, and will graduate in December. He also works as a real estate agent. He plays men’s league hockey at Germain arena on weekends and enjoys league tennis here in Naples.
Josiah is 17. He has been away playing U18AAA travel ice hockey for Wenatchee Wolves in Washington state. He currently is homeschooled and will graduate this year. He is a Collier County lifeguard and hockey referee.
Jared is 15 and is also homeschooled. He is a TESLA enthusiast. He currently plays rugby for the U19 Naples Bears Rugby Club and enjoying the sport in his second year.
Jaylee is 11. She loves just about anything, especially Buddy Break night. Born in the Philippines, Jaylee came to her forever home in 2009. She is a joyous completion to our family. Jaylee is the inspiration behind starting Buddy Break in Naples. She has recently been diagnosed with Kabuki syndrome and for the past seven years, her special needs have required close educational management. Parenting a child with special needs brings you into a whole new world of advocacy in the education and health fields. It was through our personal experience that we understood why parents of children with special needs truly need a break to renew themselves.
How did you start Buddy Break in Naples? I’ve been involved in the Children’s Ministry at church for over 20 years, the entire lives of my children. When Jaylee came home to us, it opened a differ-ent world into special needs. For Jaylee, it is at a cognitive/intellectual learning level for the most part. Giving back and serving has always been a source of joy. At a Children’s Ministry event I attended, Nathaniel’s Hope (the parent organization of Buddy Break) had an educational booth. In speak-ing with co-founder Marie Kuck about the program, I instantly felt that Buddy Break needed to be started in Southwest Florida. While attending multiple doctor appoint-ments with Jaylee, I could see there was a need for respite care for families.
Buddy Break opened its doors to the community in October 2015, and is hosted for free at the Naples Seventh-day Adventist Church. Each month, families get a three-hour break of free respite. Buddy Break also takes in typical siblings. We have yet to turn away a family because we couldn’t handle their child’s special need. Each month volunteers have inquired to help out, and each month we have just enough volunteers. The program is 100% funded by donations from the community and sup-port of various volunteers. We have grown to the point that more churches need to open their doors in Marco Island, Bonita Springs, Estero, and Fort Myers.
Do you volunteer with any other organizations? I am the director liaison for GR3 International, helping to coordinate volunteers for deployment when a disaster strikes. I’ve worked on deployments to Haiti, Nepal, Philippines, and a little bit state side. I always find joy in service when working with so many different people and simply helping others.
How do you balance work, volunteering, and your family? With older children, life doesn’t require too much balancing anymore. Two children now drive, and they pitch in a lot to help with getting to various activities.
What does a typical weeknight look like for you? Our typical week varies because the older children work and the younger kids have piano or sports. Not sure what I would do without my iPhone calendar! The weekend is when we all con-nect together. We love watching movies and playing cards or board games.
Your proudest personal accomplishment? Surviving raising four children and starting Buddy Break in Naples.What advice would you offer other parents? Be real to your kids. Talk about life and events and ask how they are doing and if they need help with anything. Be the parent because you are the one to show teering, and your family? With older children, life doesn’t require too much balancing anymore. Two children now drive, and they pitch in a lot to help with getting to various activities.
What advice would you offer other parents? Be real to your kids. Talk about life and events and ask how they are doing and if they need help with anything. Be the parent because you are the one to show them love, nurturing, kindness and respect for both themselves and others.
What are your hopes and goals for the rest of 2018? Continue to support my kids in their academic and sports goals, and live to celebrate another 25 years with my husband. I hope to see Buddy Break grow in SW Florida as a whole. I’d love to see an annual special needs carnival-type event in a park with multiple vendors, games, special guests and great food … all put together by community organizers and business.