Sr. Nadine Heizman
Psychologist
Syracuse, New York

I have enjoyed the privilege of serving God for forty-seven years as a Franciscan, living in various local communities with wonderful, inspiring other women who have also dedicated their lives to God.  We live and pray together, and support and encourage each other, sharing both happy times as well as times of sorrow.

During my first thirty years I taught children in grades kindergarten through eighth.  My greatest joy was to see their eyes light up when they finally understood a new concept or had received a compliment for a kind deed done.  Each one was special to me and it was wonderful when I could stay in the same school for a number of years to be able to watch their physical, spiritual, emotional and educational growth and development.  It is also a great surprise to meet one of former students in my travels or to receive a letter from them.

More recently I have ministered as a school psychologist for eleven years in the North Syracuse Central School District.  My goal was to better help individual children with emotional and/or learning disabilities.  These young people are so perceptive!!  They seem to know immediately when they are truly loved.  This is when real growth begins!  They are comfortable, can relax and put forth more effort to help improve or compensate for their difficulties.

Currently, I am employed by University Hospital assisting with a study to improve the accuracy of the diagnosis of Attention Deficit Disorder in children.  This, too, keeps me involved with God’s “little ones” as I observe them in their classroom or work together on a psychological evaluation.

I truly love being with children and find their trust, love and simplicity most refreshing.  It is no wonder Christ who so loved them and held them up as an example to us.  I also truly value my own vocation.