Tennessee, USA
My name is Anne and I`m an Apex Social Care Professional and trained physical therapist from Germany, living in my 2nd year with my amazing hostfamily in the Nashville area, Tennessee.
From my first calls with my hostmum Liz, I felt truly welcomed. I could sense the kindness and warmth in the family.
When I arrived in Nashville in March 2024, I immediately felt at home. The cutest room was waiting for me with my favourite colours and lots of details. My oldest host child Ellia crafted the most beautiful picture frame, which included a photo of me and my friends from Germany.
The next weeks I learned all the daily routines and step by step to interact with my host child Ian. He made it easy for me by being open and eager to play “cars“ with me all day long. After only a few weeks I knew it will be incredibly hard to leave them all at some point. In a few weeks my second year with them will end and I already know, that I will miss them so much!
They always make sure that I am feeling comfortable. I even got a gigantic bag of German bread, so I don’t miss it anymore. Because they take such good care of me, it is impossible to feel homesick!
My host family consists of Liz, Ellia, Ian, Noa, and the dog Simon.
Liz is the most inspiring and caring single mum I`ve ever met. She always has an open ear, even when she is doing three things at once. Since she is a passionate traveler, she enjoys planning my trips with me. During my second year, she started to introduce me to some American TV shows, which we used to watch in the evenings. She is also an incredible problem solver. Whether it is a broken door or appointments that don’t fit in our schedule, she fixes it in no time. When I need help, I can always count on her, and we have grown together into a good team.
Ellia (10) is incredibly creative. She likes to play board games with me or go for late night walks with our dog Simon. Additionally, she always comes up with new ways to make her little sister laugh.
Ian, an eight-year-old boy with cerebral palsy and developmental delay, loves to jump outside on the trampoline and everything that spins (like fans, swings). Besides he also loves hugs and tickles and is very snuggly.
Their 2,5-year-old little sister Noa is a busy bee. She is making friends with everyone she meets and enjoys exploring new parks with me, where she can climb, swing or collect rocks or flowers. She already has a lot to say and loves our girls dance partys. Especially if her favourite „Bluey-Songs“ are coming up. It`s a pleasure to see her growing with all the skills she is achieving.
I can honestly say that I feel fully included in the familys daily activities, as well as in family events. From easter brunch with friends to family vacations and birthdays, I am so grateful to be part of it! I`ve also had the chance to learn about traditions such as the easter glow hunt, Thanksgiving celebrations and chinese customs. My hostfamily tought me about Chinese zodiac signs, different Asian foods and gave me the opportunity to join them at the Chinese New Years Festival.
During my first year with my hostfamily, I had the opportunity to work with a speech therapist, an occupational therapist and since November 2024, also an ABA therapist. I learned new things almost every session and I’m thankful for all their appreciation, support, and willingness to teach me new skills. It is so inspiring to see how each profession works in their own way to help Ian achieve his goals. This has further confirmed to me the benefits of interdisciplinary work.
All of these experiences have contributed greatly to my personal and professional growth, boosting my confidence and expanding my knowledge for my career.
There are not enough words to express how thankful I am for this family – for all their support and encouragement in everything I do, for the oppportunities they`ve given me, and for the love in this family (as well as all the silly- and crazyness). I am so glad to be part of their lives and I am looking back with grateful and sad eyes to two amazing years with my host family of the year 2026!
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At Apex Social, we believe in care that transforms, not just for the children we serve, but for everyone involved. If you’re inspired by the Larson family’s story, now is the time to start your own Apex Social journey.
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