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Originally from Oak Grove, Alabama, Nicole Stewart first visited Helena when she was 17 years old. As she explored Old Town and glimpsed the waterfall, Nicole remembers saying, “I want to live here one day.”

Now, almost 16 years later, Nicole and her husband, Daniel Stewart, happily live in Helena with their daughter, Chloe Grace (6), and their two cats, Pumpkin and Celine.

The couple met in New Orleans during graduate school, and stayed in Daniel’s home state of Louisiana for their engagement and marriage. When the family was considering moving to the Birmingham area in 2021, Nicole’s dream of living in Helena someday became a reality.

“We always tell people that it has a small-town feel, even though it is bigger than where both Nicole and Daniel grew up,” the couple said. “Also, one of the big things for our family was that we wanted to live in a city and town where people were kind, loving and diverse. We want Chloe Grace to be surrounded by people who will support her and challenge her as she grows up here.”

Chloe Grace is currently a first grader at Helena Elementary School. Daniel is a student pastor at Lakeside Baptist Church and Nicole is a medical social worker at UAB’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and Continuing Care Nursery. Nicole is also currently studying for her doctorate medical sociology at UAB.

In addition to working and studying, Nicole was recently appointed to the Helena Diversity and Inclusion Board and will help plan events such as the Helena United Festival in April of next year.

“Nicole wanted to be a part of the Helena Diversity and Inclusion Board because she would love for her daughter to grow up in an inclusive environment where everyone is loved, valued and cherished,” the couple said. “Nicole believes the board will play a huge part in helping Helena continue to grow to its most beautiful potential.”