Adult Day Training Centers provide a safe, engaging space for individuals with developmental disabilities to receive the necessary support for independence. As the director of Quest’s Training Center in Tampa, Nicole Lam’s leadership and passion ensure that every participant has the chance to thrive.
Helping Individuals Live a Full Life
Originally from Philadelphia, Nicci earned her degree in psychology and childhood studies with plans to work with children. However, after a transformative experience at an adult day training center in Virginia, she discovered her true calling: helping adults develop daily living skills.
When she moved to Tampa in search of mission-driven work, Nicci found Quest. “I knew I’d be working for the right company — one that aligned with my beliefs and made a difference,” Nicci shares. That passion inspired her to apply for the director position, where she now leads a dedicated team committed to making every day meaningful.
A Comprehensive Learning Experience
Under Nicci’s guidance, the Tampa Training Center offers a diverse curriculum that blends skill-building with fun. Participants may learn new recipes in culinary class, stay active in fitness sessions, or discover teamwork and patience through recreational games. Each lesson contributes to their growing confidence and competence in performing daily tasks.
The center also serves as a vital place to expand social circles. Since many participants stay at residential housing facilities in the community, they often interact with the same individuals daily. Therefore, Nicci is intentional about pairing participants with peers from different homes and overseeing community inclusion and outing events.
Community inclusion events bring enriching experiences into the training center for those who can’t attend off-site trips due to accessibility or other barriers. Examples include:
- The Seabird Sanctuary brings animals to the center to spread conservation awareness
- Hillsborough County Fire Rescue provided a tour of a fire truck
- Papa John’s representatives taught a pizza-making class
- And more
Outings allow groups of individuals to gain awareness of various aspects of community life. From trips to the Strawberry Festival, swimming lessons at the YMCA, and grocery store excursions, each experience helps them practice the social skills they learn at the center across diverse settings.
Nicci shares a powerful example: a participant named Latora who ventured out of her comfort zone on a community outing. “Latora left her residential friends and staff because she made friends with another community group and felt comfortable going out with them. That, in itself, is independence,” she says.
These opportunities often lead to lasting friendships and even romantic relationships that may not have been possible without the center’s focus on connection and community.
Leading by Example
Nicci understands that modeling collaboration is also essential for staff to develop the social connections foundational to delivering enriching experiences. Stepping in to help wherever needed and maintaining an open-door policy, she ensures that everyone feels heard and valued. Regularly hosting interdepartmental meetings, she also fosters alignment among teams from different facilities, guaranteeing that participants receive consistent, high-quality support.
By demonstrating respect, empathy, and teamwork, Nicci cultivates a culture where staff feel appreciated, and participants feel empowered to explore, learn, and grow.
“We want our individuals to experience the best day possible while they’re here—every single day,” she says.
Quest thanks Nicci for her dedication and for leading a team that brings this vision to life.
Learn more about Quest’s Adult Day Training Centers and how you can support our mission at Training Centers – Quest, Inc.
Quest’s Adult Day Training Centers Tampa and Apopka
FAQ: Quest’s Adult Day Training Centers Tampa and Apopka
Q: What are Quest’s Training Centers?
A: Community programs in Apopka and Tampa that provide customized life-skills, health & wellness, vocational training, and therapy services for individuals with developmental disabilities.
Q: Who can apply?
A: Individuals with developmental disabilities in Central Florida whose goals include building daily living skills, social skills, and community participation.
Q: Where are the centers located?
A: In Apopka and Tampa, serving Orange, Seminole, and Hillsborough counties.
Q: What skills are taught?
A: Life skills (daily living, independence), vocational/pre-employment skills, health & wellness, adult education, arts, fitness, social skills, and volunteerism.
Q: Do you offer therapy services?
A: Yes. Centers use (ABA) for skill acquisition and behavior support. Physical, occupational, and speech therapy are available via partner agencies.
Q: Is nursing or personal care available?
A: Yes. On-site nursing is available at select locations (Apopka). Both centers offer direct care assistance (eating, toileting, hygiene) and repositioning services.
Q: Are programs individualized?
A: Yes. Each participant has an individualized plan developed with the participant, caregivers, and QTC team to align services with personal goals.
Q: What community experiences are included?
A: Regular community outings (e.g., volunteerism, fitness, local events) plus on-site inclusion events for those who can’t travel off-site.
Q: Do the centers provide transportation?
A: Yes. Transportation is available at both Apopka and Tampa.
Q: What’s the difference between the Apopka and Tampa sites?
A: Both offer core life skills, wellness, arts, computer/culinary classes, community outings, volunteerism, transportation, and vocational prep. Apopka additionally offers on-site nursing and high-intensity behavior therapy.
Q: How do I start the application process?
A: Complete the Adult Services Inquiry Form or contact Candice Howard, Executive Assistant to Operations, at choward@questinc.org.
Q: Are the programs inclusive?
A: Yes. Quest is committed to a respectful, inclusive environment for all, regardless of ability, race, religion, sexual orientation, or income.
