Nikki DeLoach Talks Caregiving, Podcasting & ‘Spreading the Word About How We Can Prevent Diseases’

At just 45, Nikki DeLoach has done a lot. She’s been a child star, a singer, and an actress. Fans of Hallmark, will recognize her for her portrayal of Goldy Berry in the Curious Caterer mystery series. Nikki also stars in Our Holiday Story, which recently premiered in the channel’s Countdown to Christmas lineup. 

Beyond her enviable career, Nikki, who is also a wife, mother and daughter, cohosts “Mind What Matters,” a podcast with her friend Liz Humphreys that provides valuable information for caregivers. 

Nikki has very personal reasons for getting involved. Some years ago, her beloved father was diagnosed with Pick’s disease, a rare form of dementia. “Mind What Matters” seeks to help those caring for a loved one with a neurodegenerative disorder like Pick’s, Alzheimer’s, ALS or Parkinson’s. 

“Our focus is on caregivers, but also about awareness and spreading the word about how we can prevent disease and how we can give care to ourselves,” explains Nikki, who is also involved in the Mind What Matters nonprofit, which provides information, support and grants to caregivers. 

“The caregiving community is struggling because care for loved ones is expensive,” she explains. Nikki also shares information about the link between diet and mental and physical wellness. 

“If I had the information that I do now, I would have started changing my father’s diet in his 30s,” she says. “I would have told him, ‘We have to make sure you are eating things like berries and leafy greens. We have to make sure you’re getting enough sleep.’ ” 

Giving back this way has helped Nikki keep her father’s memory alive. “I couldn’t save my loved one, so maybe I can help save other people,” she says. “That’s the thing that gets me out of bed every morning.”

Photographer: Inda Reid @imagesbyinda

Hair: Kyle Hennessy @kylehennessyhair

Stylist: Erin Richards @alaskaerin