Dancing with the Stars

I’m a nurse in the Medical Intensive Care Unit at the St. Raphael’s Campus of Yale New Haven Hospital, where I’m passionate about providing compassionate care to critically ill patients and their families. Outside of work, I enjoy swimming, running, and spending time outdoors. I ran my first marathon this past October! I’m especially excited to participate in Dancing with the Stars because Adam’s House supported my parents and brother through their grief following the loss of my sister. It is an honor to give back to an organization that has had such a meaningful impact on my family and our community.

I’m an Emergency Room Nurse at Yale New Haven Hospital and have experienced the full spectrum of life—from new beginnings to profound loss. Nursing has taught me that even in the chaos and uncertainty of an emergency room, there is an opportunity to bring compassion, hope, and light to people during their most vulnerable moments. I’ve been a lifelong fan of Dancing with the Stars, so I’m thrilled to combine my love of dance with my passion for helping others. I’m honored to dance for Adam’s House and help provide hope, connection, and support to grieving children and families.

I’m Jason James, an EMT and Public Safety Officer at Fairfield University. I was born in Jamaica and moved to the United States at age 18. Sports and dancing have always been passions of mine, and I’ve been dancing since I was eight years old. I’m excited to return to the stage after more than a decade and, most importantly, to support families navigating grief. Having personally experienced the profound impact of grief on everyday life, I’m honored to use my love of dance to support the meaningful work of Adam’s House.

I have worked in EMS for 12 years, beginning as an EMT and becoming a paramedic seven years ago. When I’m not working in an ambulance, I’m a private chef for my lifelong client—my wife! I’m a strong believer in the importance of mental health and hope to make it part of my future career. I’m dancing for Adam’s House because I believe helping families navigate the loss of a loved one is incredibly important. I’m proud to support an organization that helps children and families find connection, understanding, and hope during some of life’s most difficult moments.

I have worked in EMS since 2008 and have been a paramedic since 2014. I currently serve as the Planning Manager for the Connecticut Urban Search & Rescue Team and as a Staff Sergeant with the Second Company Governor’s Foot Guard. I previously worked as both a career and volunteer firefighter. My experience as a first responder has shown me the profound impact losing a loved one can have on families, especially children. That experience inspired me to dance for Adam’s House and help raise funds for this incredible organization. At home, I live with my husband, three dogs, and two very large rabbits, and I run a nonprofit providing peer-to-peer mental health support to first responders and military personnel across the country

I am a retired paramedic who spent my career with Bridgeport AMR. I served as a paramedic preceptor, lead instructor for the Bridgeport Joint Hospital Paramedic Program, and senior fly-car medic for Westchester County, New York. Although I retired in 2005 following an injury, I continue to maintain my paramedic license. I was challenged to step outside my comfort zone and follow my daughter’s lead into the world of dance. She won a national title in Las Vegas at just 16 years old, so I’m hoping to follow her lead and bring home a win of my own—all while raising funds for the incredible work of Adam’s House!

I’m Nicki Costello, an EMT with Bristol EMS, and I’ve been working in EMS for about two years. I wanted to participate in this year’s Dancing with the Stars because Adam’s House provides an incredible resource for children and families who are navigating grief. I’m proud to step onto the dance floor, have some fun, and help raise funds for a program that supports children when they need it most.