Nicole obtained a Bachelors of Fine Arts from Georgia Southwestern State University in Americus, Georgia in 2005 and a Masters of Science in Art Therapy from Florida State University in Tallahassee, Florida in 2009. Afterwards, she completed requirements to be a Board-Certified Art Therapist. Her previous experience includes working within a therapeutic community providing substance abuse treatment to women in a correctional facility, as well as working with children and adolescents to provide community, family, and individual dual-diagnosis services. Nicole was also a personal trainer to gain understanding beyond mental health through helping others establish a healthier, physical lifestyle. Nicole was a primary counselor with Focus from September 2018 until 2021 before transitioning to the Substance Use Disorder Program Director of Patient & Family Services. She has many personal and life experiences with addiction allowing her to have empathy for both patients and family members along with their journey here at Focus. She has always had a passion in helping individuals overcome barriers and finding their identity to reflect on a healthier and more balanced way to live, promoting connection to the world around them while overcoming addiction. Nicole loves spending time with her husband, two boys, and two dogs. In her personal time, she enjoys running, weightlifting, home improvement, building furniture, drawing, painting, kayaking, cooking, yoga, and yard work to maintain her own balance and connection.
