Professional Support for Healing Through Grief & Trauma

Certified Peer Support Specialist

Nichole grew up in southern Minnesota near the Mississippi River: the youngest child and only daughter of a middle-class family. Nichole knew nothing about social services. In early adolescence, Nichole began to learn about public services from interactions with friends and other people away from the family of origin. Those friends also introduced Nichole to drugs and alcohol beginning in Middle School. In July 2008, Nichole began a journey of recovery from the drugs and alcohol that were oppressive choices of life. Through a 12-step program, Nichole met many people who were leading happy, healthy lives and had rebounded from the oppressions of their lives. Nichole continues living by principles learned in those meetings and with those sponsors to this day. Over time, Nichole began to learn about people developing careers by surviving the oppressions of their lives. Nichole built a network of wonderful people and began seeking the training and education needed to build this dream. In April 2021, Nichole became a Certified Peer Support Specialist. After overcoming childhood trauma and addiction through emotional growth and gradually expanding comfort zones, Nichole began helping individuals and families build resilience in their tough situations. Nichole believes every person's struggle adds value to the community when they are given a chance to turn things around within their own desires. Nichole assists people in finding their silver linings or the light out of the dark to develop a healthy life for themselves. Nichole has combined over a decade of recovery experience with education. In December of 2024, Nichole graduated from college with a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies. This degree, as well as the training to be a Certified Peer Specialist, enables Nichole to support youth and adults dealing with substance misuse and mental health issues. Nichole provides judgment-free safe spaces for group or one-on-one psychoeducation for individuals coping with substance misuse, depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges, including grief.

As a mother who has experienced profound loss, Nichole understands firsthand the challenges of parenting through grief. This personal journey has deepened Nichole's commitment to supporting families as they rebuild their lives after loss.