Below are some of the highlights that have transpired across the lifespan of Nicole’s career.
Brett DiNovi and Associates
Nicole collaborated with the CEO of Brett DiNovi on increasing ease of access to ABA services in public schools. At the time, BCBAs were often only required to perform limited observation during the course of an initial evaluation. After working with the CEO, Nicole and Brett developed standards requiring that initial evaluations needed to be more thorough and comprehensive, which Brett DiNovi and Associates worked to implement.
ASPEN (Autism Spectrum Education Network)
Nicole realized that there was a significant lack in socialization resources for children between the ages of 5-21 on the Autism spectrum. More specifically, children on the spectrum entering adolescence face unique and inherent challenges in having access to social opportunities and finding ways to foster friendships. By working with ASPEN, Nicole formed one of the first “tween” social skills groups in New Jersey by first meeting with parents and identifying their unique needs, ideas, and barriers. Nicole spearheaded all of the marketing and event planning efforts to ensure the group met and achieved its mission, offering services that were diverse and all-inclusive.
Their Place
Nicole collaborated with Their Place to successfully secure a contract with the NJ Division of Developmental Disabilities. She built out their SABS manual and comprehensive Crisis Intervention program. Additionally, she created numerous templates and forms including parent/client intake forms, consent forms, and a policy and procedures manual. Nicole also established the standards for clinical documentation and data collection, utilizing their EHR system.
Special Education Advocacy
Nicole has worked with numerous families to advocate on behalf of their children to secure special education and related services throughout NJ. Nicole developed this knowledge through hours of research related to the IDEA, FAPE, NJ admin code, and case law. Nicole targeted her research not only on NJ, but on ways in which other states were implementing services guaranteed under the IDEA. Based on her knowledge, Nicole was allowed to be sworn in as an expert witness to be heard before the NJ Office of Administrative Law. She collaborated with families on acquiring the knowledge and confidence to navigate the NJ special education system. Nicole has extensive knowledge of NJ special education law, admin code, and case law.
Intensive In-Community/Behavioral Assistance
Nicole worked for the first IIC/BA company providing behavioral intervention services to children receiving care under the Division of Children’s Behavioral Health Services. She delivered in-home behavioral modification programs for youth at-risk for out-of-home placement. This involved collaborating with the child/adolescent’s treatment team to ensure continuity of care expanded into the home, focusing on reducing challenging behaviors while also offering parent/caregiver training aimed at reducing maladaptive behaviors, allowing parents/caregivers to feel supported and empowered. This led to an overall decrease of in the number of out-of-home placements thereby preserving the family system and/or leading to family reunification.
Community Options, Inc.
Nicole conducted over 200 robust training programs encompassing Positive Behavior Supports, comorbid diagnoses, crisis intervention, team building, and working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Additionally, Nicole partnered with the state Mental Health Diversion Program to develop a training curriculum on ways to help county Psychiatric Emergency Screening Service (PESS) personnel to identify individuals with I/DD and complex behavioral health needs to distinguish them from those in need of psychiatric admission.