Nikki Nichols

Empowering Others

Nikki Nichols first joined Cape Assist in 2019 as a Substance Use Navigator, providing access to care services and specializing the treatment needs for transition age youth. Training community partners to recognize indicators of substance use and guiding those to appropriate services was also part of Nikki’s role.

In her current role, Nikki plans, implements and evaluates Cape Assist’s prevention program. She focuses on increasing youth participation in Healthy Community Activities, while developing programs and services to reduce youth opioid and prescription drug use. Nikki also works with county and state representatives to assess the county’s needs for youth services. 

Additionally, Nikki provides individual and group trauma-informed therapy to adults with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders under the supervision of a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). She completes intake assessments and creates treatment and discharge plans for individuals beginning and maintaining their process of recovery.

Professional Inspiration

Nikki finds professional inspiration in seeing someone start and maintain his or her recovery journey. She also is inspired by being able to help others feel empowered by providing them with education and in being their advocate.

Background and Education

Nikki earned an associate degree in Business Administration from Atlantic Cape Community College, a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Rowan University, and a master’s in Social Work from The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey.  

She is a licensed social worker and currently is working on her LCSW. Nikki holds certifications as a School Social Worker, Trauma Professional, Tobacco Treatment Specialist, a Domestic Violence Advocate, and a Sexual Assault Advocate. She also is a certified Mental health First Aid Instructor for both adults and youth, and currently is working on her certification as a Domestic Violence Specialist.

Nikki has worked in various settings including youth residential programs, youth Intensive Care Coordination (ICC) in home services through the Children's System of Care, Crisis Counseling, Crisis Advocacy, and outpatient youth and adult therapy programs. She has spent much of her professional career providing counseling to and working with survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking, as well as advocating for survivors’ rights and resources in the community.