A graduate of the School of Social Work at UNC-Chapel Hill, Nicholle has over a decade of experience in the healthcare sector. In her role with the Association, Nicholle manages a variety of healthcare policy issues impacting hospitals and health systems with an eye towards improving access to healthcare. During her time at NCHA, Nicholle has had the opportunity to deliver a successful statewide pilot to improve care for substance use disorder patients through a peer support model within emergency departments, lead the implementation effort for a series of legislative reforms within the involuntary commitment process, coordinate with state officials during the COVID-19 pandemic at the NC Emergency Operations Center, and part of the core team that successfully passed Medicaid Expansion and the Healthcare Access and Stabilization Program (HASP).

Nicholle began her career as a licensed clinical social worker and had the opportunity to work in a variety of mental health settings serving youth. Nicholle was certified in trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, the gold standard in treatment for children and adolescents with PTSD.   Prior to joining NCHA, Nicholle worked for the National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI) NC leading grassroots advocacy and policy activities, culminating in serving as the organization’s interim executive director.