Her Story
About Nicole
Dr. Nicole Allison serves as a behavior analyst and director of the social and emotional learning program, Caring School Community, across three schools in Pennsylvania. With a little over 20 years of experience in the field of education, she began her career in a residential treatment facility working with children and adolescents exhibiting challenging behaviors, later expanding into outpatient and mobile therapy, behavior consultation, and training teachers and support staff in educational settings. She holds a bachelor's degree in psychology from Millersville University, a master's degree in education with a specialization in special education from Cheney University of Pennsylvania, a doctorate in education from Arcadia University, and certification in behavior analysis. In her current role, Dr. Allison travels between schools to train educators, model program implementation, conduct observations and walkthroughs to ensure fidelity, and facilitates daily circles to create safe classroom communities where scholars feel seen, heard, and supported. She is a member of Beta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Nicole
01What do you attribute your success to?
My success comes from my parents who sacrificed so much to support my dreams and were always loving and supportive. They are both deceased now, but I carry on their legacy to make them proud. My son is also a huge motivation as I pour everything into him to help him become the best he can be.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
My dissertation chair told me 'You are where you're meant to be.' There are no mistakes in the process, everyone is on their own journey, and our steps are designed and ordered. This reminds me to be present and trust that I am exactly where I need to be in my career and life.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Be true to yourself and authentic because children can sense when you really want to connect with them. In education and working with children and behavior, you will wear many hats - teacher, counselor, nurse - so be prepared to be present, give all you can, create healthy boundaries but when with scholars give everything and let them know you are there for them.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge is the teacher shortage and lack of support for educators. Policymakers may not understand classroom realities, and teachers need emotional and professional support to feel safe in their communities. Lack of support drives teachers out of the profession.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I am a spiritual person and value treating everyone with kindness, valuing them as a person, and speaking life into every situation. I believe we all have struggles behind the scenes so I show up doing my best and creating space for people to see how special they are. We need more kindness in the world.
Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.