Nicole Moy

Education

• MSW, Aurora University, Aurora, IL
• BSW, Valparaiso University, Valparaiso, IN

Areas of Interest

• Macro Social Work, Policy Advocacy, Police Social Work
• Trauma research- The impact of trauma on developing brains, Breaking intergenerational cycles of trauma, Building trauma informed faith communities, Neurosequential research
• Social/Emotional Learning, Healthy Boundaries, Increasing Emotional Maturity in young adults
• Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, Mental Health
• Trauma Informed Presentations, group facilitation

Courses

• Practicum Education & Integrative Seminar 

Professional Experience

Nicole Moy is an alumna of the social work program at Valparaiso University. After graduating with her Bachelor of Social Work (BSW), she attained her Master of Social Work (MSW) at Aurora University. Her path to social work would not be considered traditional, although looking back, advocacy, social justice, and helping connect people to resources have been a common thread that has been woven throughout her life, both personally and professionally. Prior to officially coming to the field of social work, Nicole was in organizational support roles for over 12 years, nearly six of which were at Valparaiso University. She has worked with adolescents who experienced significant struggles with their mental health in a secured residential treatment facility, provided support for LGBTQ+ youth, and connected families as well as organizations to community resources. Nicole volunteers in various capacities including as a member of the Porter County Suicide Prevention Taskforce, Community Partners Network, and as a teacher for elementary aged children at her church. She has worked with children and families as well as faith and community leaders in helping to understand the impact of trauma, and how to utilize skills such as Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Social Emotional Learning (SEL), and Trauma Competent Care (TCC). has led projects that advocate the prioritization of holistic approaches to mental health, Nicole has spent several years researching the impact of trauma on children, families, and the community as a whole. In her most recent role, as the Director of Trauma Training and Advocacy for a local non-profit, she developed a department and curriculum that specialized in providing Trauma Competent Care training to faith and community leaders all over the United States as well as with partners in other countries. Nicole started her undergraduate teaching career as an adjunct instructor at Valparaiso University in the winter of 2022 before being hired full time in her current role. In addition to teaching Nicole is the primary advisor for social work students. Nicole lives in Valparaiso, Indiana, with her husband Dan and two children.