Profile Nicola

Nicola joined P.E.A.T in November 2009 as their Participation Project Manager. Before joining P.E.A.T, Nicola completed an undergraduate degree at the University of Ulster. It was in her Psychology degree she developed her passion for Applied Behaviour Analysis. Whilst studying her for her degree, Nicola went to New York to a summer camp designed for individuals from 6-66 years old who had a diagnosis on the Autism Spectrum. She spent three months in this summer camp and loved every second. When Nicola returned to Ireland she was employed as a support worker in Rainbow Lodge. Rainbow Lodge is a residential and respite unit for children with a learning disability and challenging behaviour.

Once graduated Nicola continued her enthusiasm for ABA by pursuing a Masters in Applied Behaviour Analysis at the University of Ulster. As part of her Masters course she completed her placement year in the New England Centre for Children in Boston. She worked in their staff intense unit, which catered for young people (17-22 years old) with a diagnosis of Autism who also displayed severe challenging behaviour. She was supervised by many influential Behaviour Analysts by whom she gained many behavioural skills. She feels that this year provided her with invaluable experience that makes her the Behaviour Analyst she is today.

Nicola is currently studying towards a PHD in Behaviour Analysis under the supervision of Dr Michael Keenan and Dr Stephen Gallagher. Her research interest is “Training parents and professionals in the treatment of Autism using multimedia”.

Nicola has continued the work of Dr Chris Shields, she runs the Participation Project by running the social skills groups across Northern Ireland. She is currently organising the “Express Yourself” Arts exhibition and looks forward to its launch in May 2010