Emilie Nichols

Justice-Involved Coordinator (She/Her/They/Them) 🏳️‍🌈

Specializations: Independent Living & Vocational Skill-Building | Anxiety | Grief | Caregiver Mental Health | Substance Misuse | LGBTQIA+

Emilie Nichols, a Certified Recovery Coach, combines deep compassion and a unique perspective to empower others. Specializing in adolescent and adult anxiety, caregiver mental health, grief, and career-related mental health, she draws from her professional training and personal experience to help clients develop the skills needed to achieve their goals.

Raised in the Eau Claire area, Emilie faced non-traditional schooling that often isolated her, impacting her social-emotional development and exacerbating her anxiety. Her struggles continued as she came out as a lesbian in high school, turning to self-harm and substance use as coping mechanisms.

Emilie's journey to recovery began after she left college due to anxiety.

Embracing healthier outlets like watching sports, gardening, puzzles, and board games, she found balance and began building a career focused on training and development. Her resilience was further tested when she became the guardian for her father after his stroke, and his subsequent passing deepened her grief and battles with anxiety and depression.

Supported by a strong network, Emilie learned to cope with ADHD and autism, developing tools she now shares with others.

After being laid off from her long-time career, Emilie used her coping skills to stay resilient and seek new opportunities. She is passionate about supporting others on their journeys, inspired by Robert Frost's quote, “the best way out is always through.”

Emilie lives with her wife, step-children, grandchildren, and two pitbull pups, fostering dogs and helping them transition to loving homes. Committed to walking alongside her peers, Emilie helps them discover the tools and understanding needed to foster resilience and positive growth.