Nicole FitzGerald
Vista
Summary
Psychology graduate specializing in trauma-informed care with a strong background in research and behavioral support. Proven commitment to mental health advocacy and education on OCD and trauma. Actively pursuing MFT licensure while seeking part-time opportunities in mental health and wellness sectors.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Retail Associate
Trader Joe's
Encinitas
05.2024 - Current
- Provides exceptional customer service, product education, conflict-resolution, and ensuring a welcoming shopping experience.
- Maintains safety standards and mentors new team members.
- Handles transactions and ordered stock for a key section.
- Collaborates with store crew to ensure smooth, safe operations and in meeting sales goals.
- Assists in receiving and unloading deliveries, ensures proper stock rotation, lifts 50+ lbs.
- Operates cash registers and handles transactions while balancing cash drawers, returns, and general inquiries.
Research Writer & Editor
Young Legalists
02.2025 - 04.2025
- Created blog content and articles utilizing research, data analysis, and extrapolation of key ideas.
- Advocated for criminalized individuals, human and community rights, trauma-informed policy, and identifying improvements for systematic procedures that underline generational disenfranchisement.
- Extrapolated on current uses and future trends of neuroscience and neurolaw as used in legal proceedings.
Freelance Mental Health Educator
Self-Employed
11.2022 - 10.2024
- Facilitated peer support and presented on OCD, and trauma.
- Established trust with participants through active listening, empathy, and non-judgmental approaches in all interactions.
- Utilized ACT, ERP, DBT, and CBT tools in group discussions.
- Served as a positive role model for peers, demonstrating effective problem-solving skills, resilience, and adaptability under new or challenging circumstances.
- Assisted in conflict resolution, addressing interpersonal issues between peers effectively and professionally.
- Facilitated insight on ERP and hierarchies.
- Located mental health resources using AI tools.
- Edited and created psychoeducational content that I presented on, along with additional resource information through the IOCDF and NOCD.
Behavior Technician
Behavior Frontiers
12.2023 - 05.2024
- Reduced challenging behaviors through the implementation of positive reinforcement strategies and data tracking tools.
- Collaborated with families, fostered ongoing relationships with families, and received direct BCBA supervision.
- Fostered emotional regulation and communication skills in clients.
- Provided psychoeducation to families/caregivers.
Research Project Assistant
Pepperdine University
Malibu
07.2022 - 09.2022
- Studied the projected effects on male youths who were fathers during the pandemic via literature review and surveys.
- Conducted data analysis with SPSS and Microsoft Excel.
- Enhanced research accuracy by diligently collecting and analyzing data from various sources through keywords and relevance.
- Reviewed literature and contributed to dissertation completion.
Research Assistant
American Institute for Behavioral Research and Technology
Encinitas
08.2021 - 02.2022
- Participated actively in regular meetings with fellow researchers to discuss project updates, challenges faced, and lessons learned during ongoing activities.
- Utilized statistical keywords and created a theme-based system for organizing relevant data.
- Updated and edited a manuscript regarding adolescent trauma.
- Conducted literature reviews and edited research manuscripts using Excel, SPSS, and Word.
Blog Writer & Life Coach
PACEs Connection
08.2020 - 06.2021
- Assisted San Diego liaison Dana Brown in contributing efforts to supporting diverse youths in their ventures to create trauma-informed resources in their areas.
- Created a temporary site, TIEDs (Trauma-Informed Eating Disorders), where I wrote and published works.
Student Intern
Our Redeemer Lutheran Church
Chula Vista
08.2019 - 06.2020
- Assisted with documentation and case review under a marriage counselor.
- Participated in supervision and intervention planning.
Teaching Assistant
Alliant International University
Poway
01.2019 - 06.2020
- Supported students with tutoring, crisis resources, and assignment editing.
- Supported classroom maintenance and upkeep, organizing books, and materials.
- Created grading rubrics and planned assignments.
Research Assistant
Alliant International University
Powa
01.2019 - 05.2020
- Assisted graduated student with an IRB approved research study.
- Utilized in-person interviews, Excel, and SPSS for data collection.
- Handled scheduling for interviews and consent forms.
- Revised and edited up to 50 pages.
Intern, Practicum Student
The Crosby Clinic
Escondido
01.2017 - 01.2018
- Facilitated group therapy and documented clinical notes.
- Applied creative therapy methods and maintained confidentiality.
- Organized paperwork, supported staff as an office administrator, handled scheduling, and worked front desk.
Assistant
Freedom Friends Therapeutic Horseback Riding
Tullahoma
01.2008 - 01.2010
- Taught riding, supported client engagement, and cared for horses.
Intern
Animal Medical Clinic
Tullahoma
01.2009 - 03.2009
- Supported front desk operations and animal care.
- Provided emotional support to pet owners during difficult times.
- Cleaned and sterilized exam rooms between appointments.
Education
Master of Arts - Psychology
Pepperdine University
Malibu01.2022
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
Alliant International University
Poway, CA01.2020
Skills
- Psychoeducation
- Customer Service
- Conflict Resolution
- Team Collaboration
- Self-Starter
- Public Speaking
- AI & Computer Literacy
- Resource Management
- Technical & Creative Writing
- Time Management
- Communication
- Conflict Resolution
- Trauma Psychology
- Positive Psychology
Projects
Police & Community Relations, Alliant University, 2018-2019: Led a community research team and presented before the San Diego community.
Mass Incarceration, Alliant University, 2019-2020: Led a community research team and presented before the San Diego community.
IRB #1907144828: Childhood Memory Effects on Adult Attachment, 2018-2020
Trauma-Informed Eating Disorders (TIEDs), 2019-2020
Timeline
Research Writer & Editor
Young Legalists
02.2025 - 04.2025
Retail Associate
Trader Joe's
05.2024 - Current
Behavior Technician
Behavior Frontiers
12.2023 - 05.2024
Freelance Mental Health Educator
Self-Employed
11.2022 - 10.2024
Research Project Assistant
Pepperdine University
07.2022 - 09.2022
Research Assistant
American Institute for Behavioral Research and Technology
08.2021 - 02.2022
Blog Writer & Life Coach
PACEs Connection
08.2020 - 06.2021
Student Intern
Our Redeemer Lutheran Church
08.2019 - 06.2020
Teaching Assistant
Alliant International University
01.2019 - 06.2020
Research Assistant
Alliant International University
01.2019 - 05.2020
Intern, Practicum Student
The Crosby Clinic
01.2017 - 01.2018
Intern
Animal Medical Clinic
01.2009 - 03.2009
Assistant
Freedom Friends Therapeutic Horseback Riding
01.2008 - 01.2010
Master of Arts - Psychology
Pepperdine University
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
Alliant International University