Nicole Soto, MSW, LAMFT

Nicole Soto is a first-generation mother of three with a deep passion for supporting children and families. A New Jersey–based social worker (currently pending full licensure) and Licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, Nicole was born and raised in New Jersey and is committed to creating environments that nurture children’s emotional well-being, growth, and success. She brings over 15 years of experience working with diverse communities across schools, homes, and community-based settings. Nicole currently provides counseling services to children and families, while also developing and implementing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) as part of her work within school systems. Her expertise includes collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to support students’ academic, social, and emotional needs through individualized and data-driven approaches. Her professional background includes extensive in-home therapy work, where she utilized the wraparound model to holistically support children and families. In addition, Nicole has played a key role in redesigning Social Emotional Learning (SEL) curriculums and school systems aligned with the New Jersey Tiered System of Supports (NJTSS). This initiative integrates academic and social-emotional development, promoting a school-wide culture of growth, inclusion, and resilience. Nicole has also supported families and students in strengthening executive functioning skills, helping children build organization, time management, and self-regulation strategies that extend across school and home environments. She incorporates movement-based practices into both classroom and in-home settings, recognizing the critical role movement plays in helping children regulate their bodies, improve focus, and engage more effectively in learning. Throughout her career, Nicole has partnered with various organizations to provide resources, lead community events, and increase access to mental health and educational supports across New Jersey. She has also contributed to the development and training of social work and counseling teams, strengthening systems of support for both students and professionals. Nicole is now certified in Social Emotional Learning (SEL), yoga, and mindfulness through Breathe For Change. She believes strongly in the power of mindfulness and movement as tools for emotional regulation, resilience, and overall well-being for both children and adults. She is also looking forward to becoming a certified therapy dog handler and incorporating animal-assisted support into her sessions, recognizing the powerful role that animals can play in building connection, motivation, and emotional safety for children. Fluent in Spanish, Nicole has extensive experience in program development, crisis intervention, and family support. She holds a Master’s degree in Social Work from Rutgers University and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from New Jersey City University. She is also CPR and First Aid certified and holds certifications in Child Family Team Training and NJ Wraparound Values and Principles