# data[].attributes.body
My name is Nicole Etta. I was born and raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota, but I currently reside in Brentwood, California—about 40 minutes outside of San Francisco. I have always had a deep passion for understanding people and what shapes their behaviors, emotions, and experiences. This passion led me to pursue a degree in psychology at the University of Northwestern in Minneapolis.

My journey toward becoming a therapist has been shaped by both academic and personal experiences. While studying, I worked in a group home where I gained hands-on experience supporting individuals with various challenges. At the same time, I took on significant responsibilities at home. I helped care for my family during my mother’s battle with depression and played a key role in raising my two younger sisters. I often used my paychecks and student refunds to support them and create opportunities for their success. These times were not easy, but they strengthened my resilience and deepened my commitment to serving others.

I believe that my life experiences, combined with my education and empathy, have prepared me to become a compassionate and effective therapist. I’m excited to continue this journey and help others find healing, hope, and strength.

# data[].attributes.body
My passion for psychology began with my mother. She used to tell me that I would make a great therapist because I was often the only one who could help her navigate her emotions. From a young age, I was put in a position where I had to grow up quickly. As the oldest child, I naturally stepped into a parenting role within our household. This experience taught me how to read people's emotions, manage difficult situations, and plan ahead—skills that would later shape my career path.

I attended North Community High School in Minneapolis, a predominantly Black school with limited resources but a tight-knit community. North wasn’t always easy; I had transferred schools nearly every year before landing there. Despite the challenges, attending North turned out to be a blessing. Most students didn’t apply for scholarships, which opened the door for me to access opportunities that many overlooked. I received several thousands of dollars in scholarships simply because I took the time to apply. Additionally, I was awarded a 75% scholarship to attend the University of Northwestern, which gave me a solid foundation for pursuing my degree in psychology.

During high school, I wasn’t the most outgoing student. I was a quiet, determined "nerd" who often ate lunch alone in the library or career center, focused on one goal: getting out of the inner city and building a better future. I spent nearly all of my free time researching scholarships and programs—anything that could be my ticket to a new life. After a full year of obsessively planning my way out, it finally paid off. I not only got into college, but I thrived. Through it all, I continued to support my family—using extra scholarship money and refunds to help my younger sisters and make sure they had what they needed. I never imagined I’d be in a position to do so much at such a young age, but looking back, I see now how these experiences molded me into the person I am today.

# data[].attributes.body
After graduating from college, I continued to work closely with vulnerable populations by providing one-on-one care to elderly clients in their homes. These relationships were deeply personal and often emotional. Many of my clients opened up to me, sharing stories, secrets, and insights they hadn’t even shared with their therapists. I gently encouraged them to explore these feelings in therapy, and it became clear to me how powerful it is simply to have someone who listens without judgment. That role reinforced the value of empathy, patience, and trust—and it continued to guide me on my path in the mental health field.

Eventually, I shifted my focus to working with children and teens in the Minneapolis Public Schools. I had the opportunity to teach a women’s empowerment class through an organization called Girls Taking Action. In this role, I facilitated lessons on mental health awareness, college preparation, personal organization, and self-advocacy. The program also exposed young girls to higher education and various career opportunities. It was in this job that I discovered my true calling—working with youth and their families. I found joy in watching students begin to believe in themselves, plan for the future, and take control of their emotional well-being.

When I relocated to California two years ago, I hoped to bring the Girls Taking Action program with me, but I struggled to find a school that would adopt it. Still driven to support at-risk youth, I began working as a Therapeutic Behavioral Specialist, serving foster children, at-risk teens, and their families. This role has been both challenging and deeply fulfilling. It has confirmed for me that my long-term goal is to become a child and youth therapist. I want to walk alongside young people as they navigate trauma, identity, and growth—and to support parents in creating stable, nurturing environments. Helping kids meet their goals for life isn't just something I want to do—it's something I feel I was meant to do.

# data[].attributes.body
In my personal life, I am in a season of honoring my inner child. These days, I find joy in the simple things that bring me peace and creativity—listening to music, going to concerts, painting, drawing, exploring nature, and taking spontaneous road trips with my significant other. I’m also pregnant with my first child, which fills me with so much happiness. Knowing I’ll be able to provide him with a healthy, loving environment where he can thrive brings me a sense of purpose like no other.

One of my favorite pastimes is playing basketball with my spouse—even though I always lose, it's our special way of bonding. After long days filled with doctor’s appointments, work, and school, late-night drives help me unwind and reset. I also love getting lost in a good book. Lately, I’ve been unapologetically enjoying young adult romance novels. For me, this is a small act of healing—honoring the younger version of myself who never had the chance to buy and collect books. Sometimes, I pass my books on to students, offering them the joy of reading as a small way of giving back.

Another quiet joy I’ve discovered is gardening. I currently have five rose bushes outside my home, and while they require minimal care, they’ve been thriving. After about 30 minutes of pulling weeds, I like to tell myself I’m a master gardener—even though deep down, I know that’s a bit of a stretch. Still, it brings me peace and pride, and that’s enough for now.

# data[].attributes.body
I want to become a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist because I’ve seen firsthand the impact that trauma, instability, and lack of support can have on children and families—and I’ve also seen the power of compassion, structure, and connection to change lives. Growing up as the eldest child in a home affected by my mother’s struggle with depression, I naturally stepped into a caretaker role at a young age. I learned how to read emotions, de-escalate tension, and offer support—long before I knew those were therapeutic skills. My mother often told me I would make a great therapist, and as I reflect on my life and work, I know she was right. Those early experiences gave me a deep understanding of the needs children and families carry, and they continue to inspire my desire to serve others through therapeutic work.

My professional journey has only strengthened that calling. From working in group homes with veterans and elderly clients to teaching empowerment courses in Minneapolis public schools, I’ve been privileged to serve people across the lifespan. But it was working with youth—through Girls Taking Action and later as a Therapeutic Behavioral Specialist with foster youth—that truly showed me where my heart belongs. I realized that many young people are not just struggling with mental health challenges, but also with a lack of guidance, safety, and identity. In my work, I’ve become a trusted adult, a safe place, and often a mirror reflecting back their worth. I’ve also seen the ripple effect that supporting parents and caregivers can have on a child’s well-being, which is why the family systems approach of an LMFT resonates with me so deeply.

I want to become an LMFT so I can formally provide the care, validation, and guidance that I know changes lives. I am especially passionate about supporting youth from underserved communities—children who, like me, may have had to grow up too quickly or who feel invisible in systems that overlook them. I see therapy as more than just treatment; it’s a relationship, a tool for empowerment, and a way to build a healthier foundation for the next generation. Becoming an LMFT will allow me to create safe, healing spaces for both young people and their families, helping them develop the skills, confidence, and resilience to move forward.

Ultimately, my life has been shaped by a deep desire to give others what I didn’t always have—a voice, a sense of stability, and hope for the future. My journey through caretaking, education, direct service, and now motherhood has prepared me not just professionally, but personally, to step into this role. I am ready to continue learning, growing, and showing up for the youth and families who need someone to believe in them, advocate for them, and help them heal.