Nicole Puertas MSW, CSW

Nicole Puertas (She/Her) is a Clinical Social Worker. Nicole received her master’s degree at the University of Utah in the advanced standing social work program. Nicole is an Equity, Diversity Inclusion embedded therapist at PLAE and the University of Utah. She is passionate about working with children and adolescents and aims to be an ever-present community support and mental health advocate for diverse individuals within the community. Being a first generation Peruvian-American, Nicole strives to honor lived experiences and embrace cultural traditions.

Nicole has been working in the social work field since 2017. Nicole has previous experience as a DCFS Caseworker working within child protective services and reunification capacities. Within her two years of working in child welfare, Nicole learned to engage with and be a support to children experiencing immense trauma. 

Nicole incorporates aspects of Emotion-Focused Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy into her work. Nicole values empathy and validation while offering skills in emotional regulation, self-compassion and mindfulness. Nicole strives to create a compassionate and safe space for clients to process trauma and navigate anxiety and depression. Outside of work, Nicole is an avid traveler, lover of house plant, and her dog, Remy!