Nicole Randick, EdD, ATR-BC, REAT, LPC, NCC

As an educator, I aim to provide my students with a relational learning environment that stimulates engagement, encouragement, and creativity. This is especially true in a virtual (online) learning environment. For example, VoiceThread allows active learning groups to flourish by allowing students to video and/or record responses to demonstrate their knowledge. Hearing and seeing peers allow students to form connections and a feeling of belonging in the virtual classroom. I believe that knowledge is obtained and retained by being part of the learning process. This engagement allows me, as an instructor, to fully engage with all my students to ensure quality education for all.

I believe strong families and schools are the foundation of healthy communities. To this end, my professional work has focused on the administration of programs that support and strengthen families and schools through education and counseling services rooted in art and wellness. Some of my accomplishments include developing positive school programming for at-risk youth, supervision of new counselors, and training school personnel in student mental health issues.

By incorporating what I’ve learned in my professional practice into the classroom, I hope to provide my students with Adlerian knowledge and training that brings the textbooks to life. My goal for my students is to become competent clinicians that focus on people’s strengths and resources. I hope to encourage them to contribute socially and have the skills and courage to overcome obstacles to attain their educational goals.

Please see my professional website for more information about my teaching philosophy, courses taught, and student evaluations.

What inspired you to join the counseling profession?
My inspiration to join the counseling profession came from my high school counselor, who helped me navigate finishing high school. As a single teen mother, the odds were that I would drop out. Not only did I graduate — I went on to obtain my doctorate. I began my professional journey as a school-based art therapist working with students and their families. I think my high school counselor would be proud!

How did you become interested in counseling education?
I started my career working in alternative school settings with students who had addictions and experienced trauma in their lives. I found counseling alone was limiting and did not reach all my clients. When I integrated more art-based sensory experiences such as music, movement, painting and drawing, meditation, and even play, I found it helped build resilience, improve self-esteem and self-confidence, regulate emotions and behavior, and increase emotional health and well-being in my clients. This inspired me to teach other counselors the power of using the creative arts within their practice.

What is so special about the culture at AGS?
I believe that people are goal-driven, social beings with an innate need to belong. Adler Graduate School has a culture that meets all these needs. AGS promotes professional growth and development through guidance, feedback, and allowing faculty to use their strengths in their work.

What are you most passionate about as an educator?
I aim to cultivate a relational learning environment that promotes engagement, encouragement, and creativity. By understanding their strengths and integrating fun learning tools in my classroom, I can tailor each student’s experience to meet their learning style. I believe that all students can reach their maximum potential through an environment rooted in encouragement. These skills are then applied in practice, bringing that same encouragement to their clients.