Nicole was born and raised in Portland, Oregon and Port Orchard, WA. She studied at San Diego State University for two years and then transferred to Western Washington University (WWU). She will be graduating from WWU in 2026 with a Bachelors of Sociology. 

Nicole believed that she would go directly into law school to study international law, but after starting work with Radiant Heart (initially as a part-time summer job), she realized that her heart belongs with animals and pet parents experiencing the loss of a pet — loss she is familiar with. She is grateful to have the opportunity to use her personal experience with pet loss, along with her now professional experience and training (she has completed the IAOPCC Pet Bereavement Certification Level I), to help others move through the steps associated with their pet’s after-care.

“My ultimate goal is to become a licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator and eventually go to law school and study wildlife conservation and animal law and spread the word about the importance of conserving wildlife in our world,” says Nicole. Her ultimate goal would be to open her own animal sanctuary and/or rehabilitation center.

Nicole volunteers at a farm sanctuary in Canada as well at the Whatcom Humane Society (WHS) Wildlife Rehabilitation Center. She is also a driver for the WHS Wildlife Transport and Marine Mammal Stranding Network. Nicole enjoys golfing, skiing, hiking, working out, and time with her cat Zesty, though her busy schedule leaves little free time.

Nicole joined Radiant Heart in September 2025.