K. Nichelle Pettiford
Nashville,USA
Summary
Experienced social services professional with strong commitment to fostering positive outcomes and enhancing community well-being. Adept at providing support, advocacy, and resources to diverse populations while maintaining high ethical standards. Demonstrates collaborative approach, adaptability to changing needs, and focus on delivering impactful results. Skilled in case management, crisis intervention, and effective communication.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Case Manager-Field Practice
KidLink Community Services
10.2024 - Current
- Providing case management services to nine youth placed in Therapeutic Foster Care.
- Conducted thorough assessments of clients' situations, identifying issues, goals, and necessary interventions.
- Strong skills in dealing with a variety of ethnic client populations.
- Maintained accurate documentation on all cases, ensuring compliance with regulations and confidentiality requirements.
- Coordinating services and monitoring progress.
- Exceptional oral and written communication abilities.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to address client needs and formulate tailored support strategies.
- Fostered open lines of communication with clients' families and support networks, involving them in the case management process as appropriate.
Restorative Practice Assistant-Field Practice
STARS Nashville
10.2023 - 07.2024
- Trained in trauma-informed care to support, respond to, and support students experiencing trauma.
- Restorative Practice Assistant serving 600+ middle school students, staff, and teachers.
- Facilitated effective communication between students and staff, reducing misunderstandings and fostering trust in the practice.
- Ensured confidentiality of student information by adhering to HIPAA regulations and implementing secure data practices.
- Daily group and classroom sessions.
- Coordinate the re-entry of students returning from discipline and expulsion.
- Participated in ongoing professional development activities to stay current on industry trends and advancements in medical practice management.
Classroom Associate
Metro Nashville Public Schools
08.2023 - 10.2023
- Covering classrooms to assist with student supervision, instruction, and administrative tasks.
- Adept teaching methods and instructional materials to meet the needs of 15 Pre-K Exceptional Education students.
- Provide student tutoring/intervention services as needed.
- Help maintain a well-organized, safe, and attractive classroom environment.
- Working closely with teachers to plan lessons, implement strategies, and assess student needs.
Advocacy Coach
Metro Nashville Public Schools
10.2022 - 05.2023
- Manages the Advocacy Center, working directly with students in emotional crisis or conflict who need short-term trauma-informed and restorative care.
- Provides a safe space for emotional and behavioral regulation.
- Supports students, particularly those experiencing anxiety, anger, or grief, by collaborating with teachers and families.
- The Coach provides a short-term intervention by supporting students with (1) stress reduction and emotional regulation, (2) reflection and conversation, (3) accountability action (only when needed), and (4) re-entry support back to the academic setting.
Membership Director, Coordinator
YMCA of Middle TN
01.2008 - 10.2019
- Managed the annual budget allocation relating specifically to membership services/programming activities in consultation with other department heads and stakeholders.
- Served more than 15,000 members as Membership Director.
- Coached and mentored 30+ staff members through constructive feedback to develop long-term career goals.
- Boosted member satisfaction through regular communication, feedback collection, and prompt issue resolution.
- Continuously refined internal communication processes to ensure that all staff members are well-informed about organizational policies, procedures and member-related updates.
- Developed events and programs in consideration of the needs, abilities, and interests of participants.
Education
Master of Social Work -
Oakwood University
Huntsville, AL05-2025
Bachelor of Science - Human Services
Springfield College
Springfield, MA01.2020
Skills
- Google Workspace Proficiency
- Active Listening
- Confidentiality
- Cultural Competence
- Client Case Management
- Ethical Standards
- Effective Conflict Resolution
- Effective Organization
- Team Collaboration
Awards
Summa Cum Laude
Affiliations
- NASW
Timeline
Case Manager-Field Practice
KidLink Community Services
10.2024 - Current
Restorative Practice Assistant-Field Practice
STARS Nashville
10.2023 - 07.2024
Classroom Associate
Metro Nashville Public Schools
08.2023 - 10.2023
Advocacy Coach
Metro Nashville Public Schools
10.2022 - 05.2023
Membership Director, Coordinator
YMCA of Middle TN
01.2008 - 10.2019
Master of Social Work -
Oakwood University
Bachelor of Science - Human Services
Springfield College
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