Nikki L. Ray
Valdosta,GA
Summary
A combination of a few systemic theories comprises my therapeutic orientation including Narrative, Collaborative, and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy. Committed to providing empathetic, transparent, and culturally responsive care while partnering with clients to co-create strengths-based, solution-focused change. Experienced working independently and collaboratively with consultation teams serving individuals, couples, and families. Passionate about supporting diverse populations, including military families, LGBTQ+ individuals, young adults, low-income families, and navigating crisis.
Overview
1
1
Certification
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Marriage and Family Therapy Intern
Family Works Clinic
Valdosta, GA
01.2024 - 08.2026
- Maintained 10 to 15 clients weekly minimum
- Delivered therapeutic services to adolescents, individuals, couples, and families facing challenges such as anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, suicidal ideation, infidelity, and parenting concerns.
- Reviewed and updated client documentation to align with clinic policies and procedures, ensuring accuracy and accessibility.
- Received 500 hours of direct contact with clients.
LGBTQIA+ Support Group Lead Facilitator
Family Works Clinic
Valdosta, GA
01.2024 - 08.2026
- Facilitated a weekly support group sessions for LGBTQ+ Individuals, creating a confidential and non-judgmental environment conducive to open discussion and sharing.
- Developed and maintained relationships with local LGBTQ+ organizations, mental health professionals, and community resources to enhance the support available to group members.
- Collaborated with fellow facilitators and guest speakers to diversify session content, ensuring a well-rounded and comprehensive approach to supporting group members.
Care Coordinator
Family Works Clinic
Valdosta, GA
01.2024 - 08.2026
- Conducted intakes, in-person and via telephone, to effectively match clients with appropriate therapists or consultation teams.
- Performed administrative tasks in accordance with clinic Policies and Procedures Manual, ensuring accurate documentation of intakes, sessions, and clinic activities.
- Coordinate client communications and notify therapists and supervisors of client arrivals
Graduate Assistant
Valdosta State University
Valdosta, GA
01.2024 - 08.2026
- Facilitated PhD student success by identifying improvement areas and providing constructive feedback on assignments, exams, and dissertations, enhancing academic performance.
- Assisted professors in developing course materials that increased student engagement and understanding, contributing to a more effective learning environment.
- Assisted faculty in research projects, facilitating data collection and analysis.
- Coordinated departmental events, enhancing student engagement and collaboration opportunities.
- Developed instructional materials, improving clarity and accessibility for diverse learning styles.
Case Manager/SOAR Specialist
Apalachee Center
Tallahassee, FL
01.2022 - 01.2024
- Identified and assessed high-risk clients and monitored clients' risk through suicide risk assessments.
- Identified and assessed high-risk clients, monitoring risk through comprehensive suicide risk assessments to ensure client safety.
- Advanced to position of SOAR Specialist
- Applied SOAR Certification to guide clients through SSI/SSDI application process, facilitating access to crucial benefits.
Inpatient Therapy Intern
Apalachee Center
Tallahassee, FL
01.2021 - 01.2022
- Conducted assessments and evaluations to determine appropriate therapeutic interventions for individuals and families in initial crisis post-baker act.
- Identified high-risk clients and monitored risk through suicide assessments. Engaged in therapy sessions with certified supervisor for high-risk individuals, assisting in development of SRA/Safety Plans.
- Conducted client assessments to identify therapeutic needs and develop personalized care plans.
- Assisted in implementing evidence-based interventions to support clients' mental health goals.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to enhance service delivery and client outcomes.
Homeless Crisis Care/Case Manager Intern
Apalachee Center
Tallahassee, FL
01.2021 - 01.2022
- Created outreach flyers with resource guides featuring community referrals for free food, shelter, and healthcare services, enhancing access to vital resources for the homeless.
- Contributed to grant proposal and report preparation, showcasing program successes and identifying improvement areas to support funding and program development.
- Coordinated comprehensive care plans tailored to individual client needs.
- Facilitated multidisciplinary team meetings to enhance collaborative care delivery.
- Monitored client progress and adjusted treatment plans as necessary for optimal outcomes.
Education
M.S. - Marriage and Family Therapy
Valdosta State University
Valdosta, GA01-2026
B.S. - Human Development and Family Sciences
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL01-2023
A.S. - Associates of Science
Tallahassee Community College
Tallahassee, FL01-2021
Skills
- Risk Assessment
- Crisis Intervention
- Treatment Planning
- Case Conceptualization
- Clinical Documentation
- Outreach and Intake
Certification
- July 2025 Human Trafficking Awareness, Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF)
- July 2025 Mandated Reporter Certification, Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF)
- February 2025 The Disproportionate Woman: Changing Perception Through Relational
- April 2024 Safe Space-LGBTQIA+ Ally Training, Family Works Clinic
- August 2024 HIPAA Compliance Training, Family Works Clinic
- August 2024 Protecting Youth: Abuse and Neglect Prevention, Family Works Clinic
- May 2023 CPR/AED All Ages, Apalachee Center
- August 2024-Present AAMFT Student Liability Insurance, CPH Insurance
Presentations
- Ray, N. (May, 2026), From Surviving To Thriving: Advocacy, Research, And Support For MFY Students. Presented at the AFTA’s Annual Conference, Virtual on the AFTA Website
- Ray, N. (October, 2025), From Surviving To Thriving: Advocacy, Research, And Support For MFY Students. Presented at the AAMFT Systemic Family Therapy Conference, Virtual on the AAMFT Website
- Ray, N., Thompson, M., McLendon, B., Lindsey, Z., Williams, K. (2025, April), Swiping into Reality, from DMs to Dinner Dates: Exploring Men’s Experiences in Online to Offline Dating. Presented at the Marriage and Family Therapy Program, Valdosta State University
- Ray, N., Goldsboro, T., Lambert-Shute, J.J. (2025, April). Navigating Romantic Partnership while Caring for a Neurodivergent Child. Presented at the Graduate Student Research and Scholarship Symposium, Valdosta State University
Awards
2026 Outstanding Queer Facilitator, Awarded by Valdosta State University, 2023 Employee of the Month, Awarded by Apalachee Center, 2023 Outstanding Volunteer for Veterans, Awarded by Apalachee Center, 2021-2023 Presidents List, Awarded Every Semester by Florida State University
Affiliations
- 2026-Present International Society for the Study of Behavioral Development
- 2024-Present National Council on Family Relations
- 2024-Present American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT)
- 2024-Present American Family Therapy Academy (AFTA)
- 2024-Present Georgia Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (GAMFT)
- 2024-Present GAMFT Student Committee
Continued Education
- November 2025 1 CE: What Every MFT Should Know about Stroke and Brain Injury CE, GAMFT
- October 2025 1.5 CE: Rooted in Legacy: The Women Who Shaped Systemic Therapy in Their Words, AAMFT
- October 2025 2 CE: Systemic Practice in the Digital Space: Telemental Health Ethics, Practice & Client Care, Valdosta State University’s Marriage
- July 2025 1.5 CE: 8 Things Every Therapist Needs to Know about Family Estrangement, AAMFT
- June 2025 1.5 CE Ethics: GAMFT Legislative Advocacy Town Hall, GAMFT
- January 2025 1 CE: The 3 keys to passing the MFT Exam, Therapy That Works Institute
Timeline
Marriage and Family Therapy Intern
Family Works Clinic
01.2024 - 08.2026
LGBTQIA+ Support Group Lead Facilitator
Family Works Clinic
01.2024 - 08.2026
Care Coordinator
Family Works Clinic
01.2024 - 08.2026
Graduate Assistant
Valdosta State University
01.2024 - 08.2026
Case Manager/SOAR Specialist
Apalachee Center
01.2022 - 01.2024
Inpatient Therapy Intern
Apalachee Center
01.2021 - 01.2022
Homeless Crisis Care/Case Manager Intern
Apalachee Center
01.2021 - 01.2022
A.S. - Associates of Science
Tallahassee Community College
B.S. - Human Development and Family Sciences
Florida State University
M.S. - Marriage and Family Therapy
Valdosta State University