We will share what a harmonious collaboration looks like for DHH Teacher, Case Manager and Mental Health Professional on the Individual Education Plan, and how to encourage successful sessions on a variety of registers for long-term return on investment with DHH children.
Nichole (Nicki) Melby is a Mental Health Professional and licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 8+ years of experience providing mental health therapy for children and adolescents with hearing loss and their families. She obtained her Master's Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from St. Mary's University of Minnesota and Bachelor's Degree in Deaf Pastoral Studies from North Central University. Prior to working for Therapeutic Services Agency, Nicki worked in the field of Adult Mental Health for 10+ years. She completed her internships at Hope and Healing Family Counseling and Volunteers of America where she worked with children and families. Nicki holds certification in Prepare and Enrich to provide pre-marriage preparation and a marriage enrichment course to couples. She is trained in Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocess (EMDR), Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP), TF-CBT, Theraplay interventions, and providing DC:0-5 assessments.
Chelsea Paulson is a graduate of Augustana College, with a bachelors in Deaf Education and Elementary Education, and the University of St. Thomas, with a masters in Curriculum and Instruction with math certification. Chelsea has been teaching Deaf/Hard of Hearing/DeafBlind students for fourteen years in South Dakota, Idaho and Minnesota. Chelsea married her high school sweetheart and is actively raising four rambunctious KODAs (kids of deaf adults).
