Nicole Herrera
Current Affiliation: Nova Southeastern University (clinical psychology doctoral candidate)
Educational Path:
- Bachelor of the Arts, Major: Psychology, Certificate: Women and Gender Studies, Florida International University, Miami, Florida
- Master of Science in Clinical Psychology, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
- Doctoral Student, PsyD Clinical Psychology Candidate, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Why is aging important to you?
Throughout my life, I have been surrounded by strong, intelligent, charismatic, and selfless older adults. I am a first-generation Cuban American who was proudly raised by the help and love of my grandparents. My culture aided in my profound respect and admiration of the generations that have raised me, while never forgetting the sacrifices that they made. It also gave me a close-knit community of family and friends that are always willing to be there no matter what is needed, whether it is a babysitter, a style advisor, a storyteller, or a friend.
With an aging population, knowledge, services, and care is needed in abundance. I have seen, firsthand, the devastating effects of not prioritizing our older adult population’s health, on not only older adults but also their families and caretakers. Due to this, I continually strive to learn about and help combat stereotypes, unhealthy lifestyles, and diseases that impact older adults. Aging is a part of all our futures and aligning reality with our values of health, happiness, and fulfillment will create a future we look forward to!
In what areas of aging work are you involved (research, teaching, clinical, leadership, etc.)? And how much time/ effort do you devote to each?
I have had the pleasure of working with and learning from various groups of individuals who are dedicated to the betterment of our older adult population. I have worked closely with Dr. Soledad Argüelles-Borge in a research group geared towards learning deeply about older adults. Throughout this time, I conducted multiple research projects, including my Directed Study, The benefits of leisure activities on older adults: A systematic review.
Proudly, I was selected this past summer to work as an Aging Portfolio Intern for APA. I conducted a variety of tasks including updating the Guidelines for Psychological Practice with Older Adults, assisting with the APA 2022 Convention, and aiding in the development of the Psychologists Against Ageism webinar series. Clinically, and perhaps my favorite line of work, I have conducted individual and group therapy with older adults and neuropsychological assessments for individuals with dementia. I spent a considerable amount of time conducting these activities and have learned so much about different populations (and myself!).
What resources (including people, books, websites, etc.) have been the most useful in developing your career, and why?
As previously stated, Dr. Soledad Argüelles-Borge was the professor that ignited my interest in working with older adults. I can still remember the joy that radiated from her while she spoke of her therapeutic role with older adult clients during my 1-year doctoral class. She spoke of the alarming difference of older adults to health practitioners in the field who are specialized in geriatric care. She also spoke of her clients’ willingness to better their lives, their initiative, and the ease of their connection-building.
Dr. Latrice Vinson is another wonderful leader in the field of geriatric psychology. She was my supervisor during my APA internship with the Aging Portfolio. She opened my eyes to what change looks like from a research and leadership model. There are a variety of activities that can be conducted to facilitate with knowledge building and radical adherence to our values.
As you can see, I am a people person. Although books and websites have aided in my development, it has been the mentorship of my professors, supervisors, and grandparents who have impacted me profoundly. It would be amiss to not mention my incredible grandmother, Eva, who lived to the age of 97, and was one of my primary caregivers. She taught me so much of what life is, so much of who I am, and my potential. She was strong, thoughtful, intelligent, FUNNY, and warm. She taught me what a loving connection looks like and that we can be friends with people from different generations. My grandfather, Toño, has been one of the loves of my life. He has always been there for any of his children, grandchildren, siblings, or family members. He is the type of person who will make you feel immensely loved and will makes you laugh endlessly.
I have been so lucky to have each of these individuals show me how wonderful aging can be.
What has been a challenge (academic, clinical, or research-based) you faced and how did you overcome it?
Working with older adults exhibiting symptoms of dementia was challenging for me at first. Specifically, it can be difficult to see family members become caregivers and rely on clinicians for support, knowledge, and understanding. In working with older adults, I found a parallel operative (and love) of working with caregivers. Two facts have stuck out to me throughout this work: (1) caregivers are more effective at caregiving when they take care of themselves and (2) caregivers feel guilt whenever they “fill their cup” and are not actively spending their time caregiving.
While still advocating for older adults and providing knowledge to all who are involved in the care of older adults, I have found that empathizing with caregivers and stressing the importance of self-care for themselves and their loved ones is key! This is sometimes their first time being told this information, lessening the stigma, myths, and the usual feeling of, “I am not doing enough.” Empowering all individuals helps create strong support systems that are secure and meaningful for all individuals.
What is one bit of advice you would give to students entering the field?
I believe that, although it might be difficult at first, what helped me the most was finding professors and students that have similar interests that I have. Collaborative work has opened many doors and has allowed me to dip into my different interests. Additionally, try different areas! As I have been interested in a variety of areas, I have been taking my time in finding what I would like to be an expert in but have found myself becoming a well-rounded clinician.
What’s next for you?
As a fifth year PsyD candidate, I am conducting my internship at the Community Action and Human Services Department in Miami, Florida. I have been interested in community work my whole life, as I have been heavily involved in community service opportunities since middle school. I hope to use this year to hone my skills in being the best provider I can be in this setting. Specifically, I am working concurrently with preschool children through Head Start and a residential rehabilitation center for substance use. The services conducted for Head Start programs include classroom observations, biopsychosocial intakes with caregivers, feedback sessions, assessments, therapy, and writing comprehensive reports. For the rehabilitation treatment facility, I conduct group and individual counseling and neuropsychological, psychological, and substance use testing. Additionally, I provide trainings for staff, collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, and advocate for clients’ equitable access to resources and services. It has been an incredible experience so far and I have grown so much as a clinician.
As I have had work experiences in neuropsychology, health psychology, diversity work, working with older adults, rehabilitation centers, and with preschool children, I hope to find a post-doctorate program that emphasizes these areas and introduces me to new ones! I have enjoyed my generalist training and look forward to my future endeavors.