Meet The Team

Nicole Neeley is the founder of TRIBES (Trauma-Informed Training, Research, Intervention, Behavioral Education Service), an educational consulting organization rooted in healing-centered, culturally responsive practice. With more than 20 years of experience working with children of diverse needs and over five years in professional educational settings, Nicole brings both deep expertise and lived wisdom to her work.

Nicole earned her Bachelor of Arts in Business from Hawaii Pacific University and a Master’s degree in Neurodiversity and Special Education from the University of La Verne. Her interdisciplinary background allows her to bridge research, behavioral science, and practical application — transforming complex concepts into meaningful, accessible strategies for educators, families, and organizations.

At the core of Nicole’s philosophy is a simple but powerful belief:
“Stay ready so you don’t have to get ready.”

Her work emphasizes trauma-informed education grounded in the biological processes of emotional regulation, helping adults better understand behavior, build connection, and foster resilience in children and communities.

As an African-American woman, Nicole’s cultural identity profoundly shapes her approach. Her teaching style is intentional, relational, and deeply community-centered — often described as both motherly and empowering. She believes healing happens in relationship and that education is most effective when it honors identity, history, and lived experience.

Outside of her professional work, Nicole is the proud mother of four beautiful children, a dedicated softball coach, and someone who finds joy in dancing, and traveling. Whether in the classroom, on the field, or within the community, her passion for learning and service is unmistakable.

Through TRIBES, Nicole is committed to helping schools, families, and organizations create environments where individuals feel safe, supported, and empowered to grow.