Nicole Roberts is a results-oriented professional with more than a decade of experience in various facets of higher education, employee training and development, recruitment, and more. Currently, Nicole serves as the Executive Director at Jasper Mountain, a nationally and internationally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Jasper Mountain, founded in 1982 by Dave and Joyce Ziegler in collaboration with Judy Littlebury, has a clear and impactful mission: “To bring hope and healing to traumatized children aged 4-13 and their families, while enhancing the physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being of its clients and staff.” 

Situated in the picturesque Willamette Valley just outside of Eugene, Oregon, Jasper Mountain’s primary focus is on aiding the most vulnerable children in Oregon and across the nation. Often serving as the last beacon of hope for children and families dealing with the effects of childhood trauma, Jasper Mountain’s work is of critical importance. Nicole’s leadership and dedication in her role as Executive Director contribute significantly to the organization’s ability to fulfill this vital mission. 

Pursuing Passions to Making an Impact 

Nicole’s career journey has been marked by a pursuit of her passions and a commitment to personal and professional growth. After initially majoring in Early Childhood Education in college, she realized that this field might not provide the financial stability she desired. She took a break from college, gained life experience, and reevaluated her career path. 

During her late 30s, Nicole returned to college with a renewed sense of purpose. She pursued a major in Social Science and Psychology, reflecting her long-standing interest in the mental health field. This decision ultimately led her to a fulfilling career in higher education as an admissions officer. 

Nicole’s ability to build trust, connect with others, and help them recognize their potential played a significant role in her success as an admissions officer. Her passion for guiding individuals toward their aspirations was evident in her work. 

While working at the college, Nicole made the strategic decision to pursue a master’s degree in organizational leadership at Lewis University. This choice was driven by her desire to advance her career and take on leadership roles. Her hands-on experience in leadership at the college allowed her to apply her learning in real-world situations, contributing to her professional growth. 

During her time at the college, Nicole worked closely with her director, Judy Cook, who provided valuable support and encouragement. Nicole was able to create training programs and streamline college program information to ensure compliance, showcasing her leadership and organizational skills. 

Subsequently, Nicole transitioned to a role with Goodwill, where she served as an employee training and development specialist. In this position, she developed training programs and delivered them to staff members in Oregon and Alaska, contributing to the growth and development of employees in the organization. 

Nicole’s career journey reflects her commitment to continuous learning, personal growth, and making a positive impact on the lives of others. Her experiences in higher education and employee training have allowed her to leverage her skills and passions to benefit both individuals and organizations. 

Leveraging Past Experiences for Success at Jasper Mountain 

Nicole’s diverse background and experiences have proven to be valuable assets in her current role as the acting executive director of Jasper Mountain. She has been able to leverage her past career experiences to drive growth and success in her current position. 

One notable example is her experience with the accreditation process from her previous role at the college. This experience, which focused on regulatory compliance, equipped her with the knowledge and skills needed to guide her team at Jasper Mountain through the reaccreditation process. Under her leadership, the organization completed this process several months ahead of schedule, showcasing her ability to effectively manage compliance-related tasks. 

Besides, Nicole’s proactive problem-solving skills have been instrumental in implementing significant changes at Jasper Mountain in a relatively short time frame. Her ability to identify and address potential issues before they become major problems has contributed to the organization’s efficiency and success. 

Since joining Jasper Mountain in September 2021, Nicole’s career trajectory within the organization has been remarkable. She started as a compliance specialist, quickly moved up to become the compliance manager, then transitioned to the role of director of operations, and ultimately assumed the role of acting executive director. This progression highlights her dedication, leadership capabilities, and the positive impact she has had on the nonprofit organization. 

Empowering Teams and Building Relationships 

Nicole’s approach to leadership involves both internal and external aspects, emphasizing the importance of empowering her team within the organization and building strong relationships with external stakeholders. 

Within the organization, Nicole places a strong emphasis on her team’s expertise. While she may not be an expert in every aspect of their work, she ensures that her team is comprised of individuals who excel in their respective areas. Her leadership philosophy revolves around trust and empowerment. She believes in empowering her team members to make decisions autonomously, equipping them with the tools and freedom they need to succeed. Leadership, in her view, means trusting her team, nurturing their growth and development, and providing them with the support they need to excel. They collectively share a vision that they work towards, and Nicole is willing to make tough decisions to help the team achieve that vision. Importantly, she takes on the role of relieving pressure from her team, allowing them to focus on their tasks and achieve greatness. Overall, she surrounds herself with exceptional individuals who collaborate towards organizational excellence. 

Outside the organization, Nicole collaborates with various external stakeholders, including government entities, lawmakers, donors, and more. Building and maintaining these external relationships hinges on transparency, open communication, and the sharing of information and ideas. Nicole places great importance on open and honest communication as it helps break down barriers, foster mutual understanding, and create a safe and respectful environment where individuals are encouraged to speak up, ask questions, and engage in difficult conversations. This approach not only strengthens relationships but also facilitates effective collaboration with external partners. 

Path to Success 

Nicole’s approach to success emphasizes several key principles: 

• Trust: Building trust within a team and with external stakeholders is fundamental to success. 
• Empathy: Understanding and recognizing the needs and emotions of others is essential for effective leadership. 
• Continuous Learning: The desire to learn and adapt is crucial in a rapidly changing world. 
• Effective Listening: Actively listening to people’s needs enhances collaboration and problem-solving. 
• Flexibility: Being adaptable to change is essential for navigating challenges and seizing opportunities. 
• Mutual Support: Creating a team where trust is reciprocated and everyone supports each other leads to remarkable results. 

Bringing Hope and Healing 

Nicole’s work at Jasper Mountain involves serving some of the most traumatized children in Oregon and beyond. The mission of Jasper Mountain, focused on bringing hope and healing to these children and their families, is not just a slogan but a guiding principle in every decision she makes. Nicole emphasizes the life-changing impact of their work and the responsibility she and her team have in meeting and exceeding the needs of these children and their families. What resonates most with her in the mission is the opportunity to bring hope and healing, ultimately making a positive difference in the futures of their clients. 

Embracing Opportunities 

Nicole is currently focused on leading Jasper Mountain through a period of transition, including the challenges posed by the pandemic and the Great Resignation. She chooses to stay positive and maintain a forward-thinking mindset, even in challenging situations. Nicole believes that challenges are opportunities for learning and growth and that they will eventually pass. Her leadership team is strategizing to not just resume their previous activities but to elevate the organization from “good to great.” They aim to become a leader in children’s psychiatric residential care in the United States. Nicole emphasizes the importance of proactivity, having a clear vision, and selecting the right individuals who align with their vision. 

As a leader, Nicole emphasizes the duty of modeling positivity, as her reactions influence the behavior of her staff when facing difficulties. This approach aims to simplify their work and maintain a productive atmosphere.  

Building Trusting Relationships in Leadership 

Nicole places a significant emphasis on building positive and trusting relationships as the foremost metric for evaluating success. She believes that trust and strong relationships with her team are the foundation for achieving organizational success. By fostering an environment where her team trusts her and feels invested in the organization’s goals, Nicole has witnessed this sense of value and belonging motivating her staff to go above and beyond to achieve collective success. Trust, rapport, and a dedicated team have consistently played a pivotal role in the success of the organizations she has been a part of throughout her career. 

Leading the Way in Child Trauma Care 

Nicole’s long-term career goals are centered on making a positive impact and furthering the success of the organization. In the next five years, she aims to reinforce Jasper Mountain’s commitment to serving the most challenging and traumatized children. Her goal is to position Jasper Mountain as a top employer in the field, attracting top talent from across the country and beyond to help achieve this mission. Despite the disruptions caused by the pandemic, Nicole is determined to refocus the organization’s efforts on the well-being of the children and families they serve. 

Please Visit: https://jaspermountain.org/