Nicole Jarock, MAT, Director of Transition and Higher Education Services
Nicole Jarock is AERI's Director of Transition and Higher Education Services, and joined AERI in 2011. Nicole also serves as the Director for Achieving in Higher Education (AHEADD), AERI's college support program.
She provides assessment of and guidance to AERI and its affiliated organizations and subsidiaries including Family Behavioral Resources, and The University School. She assists in identifying and developing outcome measures to assess and report on program efficacy across organizations. Furthermore, she participates in the strategic planning to assist in achieving agency mission and goals. Nicole is committed to ensuring that services provided throughout the organization are progressive and at all times upholding AERI’s mission.
Nicole has worked with children and adolescents diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder for the past 10 years. During her graduate coursework at Chatham University, Nicole completed an internship that focused on teaching students with ASD within an inclusive classroom. Upon completing her Masters in Teaching at Chatham University, Nicole worked within the BHRS wraparound system as a Therapeutic Staff Support, Behavior Specialist Consultant, and interim Wraparound Service Coordinator. During her career in BHRS, Nicole specialized in the implementation of evidence-based programs for young children diagnosed with ASD.
Prior to joining AERI, Nicole was the Coordinator for Outpatient Services at The Watson Institute. While at The Watson Institute, Nicole became engaged with how the community and family system responds to the needs of transition-aged youth diagnosed with ASD. In 2008, Nicole co-developed a college acclimation program and curriculum for transition-aged youth with ASD; this acclimation program has been replicated at five universities in Pennsylvania and is being used as a training model for nationally and internationally. Nicole continues to be involved in community initiatives to provide appropriate supports and guidance to youth in transition. Specifically, she is completing a certificate in Person Centered Planning and will soon begin coursework in the Graduate Transition Special Education Certificate Distance Education as offered through the George Washington University in Washington, D.C. Through this program, Nicole will help to identify and develop a collaborative approach to linking school, community, and post-secondary systems.
Nicole resides in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania with her family.
WHY AERI?
“AERI is dedicated to providing the best services to children and adolescents and their families. Everyone here demonstrates integrity and commitment to our organization’s mission. I am grateful to work with such an inspiring team and believe that our efforts truly impact and change the lives of children and youth, their families, and the community.”
