Nicole Keller, LCSW

Nicole Keller serves as the Director of Counseling and Program Innovation at The Retreat, Inc., a nonprofit organization providing comprehensive domestic violence services in Suffolk County, on Long Island, NY. In her role, Ms. Keller has developed several impactful programs, including one launched in 2020 through funding from the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act. This initiative offers counseling to children, youth, and their non-offending caregivers affected by family violence, while also working at the community level to promote prevention through free, evidence-informed programming aimed at shifting social norms and policies to foster safer environments for children. The program has since grown significantly, expanding its team of counselors, incorporating case management services to help families meet concrete needs, and now offers support throughout all of Suffolk County. It serves children and youth affected by a wide range of power-based violence, including domestic violence, sexual abuse, dating violence, stalking, and human trafficking. Earlier in her career, Ms. Keller worked under the Rape Prevention Education grant funded by the New York State Department of Health, where she developed community-level initiatives aimed at the primary prevention of sexual violence among youth and young adults aged 8 to 24. From 2017 to 2020, she also spearheaded Long Island Safer Bars, an innovative program focused on reducing sexual violence in nightlife environments. With over 18 years of experience supporting individuals across diverse demographics and socioeconomic backgrounds, Ms. Keller is a dedicated leader and advocate for survivors of violence. Her career has been rooted in direct service, with a focus on child welfare, particularly child sexual abuse and family violence, using trauma-informed practices. Ms. Keller holds a Bachelors degree in Social Sciences with a concentration in Early Childhood Development from the University at Buffalo (2006) and earned her Master of Social Work from Adelphi University in 2022. She is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), a Certified Trauma Professional, and is certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT). In addition to her full-time role at The Retreat, Ms. Keller also works in the evenings as a Therapist for RiseWells Children and Family Treatment & Support Services (CFTSS), where she continues her commitment to providing trauma-informed care to children and families