Nicole P. Burnside, LCSW, CWEL

Nicole Burnside is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and dedicated advocate for children and families, with nearly a decade of experience in child welfare, clinical services, and family support. Since earning her master’s degree from Loyola University of Chicago, she has built a career centered on serving vulnerable populations through case management, adoption services, and clinical supervision. Nicole holds specialized credentials, including foster care and adoption clinical training (NTI) and a child welfare license (CWEL) in Illinois, equipping her with advanced expertise in supporting children impacted by trauma, abuse, and neglect. As the co-founder and clinical director of Mimi’s House Family Advocacy Center, Nicole leads a nonprofit organization that has become a vital resource for individuals and families navigating the child welfare system. Through this work, she provides a combination of advocacy, clinical intervention, and tangible resources, including court advocacy and child abuse prevention services. In addition, she contributes her expertise through public speaking and professional development training, serves on the board of iCare supporting foster and adoptive families, and has been published. Her work also extends into partnerships with organizations like Second Nurture and involvement in inpatient psychiatric care, further broadening her impact across diverse care settings. Nicole’s commitment is deeply personal as both a foster and adoptive parent, bringing lived experience into her professional mission. Her journey into social work began at a young age while working as a camp counselor in underserved communities in South Central Los Angeles and Compton, where she witnessed firsthand the gaps in support for vulnerable populations. Today, she is driven by a steadfast belief that children’s voices must remain at the center of all decision-making within the system. Through her leadership, advocacy, and hands-on care, Nicole continues to push for meaningful systems change, ensuring that every child is heard, supported, and given the opportunity to thrive.

• Loyola University of Chicago

• LCSW
• CWEL

• iCare Board Member