“I’m writing you in support of Nichole Pettway’s
advancement in her professional career. In 1991, I
founded a community-based organization, Leaders in
Community Alternatives (LCA), for men and women
exiting the criminal justice system.
Nichole was a lead Case Manager and then Lead
Facilitator. She learned and then executed evidence-
based curriculum and was one of the most powerful,
effective group leaders we had. She was routinely
acknowledged by graduates for the positive impact she
had on them, both as a group leader, and for one on one
support as a Case Manager. She learned the often-
complicated curriculum with ease, but perhaps most
importantly her delivery in groups was outstanding. She
knew how to capture and sustain attention so that a
meaningful learning experience could happen, leading to
successful exiting of the criminal justice, social service,
mental health and addiction systems for her clients.
Nichole was also a good communicator and team player
with the organization as a whole. She was open with her
ideas and never reticent to tackle the more complicated
challenges. She was committed to the highest level of
professionalism, and she could be counted on at all times.
She will be an asset to any organization fortunate enough
to hire her.”

“On a more personal level, Nichole is a humble, smart
and very kind person. She is self-motivated to provide
high impact services, and also collaborates well with
leadership, colleagues and people seeking services.
She is someone who learns quickly and who is
comfortable asking questions to ensure she is moving
in the right direction. She works well independently and
in groups; and is one of those amazing people who is
always open to gaining a new skill.
Her pursuit for the MFT master’s degree is reflective of
her desire to learn, grow and give. She has terrific front
lines services skills, clinical experience and will
continue to be exemplary in that role. Additionally,
through her education, professional and life
experiences, she will also be an amazing Supervisor or
Director; someone who will lead a vision, team,
services and clients towards success. I highly
recommend Nichole for any academic or professional
role to which she applies. She will quickly demonstrate
that she is an asset in any environment”.

“Ms. Pettway’s talents and motivation to serve with excellence go hand in hand. She offers her lived experience through addiction, recovery and incarceration as a starting block to connecting with people whom are impacted by the complexity of trauma, violence and crime. As a professional, she also integrates the best practices that lifts people into the possibility of a different way of thinking and living. She is extremely talented. Through her support and the wide array of services, people with long histories of incarceration and disconnection from mainstream society found an
anchor for life’s transformation. In addition to her 1:1 work, Ms. Pettway was also a lead, evidence based best practices curriculum facilitator. She facilitated Thinking for a Change, Seeking Safety, Anger Management, and Healthy Relationships to name a few. To date Nichole has completed nine 26 week long cohorts, graduated 67 people and assisted several
probationers with early discharged. With the formally incarcerated population that is no easy feat.”

Dr. Pettway’s book is a true story of how unresolved secrets of childhood lead to pain in adulthood. As a psychotherapist, I would recommend this book to anyone struggling with substance use and/or incarceration. Nichole’s story of resilience, faith, and family is disarmingly honest, not shying away from her trauma and life decisions, yet always returning to the message that others are able to follow her lead into brilliance no matter how alone and dejected they may currently feel. Her words provide inspiration and actionable tools for everyone wishing to move forward in life. I thank her role models, community, and ancestors for paving the way for her to share her many gifts. (Sandra J. Hall, LCSW)

This book goes through the journey of childhood trauma and redemption and the twists and turns in between. This is a great gift for anyone who is struggling, especially those who are or have been incarcerated and feel like their opportunity for a “regular life” is over. Dr. Pettway’s testimony and constructive encouragement can really help to shift someone’s perception. The biggest message take away for me is: It is never too late to be your true and brilliant self and you are worth the effort.

Nicholes story is very relatable in more ways than one. We all know or have someone close to us who is or has had a struggle with addiction. Her story is one with a very triumphant victory over her emotional and physical trauma that would inspire any reader. Against all odds there is much light at the end of the tunnel 💕💕💕