Nicole R.H. Baker, PhD, LMFT, RPT™, AAMFT Approved Supervisor (she, her, hers)

MN Board Approved Supervisor for LMFT
MN BBHT Approved Supervisor
Chief Clinical Officer

Nicole holds a PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy and is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Registered Play Therapist Supervisor, and AAMFT Approved Supervisor. She is also an approved supervisor with the Minnesota Board of Marriage and Family Therapy and the Minnesota Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy. Her advanced clinical training includes Sand Tray Therapy, Experiential Play Therapy, Somatic Experiencing®, Filial Therapy, and Theraplay®. Nicole is trained in DC:0–5 diagnostic criteria for young children and is also qualified as a Social Early Neutral Evaluator (SENE), mediator, and custody evaluator.

Nicole works with all ages and diverse relationship structures, and has a strong commitment to inclusive and affirming care. Her areas of clinical focus include play therapy, trauma, high‑conflict divorce, attachment, personality disorders, and reunification therapy. She is dedicated to supporting LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC communities and practices from a sex‑positive, ethical non‑monogamy–affirming, and kink‑aware framework.

In addition to her clinical practice, Nicole offers training, supervision, and consultation at the local, state, and national levels and remains actively engaged in academia as a professor and researcher. Nicole has a strong commitment to teaching, clinical supervision, and the development of emerging clinicians.

Education

Doctor of Philosophy in Marriage and Family Therapy, Department of Marriage and Family Therapy, Northcentral University, 2015-2021

Master of Science, Department of Criminal Justice, Saint Cloud State University, 2000-2002

Bachelor of Science, Specialist in Social Work, Saint Cloud State University, 1997-2000

Qualified Neutral, Minnesota Rule 114; 30 Hour Basic Mediation Skills Training, Saint Cloud State University

Qualified Social Early Neutral Evaluator, Rule 114; SENE Training, AFCC Minnesota.

Child Custody Evaluator, 40 Hour Child Custody Evaluator Training, Association for Family and Conciliation Courts.Awards/Scholarships

Awards/Scholarships

SCSU Graduate Assistantship 2000-2002

Professional Licenses

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Minnesota Board of Marriage and Family Therapy

Registered Play Therapist Supervisor, Association for Play Therapy

AAMFT Approved Supervisor, American Association for Marriage and Family Therapists

Minnesota Board Approved Supervisor, Minnesota Board of Marriage and Family Therapy

Minnesota Board Approved Supervisor, Minnesota Board of Behavioral Health

Specialized Training

Clinical Training

Sand Journeys (December 2006). Joyce Arendt, MSW, LICSW, RPT-S, SEP, hosted by Family Connections, Minnetonka, MN.

Stepping into the Journey: Transforming a Child’s Story Through Play (April 2007). Terry Kottman, Ph.D., NCC, RPT-S, hosted by Minnesota Association for Play Therapy, Bloomington, MN.

Transforming Trauma Through Play (April 2008). Byron Norton, M.Ed, RPT-S and Maggie Klien, MS, MFT, hosted by Minnesota Association for Play Therapy, Minnetonka, MN.

Honoring the Story (February 2009). Joyce Arendt, MSW, LICSW, RPT-S, SEP, hosted by Family Connections, Minnetonka, MN.

Play Therapy Saves the Day (March 2009). Lawrence Rubin, Ph.D., LHMC, RPT-S, hosted by Minnesota Association for Play Therapy, Minneapolis, MN.

Introduction to the Diagnostic Classification of Mental Health and Developmental Disorders of Infancy and Early Childhood (November 2009). Hosted by Minnesota Department of Human Services, Chaska, MN.

Family Play Therapy: Seeds for the Future (April 2010). Rise VanFleet, Ph.D., RPT-S, hosted by Minnesota Association for Play Therapy, Minneapolis, MN.

Promoting Relationships with Relationships (June 2010). Jill Simon, MSW, LICSW, IMH-E®(IV), hosted by Minnesota Department of Health, online.

Promoting Relationships with Relationships (June 2010). Jill Simon, MSW, LICSW, IMH0E®(IV), hosted by Minnesota Department of Health, Saint Cloud, MN.

Intensive Filial Therapy Training Program (September 2010). Joyce Arendt, MSW, LICSW, RPT-S, SEP, hosted by Family Connections, Minnetonka, MN.

Solving the Puzzle: Play Therapy After Loss (March 2011). Liana Lowenstein, MSW, RSW, CPT-S, hosted by Minnesota Association for Play Therapy, Minneapolis, MN.

Somatic Experiencing Beginning I (March 2011). Arial Giarretto, MS, LMFT, CMP, SEP, hosted by Somatic Experiencing Trauma Institute, Saint Paul, MN.

Somatic Experiencing Beginning II (June 2011). Arial Giarretto, MS, LMFT, CMP, SEP, hosted by Somatic Experiencing Trauma Institute, Saint Paul, MN.

Somatic Experiencing Beginning III (September 2011). Arial Giarretto, MS, LMFT, CMP, SEP, hosted by Somatic Experiencing Trauma Institute, Saint Paul, MN.

Somatic Experiencing Intermediate I (December 2011). Arial Giarretto, MS, LMFT, CMP, SEP, hosted by Somatic Experiencing Trauma Institute, Saint Paul, MN.

Somatic Experiencing Intermediate II (March 2012). Arial Giarretto, MS, LMFT, CMP, SEP, hosted by Somatic Experiencing Trauma Institute, Saint Paul, MN.

SandPlay-WorldPlay (March 2012). Gisela Schubach DeDomenico, Ph.D., LMFT, RPT-S, hosted by Minnesota Association for Play Therapy, Minneapolis, MN.

Worry Wars: A Play Therapy Protocol for Anxiety Disorders (March 2013). Paris Goodyear-Brown, LCSW, RPT-S, hosted by Minnesota Association for Play Therapy, Minneapolis, MN.

Mindfulness-Based Play-Family Therapy: Theory and Practice (March 2014). Dottie Higgens-Klien, LMFT, RPT-S, hosted by Minnesota Association for Play Therapy, Minneapolis, MN.

Experiential Play Therapy Intensive Training (June 2014). Byron Norton, Ed.D., RPT-S, hosted by Believing in Children and Families, Edina, MN.

Theraplay® Intensive Training (October 2021). Alexis Greeves, MA, LPCC, RPT-S, hosted by the Theraplay Institute, Minneapolis, MN.

Trauma, Attachment and Sand Based Play Therapy (April 2023). Marshall Lyles, LPC-S, LMFT-S, RPT-S, hosted by the Minnesota Association for Play Therapy, Maple Grove, MN.

Playful Heating: Trauma Informed Play Therapy for Children and Adolescents (April 2024). Jackie Flynn, EdS, LMHC-S, RPT-S. Hosted by the Minnesota Association for Play Therapy, Bloomington, MN.

Trauma, Dissociation and Part Play Therapy. (April 2025). Annie Monaco, LCSW-R, RPT & Ann Beckley Forest, LCSW-R, RPT-S. Hosted by the Minnesota Association for Play Therapy., Eagan, MN.

Clinical Consultation

Play Therapy Case Consultation/Supervision (2010-2012).  Ingrid Meyer, MA, LP, Minnetonka, MN.

Infant Mental Health/Early Childhood Case Consultation/Supervision (2011-2012).  Carol Siegal, Ph.D., LP, Minneapolis, MN.

Experiential Play Therapy Case Consultation/Supervision (2013-2015).  Byron Norton, Ed.D., RPT-S, Edina, MN.

Marriage and Family Therapy Case Consultation/Supervision (2015-2018).  Katherine Routt, LMFT, RPT-S, Coon Rapids, MN.

Marriage and Family Therapy Case Consultation/Supervision (2018 – present).  Melissa Wetterlund, LMFT, LP, RPT-S, Blaine, MN.

Related Experience

Private Practice (2007-present), The Creative Therapy Center, Elk River, MN

• Provide reunification therapy to children and families
• Provide professional presentations on therapeutic topics
• Custody Evaluations
• Provide supervision for pre-licensed therapists, interns and students
• Provide co-located mental health services for ISD 728
• Collaborate with school administration and school resource officers
• Participate in safe school action plan
• Complete comprehensive assessments on clients
• Provide therapy to individuals, children, adolescents, adults, couples and families
• Provide sex therapy
• Provide alternative therapy approaches such as sand tray therapy, play therapy and art therapy
• Provide therapy to LGBTQ clients
• Facilitate social skills, anger management and empowerment groups for children and adolescents ages 5 to 17
• Educate parents on attachment, child development, infant/early childhood trauma, parenting skills, health sexuality

Clinical Supervisor (2004-2006), Nexus Treatment Programs, Mille Lacs Academy, Onamia, MN

• Manage the development and implementation of all the components of the treatment program for assigned unit
• Provide direct client services including family therapy, sexuality therapy, and individual therapy
• Maintain schedules for the program and staff
• Supervision of staff
• Maintain departmental budget
• Develop and implement new treatment techniques and modalities into programming

Sexuality Therapist (2002-2004), Nexus Treatment Programs, Mille Lacs Academy, Onamia, MN

• Provide group and individual therapy to adolescent sex offenders
• Conduct comprehensive sexuality assessments on clients
• Develop and monitor treatment plans based on clients needs
• Participate as a member of a multidisciplinary team
• Provide court testimony
• Facilitate sex education curriculum

Sexuality Therapist (2002-2004), Nexus Treatment Programs, Mille Lacs Academy, Onamia, MN.

• Provide group and individual therapy to adolescent sex offenders
• Conduct comprehensive sexuality assessments on clients
• Develop and monitor treatment plans based on clients needs
• Participate as a member of a multidisciplinary team
• Provide court testimony
• Facilitate sex education curriculum

University Instructor

Special Topics in the Department of Criminal Justice: Criminal Profiling. Saint Cloud State University. Fall 2002.

Practicum Co-Supervision in the Department of Marriage and Family Therapy. Northcentral University. Winter 2018 – 2021.

Adjunct Faculty. Department of Clinical Psychology. Augsburg University. April 2022 – 2025).

Associate Professor. Department of Marriage and Family Therapy. National University. May 2023 – present.

Clinical Affiliate Faculty. Department of Marriage and Family Therapy. National University. March 2025 – present.

Publications

*Last name was formerly Ross

Baker, N. (2022). You Can Relate…but is it Authentic? Northcentral Univeristy Virtual Center for Health & Wellness.  Blog Post.

Baker, N. (2021). Child-Centered Reunification Therapy: A Phenomenological Study. Dissertation.

Ross, N. (2009).  Silent Cries: Infant Trauma and Healing. Minnesota Association for Play Therapy, Volume 5, Number 3.

Volunteering

Peer Educator, (1998 – 2002), Saint Cloud State University Health Services Department, Saint Cloud, Minnesota.

Child Advocate, (1999), Anna Marie’s, Saint Cloud, Minnesota.

Assistant to Director, (2000), Saint Cloud Area Crisis Nursery, Saint Cloud, Minnesota.

Member, (2000 – 2001), CAN Council, Saint Cloud, Minnesota.

Grant Writing & Fundraising Committee Chair, (2007 – 2014), Minnesota Association for Play Therapy.

Board of Directors, Vice-President (2007 – 2011), Minnesota Association for Play Therapy.

Sherburne County Safe Child Council Chair, (2008 – 2013), Sherburne County, Minnesota.

Elk River Early Childhood Coalition Secretary, (2010), Elk River, Minnesota.

Elk River Circle of Parents Advisory Committee Co-Chair, (2009 – 2013), Elk River, Minnesota.

St. Cloud Hospital Parent-to-Parent Volunteer, (2010 – 2012), Saint Cloud, MN

St. Cloud Hospital Chapter NICU Advisory Committee, (2010 – 2013), Saint Cloud, Minnesota.

Board of Directors, President (2011-2014), Minnesota Association for Play Therapy.

Board of Directors, Vice-chair (2011-2013), NICU Community, Saint Cloud, Minnesota.

Board of Directors, Chair (2013-2015), NICU Community, Saint Cloud, Minnesota.

Safe Schools ISD728, (2017 – 2020), Rogers, Minnesota.

Student Advisory Board, President (2017-2021), Northcentral University, Phoenix, Arizona.

The Whole Person Center at National University Advisory Board (2022-present), National University, California

Mining Committee (2023-2025), Association for Play Therapy, California

Accreditations/Memberships

Association for Play Therapy, Professional Member

Minnesota Association for Play Therapy, Professional Member

Association for Family and Conciliation Courts, Professional Member

Minnesota Association for Family and Conciliation Courts, Professional Member

Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, Professional Member & AAMFT Approved Supervisor

Minnesota Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, Professional Member

Theraplay Institute, Professional Member

Presentations

*Last name was formerly Ross

Ross, Nicole R.  (February 2004).  Enhancing Adolescent Sex Offender Treatment by Utilizing Experiential Learning.  Workshop Presentation.  Mille Lacs Academy, Onamia, Minnesota.

Ross, Nicole R.  (March 2004).  Enhancing Adolescent Sex Offender Treatment by Utilizing Experiential Learning.  Workshop Presentation.  Minnesota Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers, Brooklyn Park, Minnesota.

Ross, Nicole R.  (December 2004).  Enhancing Adolescent Sex Offender Treatment by Utilizing Experiential Learning.  In-Service Training.  Ruth Meyers, Fargo, North Dakota.

Ross, Nicole R.  (April 2005).  Enhancing Adolescent Sex Offender Treatment by Utilizing Experiential Learning.  Workshop Presentation.  Child and Adolescent Mental Health Conference.  Duluth, Minnesota.

Ross, Nicole R.  (March 2006).  Enhancing Adolescent Sex Offender Treatment by Utilizing Experiential Learning.  Workshop Presentation.  Mille Lacs Academy, Onamia, Minnesota.

Ross, Nicole R.  (April 2006).  Enhancing Adolescent Sex Offender Treatment by Utilizing Experiential Learning.  Workshop Presentation.  Minnesota Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers, Brooklyn Park, Minnesota.

Ross, Nicole R.  (April 2006).  Enhancing Adolescent Sex Offender Treatment by Utilizing Experiential Learning.  Workshop Presentation.  National Adolescent Perpetration Network, Atlanta, Georgia.

Ross, Nicole R.  (May 2006).  Enhancing Adolescent Sex Offender Treatment by Utilizing Experiential Learning.  Workshop Presentation.  Child and Adolescent Mental Health Conference.  Duluth, Minnesota.

Ross, Nicole R.  (April 2007).  Experiential Therapy for Adolescents with Sexual Behavior Problems.  Workshop Presentation.  Minnesota Association for Play Therapy Conference.  Bloomington, Minnesota.

Ross, Nicole R. (March 2009).  Play Therapy 101.  Workshop Presentation.  College of Saint Benedicts, Saint Joseph, Minnesota.

Ross, Nicole R. (March 2009).  The Bravest Heroes:  Play Therapy After Court Ordered Visitation with the Perpetrator.  Workshop Presentation.  Minnesota Association for Play Therapy Conference, Golden Valley, Minnesota.

Ross, Nicole R. (April 2009).  Play Therapy 101.  Workshop Presentation.  College of Saint Benedicts, Saint Joseph, Minnesota.

Ross, Nicole R. (April 2009).  Autism Spectrum & Play Therapy.  Workshop Presentation.  College of Saint Benedicts, Saint Joseph, Minnesota.

Ross, Nicole R. (January 2010).  Silent Cries: A Peek into Infant Trauma and Mental Health.  Workshop Presentation.  Carousel  Works, Big Lake, Minnesota.

Ross, Nicole R. (July 2010).  Play Therapy 101.  Workshop Presentation.  Anoka-Ramsey Community College, Coon Rapids, Minnesota.

Ross, Nicole R. (August 2010).  Silent Cries: A Peek into Infant Trauma and Mental Health.  Workshop Presentation. Reach-Up Inc., St. Cloud, Minnesota.

Ross, Nicole R. (January 2011).  Silent Cries: A Peek into Infant Trauma and Mental Health.  Workshop Presentation. Strong Foundations Conference, Alexandira, Minnesota.

Ross, Nicole R. (February 2011).  Train the Trainer. Workshop Presentation.  Minnesota Association for Play Therapy, Minnetonka, MN.

Ross, Nicole R. (February 2011).  Be Your Own Hero.  Workshop Presentation.  Illumination Conference, Brooklyn Park, MN.

Ross, Nicole R. (May 2011).  Be Your Own Hero: Taking Control of Your Social Network.  Keynote Presentation.  Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Program Kick-off Event.  Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota.

Ross, Nicole R. (June 2011). Play Therapy Interventions.  Workshop Presentation.  MN Department of Human Services.  Willmar, Minnesota.

Ross, Nicole R. (August 2011).  Silent Cries: A Peek into Infant Trauma and Mental Health.  Workshop Presentation. Gillette Children’s Specialty Health Care.  St. Paul, MN.

Ross, Nicole R. (October 2011).  Metaphorically Speaking: A Journey into a Child’s World.  Workshop Presentation.  Minnesota School Social Worker’s Association.  Willmar, MN.

Ross, Nicole R. (February 2012).  Social Skills Development for Children with Neurological Differences.  Workshop Presentation.  MNADOPT.  Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Ross, Nicole R. (February 2012).  Social Skills Development for Children with Neurological Differences.  Workshop Presentation.  MNADOPT. Mankato, Minnesota.

Ross, Nicole R. (February 2012).  Social Skills Development for Children with Neurological Differences.  Workshop Presentation.  MNADOPT.  St. Cloud, Minnesota.

Ross, Nicole R. (April 2012).  Living Playfully and Peacefully.  Workshop Presentation.  OASIS.  Maple Grove, Minnesota.

Ross, Nicole R. (April 2012).  Silent Cries: A Peek into Infant Trauma and Mental Health.  Workshop Presentation. Minnesota Association for Children’s Mental Health.  Duluth, MN.

Ross, Nicole R. (March 2013).  Silent Cries: A Peek into Infant Trauma and Mental Health.  Workshop Presentation. Minnesota Association for Children’s Mental Health.  Duluth, MN.

Ross, Nicole R. (April 2013).  Living Playfully and Peacefully.  Workshop Presentation.  OASIS.  Maple Grove, Minnesota.

Ross, Nicole R. (December 2013).  Living Playfully and Peacefully.  Workshop Presentation.  ADHD Support Group, St. Paul, Minnesota.

Ross. Nicole R. (March-May 2014).  Single Parent Group.  Guest Facilitator.  Elk River, Minnesota.  Independent School District 728, Early Childhood Program.

Ross, Nicole R. (November 2014).  Family Reunification through Play: A Child-Centered Model.  Workshop Presentation.  Minnesota Association for Marriage and Family Therapy Annual Conference.  Brooklyn Center, Minnesota.

Ross. Nicole R. (March-May 2015).  Parenting Solo.  Guest Facilitator.  Elk River, Minnesota.  Independent School District 728, Early Childhood Program.

Ross, Nicole R. (August 2015).  Healthy Relationships in Adolescents.  Workshop Presentation.  Rogers High School Parent Orientation.  Rogers, Minnesota.

Ross, Nicole R. (January 2016).  Self-Care for Parents.  Workshop Presentation.  Hanke Early Childhood Center, Elk River, MN.

Ross. Nicole R. (March-May 2016).  Parenting Solo.  Guest Facilitator.  Elk River, Minnesota.  Independent School District 728, Early Childhood Program.

Ross. Nicole R. (April 2016).  Parenting Skills.  Workshop Presentation.  Zimmerman, Minnesota.  Independent School District 728, Early Childhood Program.

Ross. Nicole R. (April 2016).  Young Parent Program.  Workshop Presentation.  Elk River, Minnesota.  Independent School District 728, Early Childhood Program.

Ross. Nicole R.  (March-May 2017).  Parenting Solo.  Guest Facilitator.  Elk River, Minnesota.  Independent School District 728, Early Childhood Program.

Ross. Nicole R.  (April – May 2017).  Young Parent Program.  Guest Facilitator.  Elk River, Minnesota.  Independent School District 728, Early Childhood Program.

Ross, Nicole R.  (June 2017). Child-centered Reunification Therapy.  Workshop Presentation.  Boston, Massachusetts.  Association for Family and Conciliation Courts National Conference.

Ross, Nicole R.  (February 2018).  Healthy Relationships for Adolescents.  Workshop Presentation.  Rogers, Minnesota.  Rogers High School.

Ross, Nicole R.  (April 2018). Child-centered Reunification Therapy.  Workshop Presentation.  Duluth, Minnesota.  Minnesota Association for Children’s Mental Health Conference.

Ross, Nicole R.  (May 2018).  Parenting Solo.  Guest Facilitator.  Elk River, Minnesota.  Independent School District 728, Early Childhood Program.

Ross, Nicole R.  (May 2018).  Young Parent Program.  Guest Facilitator.  Elk River, Minnesota.  Independent School District 728, Early Childhood Program.

Baker, Nicole R.H.  (May 2019).  Parenting Solo.  Guest Facilitator.  Elk River, Minnesota.  Independent School District 728, Early Childhood Program.

Baker, Nicole R.H.  (May 2019).  Young Parent Program.  Guest Facilitator.  Elk River, Minnesota.  Independent School District 728, Early Childhood Program.

Baker, Nicole R. H.  (June 2019).  It Takes a Village.  Workshop Presentation.  Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.  National Association for School Resource Officers National Conference.

Baker, Nicole R.H.  (December 2019).  Parenting Solo.  Guest Facilitator.  Elk River, Minnesota.  Independent School District 728, Early Childhood Program.

Baker, Nicole R.H. (May 2020). Parenting Solo. Guest Facilitator. Elk River, Minnesota. Independent School District 728, Early Childhood Program.

Baker, Nicole R.H. (December 2020). Parenting Solo. Guest Facilitator. Elk River, Minnesota. Independent School District 728, Early Childhood Program.

Baker, Nicole R.H. (April 2021). Child-Centered Reunification Therapy. Intensive Training. Atlanta, Georgia (via Zoom).

Baker, Nicole R.H. (May 2021). Parenting Solo. Guest Facilitator. Elk River, Minnesota. Independent School District 728, Early Childhood Program.

Baker, Nicole R.H. (September 2021). Child-Centered Reunification Therapy. Intensive Training. Atlanta, Georgia (via Zoom).

Baker, Nicole R.H. (March 2022). Child-Centered Reunification Therapy. Intensive Training. Northcentral University School of Social & Behavioral Sciences Virtual Center for Health & Wellness. (via Zoom).

Baker, Nicole R.H. (July 2022). Balancing the Processional, Personal and Academic Aspects of Life. Podcast. Northcentral University Virtual Center for Health & Wellness.

Baker, Nicole R.H. (March 2023). Child-Centered Reunification Therapy: Re-Connecting Families Through Play. Intensive Training. Idaho Association for Play Therapy. Twin Falls, Idaho.

Baker, Nicole R.H. (October 2023). Listen to Me! Child-Centered Reunification Therapy. Half Day Workshop Presentation. Association for Play Therapy. Palm Springs, California.

Baker, Nicole R.H. (January 2024) Child-Centered Reunification. Podcast. Just Don’t Eff Them Up.

Baker, Nicole. R.H. (May 2024) Play Therapy 101. Workshop Training. National University Whole Person Center.