We had the good fortune of connecting with Casey Casillas-Nichols and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Casey, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I’m originally from San Bernardino, California. Having the Inland Empire upbringing my entire life has definitely impacted who I am today. I had parents who suffered from their own personal struggles and bounced around a tad bit when I was younger, including living in Jersey for a minute.

Given my dad is a San Bernardino native, and my mom was born and raised in Long Beach, CA, I was destined to see things at a very young age that I probably shouldn’t have. However, it has given me so much knowledge that I’m about to apply to my career at this time. I’ve seen my parent’s struggles, my friend’s parents’ struggles, gang members trying to keep me out of trouble. I am the definition of “it takes a village”. I was exposed to a lot and it has taken a lot to help me get out of that mind state that life is negative.

The empathy I’m able to provide to my clients is really unmatched. I’m so grateful for all the experiences (good and bad) because it really shaped me into a dope therapist that “gets it”.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I started my career wanting to be part of Parole and Probation. I truly believed that I would be able to assist my community with helping people get back on their feet and help them move in the right direction. However, I found out, REAL QUICK, that was not their goal. I wasn’t trying to get people locked back up and catch them “slipping”. I genuinely wanted to help. I ended my internship at P&P, and then moved forward with grad school to be a therapist.

I’ve always wanted to be able to assist the justice population as it is underserved and it’s my niche. I don’t view myself as a cookie cutter therapist. You’ll never catch me in business casual clothes, sitting at a desk, prim and proper and talking at a level my clients wouldn’t understand. I’m a “round the way girl”. I was able to complete grad school and obtain a position being and looking like me. I had so much success with being authentically myself and earned the trust and respect from my clients. They can count on coming to my office and see and entire room with Star Wars memorabilia, dressed in jeans, rocking an Anderson .Paak shirt and chucks. Plus being fully sleeved up with tattoos sometimes throws my clients off too. However, my success comes from relating to people and that’s it.

I continue to create my legacy on trailblazing the way people “view” a therapist and what people think they should be or look. The new generation is coming through and they look like me. We will be the change.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Vegas has everything in this city. Food in Vegas is really unmatched. Everyone that comes to Vegas needs to take a visit to Chef Roy Choi’s restaurant, “Best Friend”. It is the perfect fusion of Mexican and Korean food. The atmosphere is seriously the Southern California vibe. DJ playing Kendrick Lamar while you indulgence in some of the best Korean bbq.

I would say checking out a Vegas Golden Knights game is a must. Even if you aren’t a fan, the show that is the Fortress is amazing. Las Vegas loves them some hockey and love to party for their Knights.

Checking out the scenic portion of the city is everything. I’m not a hiking type of chick, but I can appreciate the scenery, the history and the beauty of it all.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Again…it takes a village when it comes to me! I would say people who worked in the shadows, even without their physical presence being on Earth; my mom, my Granny and my uncle Jimmy. They watch over me every day and I KNOW they are still able to keep my ass in line and decision making. The “parents” who stepped into my life after the death of my mother: my stepdad, my step mother (both of them), Nanny. They definitely held me down. My real ones, my husband, my best friend Yang, my professor colleagues, Basically everyone who saw me take continued L’s and now they get to celebrate the dubs I’m getting these days. My kids….keeping me honest and humble. I love you!

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