Nicole McQuillen, LCSW, is a highly accomplished behavioral health leader with more than 25 years of experience advancing services for children and families. She serves as Senior Vice President of Children & Family Services at Care Plus NJ, Inc., where she provides executive oversight of a diverse continuum of care, including outpatient treatment, school-based services, prevention programs, and crisis intervention. Over her decades-long tenure, Nicole has progressed through clinical and administrative leadership roles, building and scaling programs, securing and managing state and federal funding, and driving system-wide improvements in quality, access, and outcomes.

Nicole has deep expertise in program development, clinical supervision, regulatory compliance, and cross-system collaboration. She has led multidisciplinary teams, overseen complex budgets and contracts, and cultivated strong partnerships with school districts, child welfare systems, and community stakeholders. Her leadership has consistently focused on integrating evidence-based practices, strengthening workforce development, and ensuring services are responsive to the evolving needs of youth and families.

In addition to her role at Care Plus NJ, Nicole serves as Chief Executive Officer of Paradigm Therapeutic School Systems, where she leads the organization’s strategic direction and operations. She oversees both academic and clinical programming, ensuring alignment with New Jersey Department of Education standards while advancing a therapeutic model that supports students with emotional and behavioral challenges. She is committed to creating safe, supportive, and inspiring learning environments and expanding early intervention opportunities.

Nicole earned her Master of Social Work from Rutgers University and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in New Jersey. She is certified in clinical supervision and has extensive training in trauma-informed care and evidence-based practices.