I wake up and play peek-a-boo with my boys. They go off to day care, and I go to work to help children cope with emotional, behavioral and mental health issues. About 80 children and 187 staff are waiting for me.

At Youth Villages, my goal is to provide therapy and positive experiences. Because children are best raised by viable family members, we try to enhance the family bond. When kids can’t return to their families, we look to adoption to help them find families.

Many children have been through serious trauma. What amazes me is their ability to love after all their pain.

When I got promoted to residential director, I worried about getting home too late to tuck in my boys and making key meetings if they got sick. Chris and I talked it through. I rely on his support.

Helping others, caring and giving back were qualities reinforced by my parents and by my college sorority. I studied criminology and thought I’d work with adults with mental health issues in the criminal justice system.

I’ve been dancing since age 3, and I was an NBA cheerleader. Both gave me confidence and the ability to accept constructive criticism. I’ve also seen movement and music help reach children going through tough times. Together they’re an outlet for expression and a self-esteem booster.

I keep a dance CD in my car. After a long day at school and work, cranking it puts the kids and me in a better mood.

Joy is highly therapeutic. We always hold fun events—a field day, a campus “idol” competition—that allow the children to forget all they’ve been through and just be kids.

We’re very clear about the behavior we expect from the children, and we have a system of rewards and consequences. That’s something all of us who work here take home, because clarity and consistency are great parenting tools.

A young woman I had counseled ten years before when she was a child called me to ask how to care for her son and be a good parent. She had no idea where to start. The needs of these children and young adults are so great.

With children, you can’t drop any balls. You do whatever it takes. When I can’t do it all, I delegate or ask for help.

I’ve learned to put family first when I’m home and put work first when I’m at work. I won’t lie. It is an ongoing struggle.

Nicole's tips on how to be your child’s cheer section.

Show how.
Model behavior you wish to see in your kids. Lead by example, be honest, and treat them with respect.

Give kisses.
Show children unconditional love. I kiss my sons on the forehead and tell them Mommy and Daddy love them all the time.

Listen up.
Evenings are my favorite time to truly pay attention to my kids. It’s a time when we’re relaxed and ready for conversation.

Encourage.
Help your child become good at something and then take pride in his ability. That confidence goes a long way.

—As told to Claire McIntosh