Nichola Ribadu

Dr. Nichola Ribadu is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Counseling and Family Sciences at Loma Linda University, serving as Interim Director of the Counseling MS and Drug & Alcohol Counseling Certificate Programs. She holds a DMFT (2008) and MS (2003) in Marriage and Family Therapy from Loma Linda University.

Her expertise focuses on at-risk youth, group home systems, program development, staff training, community mental health, and diversity-related issues. She employs narrative therapy and emphasizes the 'self-of-therapist' concept in professional practice. Dr. Ribadu is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (CA MFT 46409) and an AAMFT Approved Supervisor.

Community engagement includes mentoring parents in church groups, participating in Islamic cultural events, and prior work with at-risk youth in Southern California group homes and juvenile justice systems. She advocates for holistic well-being through creative activities like painting to balance analytical perspectives.