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ABOUT US
Meet Our Wonderful and Experienced Staff
Nikole Austin
MS, QMHP-A
Nikole Austin is currently serving the community as a Qualified Mental Health Professional for adults and Manager of Changing Phases International. Nikole is a native of Hampton, Virginia and has over 13 years of experience working with individuals who have struggles with their mental health. She has received a Bachelors in Psychology from Saint Leo University as well as a Masters in Criminal Justice: Forensic Psychology from the same alma mater. Nikole has the ability to speak with others to ensure they feel comfortable and advocate for those who may not be able to advocate for themselves. After, working with different individuals, she has a deeper understanding of what mental health professionals must do in order to help others improve their quality of life; one step at a time.
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Work Experience includes:
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Working with Adults who have Serious Mental Illnesses such as Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia, PTSD, Anxiety Disorders, and Major Depressive Disorder.
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Worked with children who also been diagnosed with a disorder to include Attention Deficit Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Depression, and Oppositional Defiance Disorder.
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Working with the homeless population
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Case management with Adult and Children (Norfolk CSB and HNNCSB)
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Supervisory work for private mental health agencies
Robbins Houston MA, LMHP-R
Robbins Houston was born and raised in the Hampton, Virginia. In her own words, “I wanted to become a Social Worker to help people in need. However, I did not do well in High School but I still had a desire to further my education.” Robbins graduated from Phoebus High School (Hampton, VA) and continued her education with Thomas Nelson Community College and finished with an associate degree in Human Services. She has worked as a maid, Farm Fresh in the Deli Department, as well as a Factory Line Worker creating parts for vehicles. She later went on to Saint Leo University (Bachelors in Psychology) and to obtain her Masters (MA) in Urban Education and Community Counseling. Robbins also has education credits from Old Dominion University as well as Capella University to become a Professional Resident in Counseling. Robbins has been a public service working for over 21 years at the Hampton Newport News Community Services Board (HNNCSB). During this time, she has worked a variety of positions in Leadership as well as working directly with those in the community who are obtaining services. Robbins is currently servicing the community as a Clinician and Manager of Changing Phases International.
Work Experience:
21 years working (Multiple Departments) at HNNCSB with Adult persons with Serious Mental Illnesses (SMI):
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Bipolar
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Schizophrenia
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PTSD
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Anxiety Disorders
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Major Depressive Disorder
2 years of experience providing In-Home Therapy to/with children within an Intensive In-Home Program. Most of the children being serviced have a diagnosis which include:
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ADHD
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ODD
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Conduct Disorder
Edwin Houston
CFO/TOVA Trainer
Edwin Houston was born in Chattanooga Tennessee. Graduated from Chattanooga High School in 1972. Entered United States Air Force in 1975; while serving in the Air Force and being stationed at Langley Air Force base, located in Hampton Virginia he met his wife and married in 1988. They share two children. He retired from the Air Force with an Honorable discharge in 1996 marking 21 years of service.
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He became a member of Greater Emmanuel Temple now known as Emmanuel church in 2005. In 2006 he was ordained a deacon and assigned to teach adult Sunday school. In 2009 he was ordain a minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ. In the year 2010 Elder Houston was ordain an elder of Emmanuel Church by Pastor Leon Pierce. In 2011 he was elevated to the position of Sunday school superintendent where he instituted Sunday school classes for all age groups within the church. In 2016 He was commissioned to lead the outreach ministry team in evangelism of the communities of Hampton and Newport News. In 2018 Elder Houston was appointed as assistant Pastor of Emmanuel Church where it is his responsibility to serve the Pastor as well as others.
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He continues to be diligent and active in church. Due to his experience, he is versed in different financial roles, leadership, management, structure, and creating environments that improve work moral. He is the CFO of Changing Phases International. He is a certified TOVA trainer and a qualified CPR/First Aid Responder. Although he is not often seen, he is part of what makes Changing Phases International.