2025 marks Nicole Wilson-Friend’s 21st year as an SLPA in California—a milestone built on passion, advocacy, and a deep love for helping others find their voice.

For the past 16 years, she’s proudly served in the Stockton Unified School District, right in the heart of the city she grew up in. Nicole’s career has spanned hospitals, clinics, and rehabilitation centers, giving her a full-circle view of communication support at every stage of life. A proud San Joaquin Delta College graduate (Class of 2004), Nicole blends heart, humor, and hard-earned expertise in everything she does.

In 2022, Nicole took her advocacy to the next level when she became President of CSEA Stockton Chapter 318, representing and uplifting the amazing school employees who support students with communication disabilities. Whether she’s speaking at trainings, board meetings, or community events, Nicole brings passion and purpose to every conversation—making sure SLPAs and SLPs alike are heard, seen, and valued.

Beyond her day job, Nicole is the founder of SLPAs in the Wild, an online community of over 3,000 SLPAs worldwide—a vibrant space for connection, real talk, and mutual support within the profession.

When she’s not busy leading, advocating, or educating, Nicole embraces her inner geek. She’s a cosplayer, collector, a voracious reader, a foodie and gamer, and can often be found building LEGO sets with her husband or adventuring with their two dogs, Loki and Lila