Nicole Adams

Dr. Nikki Adams is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Special Education and Child Development at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Dr. Adams started her career as an early childhood assistant teacher and then transitioned into early childhood special education in a public school setting after receiving her teaching certification. Her research focuses on: (1) supporting families who are marginalized by systemic barriers (e.g., families of color, diverse immigration backgrounds, and other intersecting identities) to gain access to early intervention and special education services and support, and (2) enhancing practitioners’ knowledge of culturally responsive family partnerships and special education procedural safeguards. Dr. Adams is specifically interested in supporting refugee families in their journeys to access special education services for their children. Dr. Adams participates in service to the field through regular engagement and leadership with the Division for Early Childhood of the Council for Exceptional Children.

Education

• Ph.D. – University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, 2021, Special Education
• M.Ed. – Vanderbilt University, 2010, Early Childhood Special Education
• B.A. – University of North Carolina Asheville, 2004, Psychology

Research Interests/Areas of Expertise

Family-professional partnerships
Culturally responsive family partnership practices
Practitioner professional development and preparation
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8988-7028