BIO

Nicole Russell-Wharton is a certified trauma-informed healing instructor. She is the founder and executive director of the Precious Dreams Foundation, a global non-profit organization that advocates for mental health and the well-being of children, and the owner of Restorative Commons, which promotes equity by way of rest and resources for advocates and community change-makers. 

An accomplished author, her bestselling YA self-help book, Everything a Band-Aid Can’t Fix, is a cornerstone resource for teens across the nation and is integrated into middle and high school curriculums. Inspired by her own journey with ADHD, her first children’s book, My Busy, Busy Brain, encourages young readers to embrace their unique challenges and advocate for themselves.

Nicole’s impactful work has earned her numerous accolades, including GLAMOUR's "Everyday Hero of the Year," Observer's "Top 20 Heroes Under 40," and recognition in O, The Oprah Magazine. Most recently, she was honored by NBC and Essence for her tireless efforts to support the mental health needs of youth during the pandemic.

With unwavering empathy and bold leadership, Nicole Russell-Wharton is on a mission to teach the world how to nurture young people's voices, empowering them to advocate for their well-being and futures. She calls New York City home.