NHCJE Welcomes Nicole Heller, Ph.D., as Director of Outcomes and Reporting
The New Hampshire Center for Justice & Equity (NHCJE) announced today that Nicole Heller, Ph.D., will join the organization as the new Director of Outcomes and Reporting. Dr. Heller brings more than 20 years of experience working alongside and advocating for marginalized children and families through research, higher education, and public policy. Her background combines rigorous research expertise with a deep commitment to advancing equitable outcomes for communities across New Hampshire.
A first-generation college graduate from a working-class family, Dr. Heller began her professional career working with infants affected by prenatal opioid exposure while earning her Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology from the University of Maine. She went on to spend more than a decade in higher education, serving as a professor of psychology at Colby-Sawyer College in New London, New Hampshire, and Siena College in Albany, New York. During her academic career, she taught developmental psychology and research methods while mentoring students and conducting research focused on child development and family well-being.
In 2023, Dr. Heller joined the New Hampshire Fiscal Policy Institute as a Senior Policy Analyst specializing in child and family policy. In that role, she conducted policy research and traveled throughout the state presenting on the economic impacts of issues including early care and education, public K–12 education, and higher education. Her work helped inform policymakers, community leaders, and residents about how public policy shapes opportunities for New Hampshire families.
As Director of Outcomes and Reporting, Dr. Heller will help strengthen NHCJE's ability to measure, evaluate, and communicate the impact of its programs and initiatives. Her expertise in research design, data analysis, and evidence-based policy will support the organization's mission to create a better Granite State where all belong.
“We are excited to welcome Nicole to the team. Her combination of research expertise, policy experience, and passion for advancing equitable outcomes makes her an outstanding addition to our organization. Nicole’s leadership will strengthen our ability to demonstrate impact and ensure our work continues to create meaningful change for communities across the state.”
Beyond her professional work, Dr. Heller serves as a board member for Reaching Higher New Hampshire, an external member of the Colby-Sawyer College Institutional Review Board, and a member of the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston's Community Development Research Advisory Council.
A proud Manchester resident, Dr. Heller lives with her husband and their two sons. Outside of work and volunteer service, she enjoys practicing yoga, gardening, caring for her indoor plants, exploring New Hampshire's craft breweries, and cheering on her children as both a soccer and band mom.
NHCJE looks forward to welcoming Dr. Heller to the team in early August and to the expertise and leadership she will bring as the organization continues its work to build a more just and equitable New Hampshire.