How Coalition Member Nikida Capasso Cultivates a More Resilient Lehigh Valley
Building a more resilient Lehigh Valley takes the work of a devoted, compassionate village. Since 2021, Resilient Lehigh Valley (RLV) trained more than 3,000 educators, health and human services professionals, and law enforcement personnel in trauma-informed practices. As a cross-sector coalition, RLV serves as the boots on the ground, forming lasting connections and informing the public about the resources available through its programming. Members like Nikida Capasso, MSW, LCSW, BCD, know the importance of trauma-informed practices as a trauma therapist and uses her experience with RLV to provide hope and healing to those around her.
To Nikida, being part of RLV’s coalition aligns perfectly with her love of working in the field of trauma as a therapist. She sits on three teams: the executive, training, and outreach teams. Whether it’s handling community assessments, working with people in trauma-informed trainings, or spreading the word about the amazing work RLV is doing, Nikida inspires those around her by leading by example. Trauma crosses all communities, regardless of age, race, gender or socioeconomic status, and that common thread is why Nikida feels personally drawn to support RLV and its mission.
Nikida believes that her one-on-one work with patients and her commitment to RLV create an inspiring trickle-down effect; connecting with a broader audience and providing vital support helps people relate to one another and work through whatever difficulties they face. As a trauma therapist, RLV strengthens her ability to integrate the knowledge she gains and connect the community to life-changing resources.
When reflecting on the word resiliency, Nikida thinks of growing through trauma and understanding how it changes the way you see the world around you. There is pride in taking one step at a time, day-by-day, to become more resilient. That’s the goal of RLV: to make the Lehigh Valley a place where educators, law enforcement, and health providers are trauma-informed, so that community members can be more successful, safer, and healthier. When we empower community stakeholders to lead with a trauma-informed approach, it fosters spaces for people to work through their trauma safely and continue on their healing journey, without judgment.
Coalition members like Nikida are a reminder that powerful changes can be made when communities work together. For more information about joining the coalition or the work RLV is accomplishing, visit resilientlehighvalley.org.
