Nicole Sunseri, MSW

Responsibilities

I provide psychological and emotional support to patients and their loved ones that have been impacted by cancer. In this role, I collaborate with patients’ medical team, provide evidence-based psychosocial support, and serve as a bridge to connect them with community resources. I aspire to provide creative and individualized care, honoring each person’s unique experience as they move through the complexity of cancer.

Training

After graduating from Le Cordon Bleu, I worked within the hospitality industry for fifteen years. During that time, I was able to do meaningful work that propelled me to continue along my path of facilitating understanding and change. For me, food has been a catalyst of building community. It is something we all share as part of our rituals and heritage. Food teaches us to serve others. In that spirit, I went on to further my education in an effort to continue my journey of service. I received my B.A. in Psychology from California State University Northridge and a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Southern California.

Through my personal experiences with friends and family I found myself drawn to working with those touched by cancer. In my last year of graduate school at USC I was offered an internship at the Simms/Mann Center which provided with me strong mentors that guided me into the meaningful work that I do today. Since I have been with the Simms/Mann Center, I find myself filled with gratitude for the opportunity to work with patients and colleagues that inspire me. This inspiration will shape the way I approach my clinical work and propels me forward on my path of service.

Personal Interests

When I am able to find pockets of time you will often find me in the kitchen. Cooking and baking are the creative spaces I inhabit that bring me full bodied joy. When I’m not in the kitchen you will find me gardening, sharing time with friends, and enjoying evenings at home with my husband and two pet bunnies.