Nicholas Denning

Nicky earned his bachelor’s degree in Anthropology from Dartmouth College, where he developed a particular interest in human evolution. While at Dartmouth, he served in a variety of leadership roles with Dartmouth Emergency Medical Services (EMS), including as an instructor and executive director. He also worked as a Sexual Assault Peer Advisor, experiences that deepened his passion for supporting others during some of life’s most challenging moments.

Before joining Mountain Valley, Nicky spent five years working as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), serving with ambulance services in both his hometown of Houston, Texas, and at Dartmouth College. Although he loved working as an EMT, he found himself increasingly drawn to mental health because of the opportunity to build lasting relationships with residents and witness their growth over time.

Nicky’s path to Mountain Valley began over lunch with fellow Dartmouth graduate and current Mountain Valley therapist Katharine Call. While seeking advice about pursuing a Master of Social Work (MSW), he met with Katharine to learn more about careers in mental health. She invited him to shadow at Mountain Valley, where he quickly connected with the program’s relationship-centered approach to care. Inspired by the opportunity to walk alongside residents throughout their treatment journey and witness meaningful growth over time, he knew Mountain Valley was where he wanted to begin his career in residential mental health.

Nicky plans to pursue his MSW as he continues building his career in the field. Outside of work, he enjoys drawing, painting, sculpting, and other artistic pursuits. He is also an avid longboarder, has even built his own skateboard, and enjoys hiking and exploring the outdoors. After moving from Houston to the Upper Valley for college, he has embraced New England life and still finds the snowy winters a novelty.