Get to Know Our Presenters
We are days from our 2021 College Planning (and Career) Conference for Individuals who are Neurodiverse. We are so excited to introduce you to our community of presenters/thought leaders.
We are proud to introduce…
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Niki Elliott, Ph.D., Director, Center for Neurodiversity, Learning and Wellness University of La Verne
Niki Elliott, Ph.D. is a clinical professor of education at the University of La Verne’s La Fetra College of Education. She currently serves as Director of the Center for Neurodiversity, Learning and Wellness, and is an author, speaker, and trainer in the fields of neurodiversity, mindfulness, holistic education, and healing-centered engagement. An experienced educator, Dr. Niki has taught students of all ages, from elementary school through university level over the past 25 years. She presently teaches educational neurobiology, neurodiversity and mindfulness for graduate students earning a master’s degree in Special Education. She is a staunch advocate for students with special needs and learning differences.
Dr. Niki is the founder of the Mindful Leaders Project, a program designed to help teachers, school leaders, parents and other education professionals increase their own personal well-being and social-emotional regulation skills to support children’s academic success. The Mindful Leaders Project is currently in wide-scale implementation in San Bernardino City Unified School District. These groundbreaking programs focus on helping leaders access higher states of compassion, empathy and innovative problem-solving using research-based mindfulness and breathwork techniques.
Dr. Niki earned a bachelor’s degree at UC Berkeley, a master’s degree and teaching credential at Teachers College, Columbia University and a PhD in Education from UCLA. In addition, she has studied holistic wellness techniques for twenty years, and has been certified to teach yoga, clinical breath work, and other mindfulness practices.
Dr. Niki's Conference Session is entitled Mind-Body Tools to Support Well-Being and Academic Success for Neurodiverse Learners
This interactive session will teach mindful breath and embodiment practices that help neurodiverse learners manage the stress and anxiety that often accompany academic and social challenges. Participants will be empowered with evidence-based tools that will support a lifetime of social and emotional well-being.
Let’s Talk LD has worked extremely hard over the years to deliver a conference experience that celebrates and centers the voices of neurodiverse people. Due to the extraordinary generosity of our community of presenters, and the generosity of our private donors, we can offer the conference at low or no cost to our attendees. As a 100% volunteer-powered organization, we are grateful to every person who has supported this important work.
Let's Talk LD's mission is to drive systemic change that is focused on closing equity, opportunity, and achievement gaps for neurodivergent individuals in the areas of education, employment, and civic engagement. Our organization accomplishes this by providing services, building communities-of-practice, developing programs, and producing and delivering content focused on student advocacy, parent and caregiver education, and professional learning opportunities for educators and practitioners designed to improve PK-12 learning outcomes and post-secondary attainment for individuals who are neurodiverse.