Draft:Niki Elliott
American clinical professor, educator, and author
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Dr. Niki Elliott is an American clinical professor and director of the Center for Embodied Equity and Neurodiversity at the University of San Diego. Her work focuses on neurodiversity, trauma-informed education, and the integration of educational neuroscience, polyvagal theory, and mind–body practices to support inclusive learning environments.[1]
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Dr. Niki Elliott | |
|---|---|
| Occupations | Clinical professor, educator, author |
| Employer | University of San Diego |
| Known for | Work in neurodiversity, trauma-informed education, and embodied equity |
| Notable work | Heart-Centered Connections: Seven Essential Skills for Helping Neurodiverse and Marginalized Children Thrive |
| Title | Director, Center for Embodied Equity and Neurodiversity; Founder, Mindful Leaders Project |
She trains educators, counselors, and child-serving professionals internationally to support children with learning differences, mental health diagnoses, trauma histories, and behavioral challenges.[2]
Early life and education
Elliott is a native of Southern California.[3]
She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California, Berkeley, a master's degree in curriculum and instruction from Teachers College, Columbia University, and a PhD in education from the University of California, Los Angeles.[4]
Career
Early career
Elliott began her career as an elementary school teacher, where she developed an interest in supporting children experiencing learning, mood, and behavioral challenges.[5]
Academic and professional work
Elliott is a clinical professor and serves as director of the Center for Embodied Equity and Neurodiversity at the University of San Diego, where she leads research initiatives, professional certificate programs, and educational projects focused on neuroinclusive and trauma-informed learning environments.[6]
She previously served as co-director of the Center for Neurodiversity, Learning, and Wellness at the University of La Verne, where she developed training programs for educators and community members.[7]
Elliott is also the founder of the Mindful Leaders Project, an education consulting initiative focused on supporting child-serving professionals in developing personal well-being and inclusive learning environments.[8]
Research, framework, or methodology
Elliott’s work integrates educational neuroscience, polyvagal theory, mindfulness, and embodied practices to support neurodiverse and trauma-impacted learners.[9]
She has developed frameworks including the Embodied Inclusion 360 Framework and Heart-Centered Connections, which focus on nervous system regulation, relational safety, and inclusive learning environments.[10]
Her approach emphasizes the role of adult nervous system regulation in shaping educational outcomes and behavior in children.[11]
Public engagement and training
Elliott is a keynote speaker, retreat facilitator, and trainer who has worked with educators, administrators, counselors, and child-serving professionals across the United States and internationally.[12]
Her programs have been delivered to professionals in multiple countries, including through certificate programs and training initiatives associated with the University of San Diego and the Polyvagal Institute.[13]
Books and publications
Elliott is the author of several books and articles focused on education, neurodiversity, and mind–body approaches.
Heart-Centered Connections: Seven Essential Skills for Helping Neurodiverse and Marginalized Children Thrive (Page Two, 2026) is a research-informed guide for educators, parents, and professionals that presents a framework based on seven core skills designed to support neurodiverse and trauma-impacted children. Drawing on educational neuroscience, developmental psychology, and practitioner-based research, the book emphasizes the role of adult self-regulation and relational dynamics in shaping children’s behavioral and learning outcomes. It outlines strategies for creating emotionally safe and neuroinclusive environments, reframing behavior as communication, and fostering engagement, trust, and belonging across educational and caregiving settings.[14]
I Feel Your Pain: A 7-Step Survival Guide for Empaths, Intuitives and Highly Sensitive People (Transformation Books, 2016) is a self-help book that explores the concept of empathic sensitivity and intuitive awareness. Elliott outlines a seven-step framework intended to help individuals better understand emotional and energetic responses, establish personal boundaries, and develop coping strategies for managing sensory and emotional overload. The book combines personal narrative with practical guidance, addressing topics such as emotional regulation, physical well-being, and the integration of intuitive experiences into daily life and professional practice.[15]
The Intuitive Mother: A 21-Day Spiritual Journey That Will Change Your Family Forever (Transformation Books, 2012) is a parenting-focused book that examines the role of intuition in maternal decision-making and family dynamics. Structured as a 21-day guided process, it presents daily reflections and exercises aimed at helping mothers develop self-awareness, reduce external pressures, and reconnect with internal forms of guidance. The book draws on Elliott’s personal experiences alongside broader themes of spirituality, identity, and caregiving, and explores how intuitive practices may influence parenting approaches and family relationships.[16]
Elliott has also contributed a book chapter titled “Cultivating Heart-Centered Connections: Using Mind-Body Awareness Practices to Help Adults Create Safe Spaces for Marginalized Youth” in Reconstructing Perceptions of Systemically Marginalized Groups, edited by Leslie Ponciano (Information Science Reference, 2023). This chapter examines how mind–body awareness practices can support adults in fostering emotionally safe environments for marginalized youth, with a focus on relational dynamics, self-regulation, and inclusive educational practices.[17]
Influence
Elliott’s work has been applied in educational institutions, school districts, and community organizations seeking to implement trauma-informed and neuroinclusive practices. Her frameworks have been used in professional development settings to support changes in classroom climate, educator practices, and approaches to behavior and inclusion. Some implementations of her training programs have reported changes in disciplinary practices and educator well-being outcomes.[18]
Awards and honors
Professional affiliations
- Board Member, Polyvagal Institute[21]
- Member, American Educational Research Association[22]
- Member, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc[23]
- Board Member, Pasadena Education Foundation[24]
Selected works
Books
- Heart-Centered Connections: Seven Essential Skills for Helping Neurodiverse and Marginalized Children Thrive (Page Two, 2026)[25]
- I Feel Your Pain: A 7-Step Survival Guide for Empaths, Intuitives and Highly Sensitive People (Transformation Books, 2016)[26]
- The Intuitive Mother: A 21-Day Spiritual Journey That Will Change Your Family Forever (Transformation Books, 2012)[27]
Articles and essays
- “Cultivating Heart-Centered Connections: Using Mind-Body Awareness Practices to Help Adults Create Safe Spaces for Marginalized Youth”[28]
Media and appearances
Elliott has been featured in media outlets including the Los Angeles Times and CBS 8 San Diego.[29][30]
She has also delivered many keynote presentations, workshops, and trainings for educational and professional audiences.[31]