Wikipedia

Draft:Niki Elliott

Dr. Niki Elliott
OccupationsClinical professor, educator, author
EmployerUniversity of San Diego
Known forWork in neurodiversity, trauma-informed education, and embodied equity
Notable workHeart-Centered Connections: Seven Essential Skills for Helping Neurodiverse and Marginalized Children Thrive
TitleDirector, Center for Embodied Equity and Neurodiversity; Founder, Mindful Leaders Project
Website

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, with the aim of supporting inclusive learning environments.[1]

She trains educators, counselors, and child-serving professionals internationally, providing strategies to educate children with learning differences, mental health diagnoses, trauma histories, and behavioral challenges.[2]

Early life and education

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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

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Academic and professional work

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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.[5]

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.[6]

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.[7]

Research, framework, or methodology

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Elliott’s work integrates educational neuroscience, polyvagal theory, mindfulness, and embodied practices to support neurodiverse and trauma-impacted learners.[8]

She has developed frameworks including the Embodied Inclusion 360 Framework and Heart-Centered Connections, which emphasize nervous system regulation, relational safety, and inclusive learning environments.[9]

According to Elliott, adult nervous system regulation plays a role in shaping educational outcomes and behavior in children.[10]

Public engagement and training

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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. She has led certificate programs and training initiatives associated with the University of San Diego and the Polyvagal Institute.[11]

Books and publications

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Elliott is the author of a book and several 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 book for educators, parents, and professionals that presents a framework of seven skills intended to support neurodiverse and trauma-impacted children. It draws on educational neuroscience, developmental psychology, and practitioner research, and emphasizes the role of adult self-regulation and relational dynamics in influencing children’s behavioral and learning outcomes. The book discusses approaches to creating emotionally safe and neuroinclusive environments, reframing behavior as communication, and supporting engagement, trust, and belonging in educational and caregiving settings.[12]

Elliott 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.[13]

Her articles have been published in Thresholds in Education, Association of Independent Liberal Arts Colleges for Teacher Education (AILACTE) Journal, and California Schools Magazine, among others.[14][15][16]

Influence

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Elliott’s work has been implemented in educational institutions, school districts, and community organizations interested in trauma-informed and neuroinclusive practices. Her frameworks have been used in professional development contexts focused on classroom management, educator practice, and approaches to inclusion and behavior.[17]

Awards and honors

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  • Shero Award, Sacred Sistahs, Inc. (2020)[18]
  • ACHE Leadership Award, Association for Continuing Higher Education (2022)[19]

Professional affiliations

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Media and appearances

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Elliott has appeared in or been quoted by media outlets including the Los Angeles Times, CBS 8 San Diego, News 3 Las Vegas, WNCT-TV, and KLRN Pasadena.[24][25][26][27][28]

See also

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References

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  1. ↑ "Niki Elliott". University of San Diego. University of San Diego. Retrieved 25 March 2026.
  2. ↑ "Niki Elliott". University of San Diego. University of San Diego. Retrieved 25 March 2026.
  3. ↑ "Niki Elliott". University of San Diego. University of San Diego. Retrieved 25 March 2026.
  4. ↑ "Niki Elliott". University of San Diego. University of San Diego. Retrieved 25 March 2026.
  5. ↑ "Niki Elliott". University of San Diego. University of San Diego. Retrieved 25 March 2026.
  6. ↑ "Achieving Social Justice at the Center for Neurodiversity, Learning, and Wellness". Voice: University of La Verne Magazine. University of La Verne. Retrieved 25 March 2026.
  7. ↑ "Our Founder". Mindful Leaders Project. Mindful Leaders Project. Retrieved 25 March 2026.
  8. ↑ "Niki Elliott". University of San Diego. University of San Diego. Retrieved 25 March 2026.
  9. ↑ "Niki Elliott". University of San Diego. University of San Diego. Retrieved 25 March 2026.
  10. ↑ Elliott, Niki (21 July 2026). Heart-Centered Connections: Seven Essential Skills for Helping Neurodiverse and Marginalized Children Thrive. Page Two. pp. 2–3. ISBN 9781774586822. Retrieved 25 March 2026.
  11. ↑ "Niki Elliott". University of San Diego. University of San Diego. Retrieved 25 March 2026.
  12. ↑ "Heart-Centered Connections: Seven Essential Skills for Helping Neurodiverse and Marginalized Children Thrive". Page Two. Retrieved 13 June 2026.
  13. ↑ "Cultivating Heart-Centered Connections: Using Mind-Body Awareness Practices to Help Adults Create Safe Spaces for Marginalized Youth". IGI Global. IGI Global. Retrieved 25 March 2026.
  14. ↑ Bechard, Amber L.; Elliott, Niki (2024). "Supporting wellness: Integrating mindfulness practices into study abroad" (PDF). Thresholds in Education. 47 (2): 119–137. Retrieved 13 June 2026.
  15. ↑ Elliott, Niki (2021). "Using mind-body practices to uproot unconscious bias in the education profession" (PDF). AILACTE Journal. Special Issue: 133–156. Retrieved 13 June 2026.
  16. ↑ "Investing in adult capacity: A sustainable strategy for improving learning, discipline and belonging". California Schools Magazine, California School Boards Association. California School Boards Association. Retrieved 13 June 2026.
  17. ↑ "Niki Elliott". University of San Diego. University of San Diego. Retrieved 25 March 2026.
  18. ↑ "12th Annual Sacred Sistahs, Inc. Virtual Shero Awards Recognition & Scholarship Fundraiser" (PDF). Sacred Sistahs, Inc. Sacred Sistahs, Inc. Retrieved 26 March 2026.
  19. ↑ "LaFetra College of Education Wins Four Awards from the Association for Continuing Higher Education". University of La Verne. University of La Verne. Retrieved 26 March 2026.
  20. ↑ "Mission and Team". Polyvagal Institute. Polyvagal Institute. Retrieved 26 March 2026.
  21. ↑ "Who We Are". American Educational Research Association. American Educational Research Association. Retrieved 26 March 2026.
  22. ↑ Elliott, Niki. "When I was a new member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc..." Instagram. Instagram. Retrieved 26 March 2026.
  23. ↑ "Our Team". Pasadena Educational Foundation. Pasadena Educational Foundation. Retrieved 26 March 2026.
  24. ↑ Sanchez, Olivia (6 June 2024). "Autism, dyslexia, ADHD. How the University of San Diego is helping 'neurodivergent' students succeed". Los Angeles Times. Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 26 March 2026.
  25. ↑ Black, Abbie (27 January 2025). "USD program reshapes understanding of neurodivergent students". CBS. CBS 8 San Diego. Retrieved 26 March 2026.
  26. ↑ "Author releases new book focused on supporting neurodiverse children". News 3 Las Vegas. Sinclair Broadcast Group. Retrieved 13 June 2026.
  27. ↑ "Experts said children with autism are more likely than their peers to be bullied". Facebook. WNCT-TV 9 On Your Side. Retrieved 13 June 2026.
  28. ↑ "Keynote Speaker: Dr. Niki Elliott". YouTube. KLRN Pasadena. 10 August 2021. Retrieved 13 June 2026.
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