Dr. Niki Elliott is a speaker, retreat facilitator, and curriculum developer who is a staunch advocate for equity, inclusivity, and well-being in K-16 education. She serves as director of the Center for Neurodiversity, Learning and Wellness at the University of La Verne in Los Angeles County, California.
As a trauma informed teacher-educator, Niki uses polyvagal theory as a framework for leading social emotional learning and social justice advocacy retreats for teachers and school administrators. She founded the Mindful Leaders Project to create safe spaces for child-serving professionals to explore how their own nervous systems impact their effectiveness with students. She thoughtfully blends mindfulness, breathwork and other embodied practices to spearhead personal and collective transformation among child-serving professionals.
Dr. Niki earned a bachelor’s degree from UC Berkeley, a master’s degree and teaching credential from Teachers College, Columbia University, and a doctorate in Education from UCLA. In addition, she earned certifications to teach yoga, clinical breathwork, and secular mindfulness to support her commitment to holistic education and wellness in schools.
