Niki
Elliott

Dr. Niki Elliott is a clinical professor of education in the School of Leadership and Education Sciences at the University of San Diego, and formerly served as director of the Center for Neurodiversity, Learning, and Wellness at the University of La Verne. With 30 years of experience in education, she has taught students from elementary school through university, developing a deep passion for supporting children with mood, learning, and behavior challenges, particularly inspired by her adopted son’s experience with prenatal trauma and intellectual disability. Dr. Elliott integrates yoga, mindfulness, and breathwork into her teachings, and currently offers graduate-level courses and seminars that integrate education neuroscience, polyvagal theory, neurodiversity, mindfulness, and social-emotional learning for educators and school counselors.

As the founder of the Mindful Leaders Project, Dr. Elliott has implemented innovative trauma-informed programs in various school districts and supported thousands of educators and counselors. She also teaches an 8-week certificate course, Embodied Equity for Educators and Helping Professionals, through the Polyvagal Institute. Her work with Dr. Stephen Porges has helped professionals understand and mitigate unconscious bias from a nervous system perspective, leading to significant improvements in classroom climate and student engagement. Dr. Elliott holds degrees from UC Berkeley, Teachers College, Columbia University, and UCLA, along with certifications in yoga, clinical breathwork, and secular mindfulness practices. Sheadvocates for a holistic integration of mind, body, and heart in education.