Nikki is pursuing her doctorate in early childhood education at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. As a doctoral student, Nikki’s research interests center around autism and inclusive practices in early childhood/elementary ages. Nikki previously earned her bachelor’s degree in early childhood education and her master’s degree in special education, both from Fresno Pacific University.

She is a former special education teacher and school administrator, and is an adjunct faculty member at Fresno Pacific University. Nikki is a former district representative for the California Autism Professional Training and Information Network (CAPTAIN) as well as on the district leadership team for the Teaching Pyramid Model training and implementation.