Meet the Team
Dr. Nikki Nguyen, OTD, OTR/L
Hello! I’m Nikki, an Occupational Therapist with over 10 years of experience supporting children and adults with special needs. I began my journey as a lifeguard and swim instructor working with children with special needs. That experience cultivated a deep appreciation for each child’s individuality and sparked a lasting commitment to learning how to better support their strengths and needs. I earned my Master’s and Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from the University of Southern California—Go Trojans!—and completed my doctoral work in collaboration with Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, where I explored the impact of sensory-adapted dental environments on the well-being of children with special needs.
I am certified in Sensory Integration through USC and have advanced training in DIR Floortime. I am deeply committed to connecting with the neurodiverse community, honoring each individual’s unique strengths while thoughtfully supporting their challenges. I value partnering with families to celebrate progress, explore strategies that work best for their child, and create moments of joy throughout the learning and growth process. My approach focuses on helping individuals discover what brings them joy while fostering independence, functional skills, and confidence at home, at school, and within the community.
Vanessa Kim
I’m Vanessa Kim, a DIR/Floortime professional with over 3 years of experience working alongside children with special needs and their families. In addition to direct practice, I’ve also served in a supervisory role, coaching other professionals and parents on the DIR/Floortime method. This field has shown me the value of a strong support system – whether it be professionals, family, or friends – and what an honor it is to be a part of someone’s support system!
I graduated from Azusa Pacific University with a B.A. in Psychology, and have returned to my alma mater to pursue my Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy. My approach is geared toward accepting individual differences, celebrating small victories, and overcoming struggles as a team with individuals and their families.
