Nikita graduated from California State University, Northridge, with a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology. While in college, her first nephew was diagnosed with autism, and his younger brother shortly after. She watched her nephews during their therapy sessions and became more involved and interested in autism in children, to the point that it influenced her career path.

She has worked as a special education teacher’s assistant, a behavior interventionist for school-age children with autism, and has also worked with adults who have developmental disabilities.

In 2014, she graduated from Grossmont College, became a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant, and has been working in both pediatric outpatient and school settings ever since.

In her free time, Nikita enjoys learning new hobbies (currently bass guitar, roller skating, and Japanese), and spending time with her husband, son, family, friends, and dogs.