Nikki Shirazi

Nikki Shirazi earned her B.S. in Neuroscience from UCLA in 2025, graduating cum laude. She was a lead research assistant and coach for Dr. Ellis’ thinkSMART program and currently works with neurodivergent youth and adults across research and home-based settings during her gap year before medical school. A former PEERS for Adolescents participant, she now serves as a behavioral coach in the PEERS Educational Groups and Preschool programs while contributing to archival data research. She also supports a nonverbal autistic child using an AAC device through structured play and collaborates with his family to build communication and emotional regulation skills. Additionally, she tutors teens with ADHD and learning differences in math and science, integrating executive function coaching. Outside of work, Nikki enjoys crocheting, video games, hiking with her dog, and hot yoga.