My name is Dr. Nicole Anthony, and I am a mother, educator, advocate, researcher, and author with more than 19 years of experience supporting children with disabilities and their families. I am also the proud founder of Elijah's Place, aptly named after my first son. Fitting really, as my journey into this work began with my son, who was born extremely premature and later diagnosed with autism. Against all odds, he overcame serious medical challenges, and his determination and growth inspired me to deepen my understanding of developmental disabilities and devote my life’s work to education and advocacy.
 

I earned my bachelor’s degree in Political Science before beginning my career as a teacher with the New York City Department of Education. In addition to teaching, I worked as an early intervention provider and ABA specialist while completing my master’s degree in special education. After relocating to Virginia, I served as both a Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports specialist and an inclusion teacher and IEP case manager, designing targeted instructional programs to support students with diverse learning needs. I later pursued advanced studies in educational leadership at Cambridge College and completed my doctoral degree in special education at Old Dominion University.
 

During my doctoral studies, I collaborated with organizations such as the Louisiana Autism Spectrum and Related Disabilities Project, the Council for Exceptional Children, and the Autism Society of America, and participated in research focused on Deaf education and children with cochlear implants.

Today, I continue to advocate for individuals with special needs and their families while developing programs that promote social growth and independence for adolescents and adults on the autism spectrum.