Meet Vicky.

Vicky completed her undergraduate studies in psychology and sociology at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) before pursuing a master’s degree in Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE). She previously worked as a Developmental Specialist (DS) in Early Intervention (EI), supporting children from birth to three years old with developmental delays and a range of diagnoses, as well as their families. Through her work as a DS, Vicky discovered the field of occupational therapy, which inspired her to return to graduate school to pursue a career as an occupational therapist.

For her doctoral capstone, Vicky developed a community-based, six-week parent education and readiness program called Family First. This program was designed to bridge gaps in existing services and supports while validating the lived experiences of families raising children with special needs. Family First aims to improve transition planning for children with developmental delays or disabilities as they move into school and community-based services. A central focus of the program is parent readiness and advocacy, empowering families to navigate medical and educational systems, understand their rights, access appropriate community resources, and reduce caregiver burnout.

Vicky is deeply passionate about supporting the growth and development of young children by promoting functional independence and increasing access to equitable life experiences and opportunities across the lifespan. She is a strong advocate for Early Intervention and embraces a preventative, proactive, and holistic approach to care. Client- and family-centered education, with a strong emphasis on self-advocacy, is a core principle of her therapeutic and educational philosophy.

In her free time, Vicky is committed to poverty alleviation within her local community and hopes to open a mobile shower clinic to support basic self-care for individuals experiencing homelessness. Through her outreach group, Helping Hands LV, she provides hot meals, seasonal hygiene kits, and donated clothing to the local homeless community each month. Vicky also enjoys hiking with her dog, traveling, cooking and exploring new cuisines, and learning about different cultures.