Today we’d like to introduce you to Viannae Nelkin
Hi Viannae, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I am a licensed pediatric neuropsychologist and the founder of The Children’s Neuropsychology Center. My journey in the field began as a behavioral and developmental play interventionist, working with children on the autism spectrum. While pursuing my master’s degree in clinical psychology, I became a Board-Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA) and dedicated time to volunteer as an educational advocate for monolingual Spanish-speaking families. It was during these advocacy efforts that I recognized a critical gap—many children lacked access to high-quality diagnostic assessments necessary to secure school-based services. A pivotal moment came during an IEP meeting when a team member challenged my recommendations/conceptualization of the case and said “Well, you aren’t a doctor, so how can you say this child needs these services?” In that moment, I made a promise to myself. I’m going to become one.
I went on to earn a doctorate in clinical psychology with specialized training in pediatric neuropsychology. I completed clinical rotations at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, and Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital. My training spanned NICU follow-up programs and work with children facing epilepsy, brain tumors, leukemia, congenital heart disease, and genetic conditions. While working in hospitals, I saw firsthand the immense barriers families faced in accessing neuropsychological evaluations—years-long waitlists in medical settings and financial hurdles in the private sector. For many families a diagnosis is required for insurance companies and other government funded programs to cover intervention services. Thus, waiting 1-2 years to get an assessment often means delays in treatment.
Determined to bridge this gap, I founded The Children’s Neuropsychology Center, so that i can offer accessible and customized neurodevelopmental and neuropsychological assessments for infants, toddlers, children, and young adults. The center provides a range of evaluation options, including targeted and comprehensive assessments, in hopes to help children receive the support they need—when they need it.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Building a business has come with its own set of challenges. The steep overhead costs of neuropsychological assessment materials—costs that continue to rise—along with ever-changing policies and legislation affecting mental health providers, have posed significant hurdles for small business owners like me. Additionally, navigating the complexities of insurance coverage for neurodevelopmental and neuropsychological assessments remains an ongoing battle. Yet, through it all, one of the greatest joys has been sharing this journey with my young daughter. From selecting paint colors and designing the office mascot to watching the space come to life, I have embraced the opportunity to model resilience and determination as a working mother. I hope that, in witnessing this process, my daughter has learned what it means to be a strong, driven woman who builds something meaningful from the ground up.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about The Children’s Neuropsychology Center?
As a pediatric neuropsychologist, I specialize in neurodevelopmental and neuropsychological assessments to help families better understand their child’s strengths and areas that may benefit from additional support. My expertise includes evaluating babies and toddlers, allowing me to identify developmental concerns early and connect families with intervention services as soon as possible. I take a flexible, child-centered approach to assessment, recognizing that not every child requires lengthy, multi-day testing. Through the Children’s Neuropsychology Center, I offer both comprehensive and targeted evaluation options, allowing families to choose assessments that best fit their child’s needs while minimizing unnecessary costs and time commitments. By adapting the process to each child, I strive to provide families with meaningful, actionable insights while reducing barriers to care.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
Los Angeles is more than just a city—it’s a vibrant, ever-evolving community defined by its incredible diversity and resilience. Here, people from all walks of life, cultures, and backgrounds come together, creating a dynamic and inspiring place to call home. But what truly sets L.A. apart is the way we show up for each other in times of crisis. I’ve seen it firsthand—whether it was neighbors rallying together during the Palisades Fire or the countless moments of quiet generosity that happen every day. This city isn’t just where I live; it’s a place that continually reminds me of the strength and heart of its people.”
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.TheCNPC.com
- Instagram: @thecnpc
