Tuesday, July 21, 2026

Author Niki Elliott to discuss and sign new book at Vroman’s in Pasadena

Dr. Niki Elliott will discuss and sign her new book, Heart-Centered Connections: Seven Essential Skills for Helping Neurodiverse and Marginalized Children Thrive, at Vroman’s Bookstore in Pasadena on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at 7:00 p.m.

The in-store event takes place at Vroman’s Bookstore, 695 East Colorado Boulevard, in Pasadena’s Playhouse Village. According to the bookstore’s event listing, attendees are asked to RSVP for the evening program, which falls on the book’s publication date.

Heart-Centered Connections is described as a guide offering research-based strategies to help educators, caregivers and parents create supportive environments where neurodivergent and marginalized children can thrive. According to the publisher, Page Two, the book draws on decades of research with more than 1,000 child-serving professionals — among them principals, teachers, foster-care program directors and social workers — and is organized around seven pillars. The publisher lists those pillars as interpersonal awareness, neuroinclusive spaces, activated genius, engaged learning, mindful communication and heart-centered repair. Page Two says the book is aimed at adults working with children who are neurodivergent, have a learning disability, or are trauma survivors, and that it offers practical tools for building emotional safety before academic learning begins.

Elliott holds a doctorate in education from UCLA and serves as director of the Center for Embodied Equity and Neurodiversity at the University of San Diego’s School of Leadership and Education Sciences. According to the university, in that role she leads research projects and professional certificate programs for educators, school counselors and college faculty. She previously served for seven years as founding director of the Center for Neurodiversity, Learning, and Wellness at the University of La Verne. Elliott has worked as an educator for more than 30 years, and, according to her publisher, holds certifications in yoga, mindfulness meditation and clinical breathwork and is a native of Southern California.

The appearance is one of a series of author talks and signings Vroman’s schedules throughout the year. The store was founded in 1894 and describes itself as the oldest and largest independent bookstore in Southern California. It says it hosts more than 400 free community events each year at its Colorado Boulevard location, including author events, panel discussions and children’s programming. The store lies within Playhouse Village, a Pasadena neighborhood east of the Playhouse District along Colorado Boulevard.

The book discussion and signing is free to attend, though Vroman notes on its event pages that purchasing the featured title from the store helps make such events possible. Copies of Heart-Centered Connections are available at the store and through its website.

Attendance is in person at 695 East Colorado Boulevard, Pasadena. To RSVP or for more information, readers can contact Vroman’s Bookstore at 626-449-5320 or visit vromansbookstore.com.