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  • Founder & Executive Director

    Dr. Julia Barta brings over a decade of expertise in educational psychology and trauma-informed practices to her role as Founder and Executive Director of NestEd Center for Development. Passionate about creating systems of support for neurodiverse individuals and their families, Dr. Barta specializes in evaluations, training, and fostering a collaborative approach across educational and clinical settings. Her vision for NestEd emphasizes the importance of nurturing every brain and creating pathways for lifelong growth.

  • Clinical Director
    Dara Pfeiffer is a seasoned clinician dedicated to advancing trauma-informed and neurodevelopmental care. As Clinical Director, Dara oversees the integration of the Neurosequential Model into NestEd’s services, ensuring families and professionals receive the highest level of support. Her collaborative approach emphasizes creating safe, supportive environments where individuals can thrive.

  • Neurosequential Consultant and Occupational Therapist

    Julia Bantimba, MS, OTR/L, is an occupational therapist and sensory consultant with extensive experience in supporting children with sensory processing challenges. At NestEd, Julia helps families and educators understand how sensory needs impact learning and behavior, empowering them with practical tools for success. Her work is grounded in the belief that every child deserves the opportunity to flourish.

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  • Rhythmic Consultant

    Luke Graner combines his passion for music and neuroscience as NestEd’s Rhythmic Consultant. With years of experience as a musician and facilitator, Luke creates engaging, rhythm-based interventions that promote regulation and connection. His innovative methods inspire students and educators alike to harness the power of rhythm for learning and growth.

  • Neurosequential Model Practitioner

    Reba Renner brings over 30 years of experience as a classroom teacher and school counselor to her work at NestEd Center for Development. Her dedication to understanding the needs of struggling youth led her to studies in neuroscience, trauma, and neglect's impact on development. Certified by the Neurosequential Network, Reba uses the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics (NMT) to assess brain functioning and guide therapeutic intervention. Her compassionate philosophy emphasizes seeing each individual’s potential through understanding their experiences. Recently, Reba has focused on counseling families in community health settings and supporting the elderly in fostering social connection and wellbeing.

  • Speech-Language Pathologist

    Rachel Wells is a seasoned pediatric speech-language pathologist with over a decade of experience working with neurodivergent children, particularly autistic individuals and gestalt language processors. Her expertise includes executive functioning, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), childhood apraxia of speech, and gestalt language development. Rachel’s child-led and family-centered practices, combined with her neurodiversity-affirming approach, make her an invaluable collaborator for NestEd Center for Development. Through this partnership, families benefit from Rachel's unparalleled specialization and commitment to empowering every communicator.