Neurodiversity Children's Institute Board of Directors

For nearly four decades, Dr. Supriya Sen, OTD, MS, OTR has blended her passions for clinical practice and teaching. Bringing this wealth of experience to higher education, advocacy, and professional development, she remains deeply committed to advancing the profession of Occupational Therapy. Through mentorship, community engagement, and leadership initiatives, Dr. Sen actively supports the growth of both current students and practicing professionals. 

Dr. Sen, currently an Associate Clinical Professor at Texas Woman’s University, Houston is an accomplished professional with extensive experience spanning clinical practice and higher education in Australia and the United States. Holding degrees from The University of Queensland, Australia La Trobe University, Australia and the University of Illinois at Chicago, she has demonstrated a distinguished track record of service, including leadership and service roles with the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) and the Texas Occupational Therapy Association (TOTA). 

Driven by a collaborative and strategic approach, Dr. Sen is deeply dedicated to supporting the growth and development of the next generation of professionals in both clinical practice and higher education environments.

  Dr. Anima Mupier Smith, OTR, OTD is a dedicated Doctor of Occupational Therapy and full-time faculty in the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program at Houston City College-Coleman College for Health Science. Dr. Smith is actively engaged in curriculum development, interprofessional collaboration, and community partnerships that prepare future practitioners for evolving healthcare environments. 

She serves as Faculty Advisor for the Student Occupational Therapy Association (SOTA) and is an active volunteer with the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) and the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). She is a graduate of Miami University, The University of Texas Medical Branch, and Rocky Mountain University of Health Sciences.

Dr. Smith brings over 19 years of clinical experience across inpatient rehabilitation, skilled nursing, and home health care, with expertise in adult and geriatric populations. She values mentorship and is passionate about integrating evidence-based practice into both clinical care and in professional education.

Nathan Atanu is an experienced engineering and operations leader with extensive expertise in offshore operations, operational compliance, pipeline integrity, corrosion engineering, and energy infrastructure management. He has a strong background in leading teams, driving operational excellence, ensuring regulatory compliance, and supporting strategic initiatives within the energy sector. Nathan holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from University of Houston and an MBA in Finance from University of Houston-Victoria.

Lexi Dore is a community advocate for individuals with neurodivergent and special needs who is deeply passionate about supporting children and families through empathy, inclusion, and meaningful care. 

As the sibling of two brothers with cerebral palsy and a younger brother on the autism spectrum, Lexi has gained a unique and valuable perspective on the importance of advocacy, family-centered support, and empowering individuals of all abilities to thrive. Her lived experiences have inspired her lifelong commitment to helping others and creating positive change within the community. 

Inspired by these experiences, Lexi pursued a career in occupational therapy and is a recent graduate of the Occupational Therapy Assistant program at Houston City College. She is dedicated to helping children and families build independence, confidence, and meaningful participation in everyday life. Lexi’s goal is to provide the kind of care, encouragement, and support that she would be proud of.

Judith Joseph, OTR,MA,FAOTA brings more than 40 years of experience in healthcare, leadership, mentorship, advocacy, and education. She has served as the Executive Director of the Texas Occupational Therapy Association since 2017 and is recognized for her strong commitment to advancing professional practice, supporting future leaders, and improving access to services and resources across Texas communities. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy from Western Michigan University and a Post-Professional Master’s degree from Texas Woman's University. 

Judith collaborates with legislators, lobbyists and state agency leaders to advocate for policies and initiatives that strengthen healthcare services and workforce development throughout Texas. 

In 2025, Judith was added to the AOTA Roster of Fellows. Judith also serves as an adjunct faculty member at San Jacinto College, where she continues to support and inspire the next generation of healthcare professionals. 

Michelle Atanu, OTR, MOT is a pediatric occupational therapist who specializes in supporting young children with neurodiverse needs. She is the CEO of Avilo Pediatric Solutions & Consulting, is the Founder and Executive Director of the Neurodiversity Children’s Institute (NDCI) a 501(C)(3) organization, is the creator of the Minutes with Michelle Podcast and is the author of 23 Questions. 

Her mission is to provide early childhood initiatives for the community that support young children with neurodiverse needs.