About Neuro Ninjas

Neuro Ninjas is an after-school program that helps children build strong, healthy brains through emotional skill-building, confidence, and resilience. Led by trained therapists and grounded in evidence-based practices, our small-group programs teach kids how their brains work — and how to use that knowledge in everyday life.

We focus on brain health as the foundation for emotional well-being and decision-making. Kids learn that their brain plays a powerful role in every choice they make, from handling frustration to responding to challenges. By better understanding their brains, children are empowered to take ownership of their thoughts, emotions, and actions.

Through engaging activities, guided discussion, and real-life practice, Neuro Ninjas equips kids with practical, brain-based tools to manage big emotions, build confidence, and grow with resilience — skills they can carry with them in and out of the classroom.

Our Approach

Neuro Ninjas is built on three core pillars that support whole-child development:

Brain Skills — Helping kids understand how their brains work and how thoughts influence emotions and behavior.
Emotional Regulation — Teaching practical tools for calming the body, managing big feelings, and responding thoughtfully.
Confidence & Resilience — Building a growth mindset so kids learn that challenges help their brains grow stronger.

Together, these pillars form a brain-based approach to emotional wellness that feels empowering, not overwhelming.

Clinical Leadership

Neuro Ninjas was founded by Nicole Barkhordari, LMFT, a licensed marriage and family therapist with over a decade of experience supporting children, families, and couples. Nicole serves as the Founder and Clinical Director, overseeing curriculum development, therapist training, and program integrity.

All Neuro Ninjas programs are led by trained associate therapists and guided by evidence-based principles rooted in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). This clinical oversight ensures that every session is safe, supportive, and aligned with best practices in child emotional development.

Our Commitment

Our commitment is simple:

To help children master their minds — strengthening brain health, building emotional endurance, and developing the skills to respond to life’s challenges with confidence and resilience.