Nicky Altikulac, Director Originally from Turkey, Nicky Altikulac majored in Guidance and Psychological Consultation and received a minor in Education in 1991 at Marmara University in Istanbul. In 1992 she also received a Certification of Special Education from Istanbul University. Nicky completed a two year internship with Neurologist, Dr. Bülent Madi, M.D. working with children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (Pervasive Developmental Disorders) as well as Mental Retardation/Developmental Disabilities. Additionally she completed a two year internship with the Erol Sabanci Foundation for children with Cerebral Palsy. After completing her schooling, Nicky worked as a Psychological Consultant under Dr. Hüseyin Selendi, M.D., with children who had a wide range of behavior problems. In her spare time, Nicky volunteered for 10 years as a sports coach for the Turkish Special Olympics Team as well as volunteered as a Psychological Consultant for CARITAS (international humanitarian organization) working with children living on the streets in Romania. From 1993-1999 Nicky was the Owner and Founder of the private Akatlar Rehabilitation Center for children with Mental Retardation in Istanbul, Turkey. Additionally, from 1996 to 1999 she was the Founder and Owner of the Mirmir Preschool for children ages 1-5 years of age in Istanbul, Turkey. In 1999, Nicky married and moved to the United States, finding a home in Atlanta, Georgia, where she has lived ever since. In 2004, she opened All Kids First Early Intervention Services offering a wide range of services. She offers Special Instruction services through Babies Can’t Wait Early Intervention Program, private services as Early Interventionist and ABA Therapist to children age 2-5 for families with children who have special needs. Additionally, Nicky travels internationally to provide private consultations for families with children who have ASD and delivers speeches at the special events for families with children who have special needs. Nicky is a member of ASAGA, NYAEC, and AHHBEI and is currently pursuing a further degree in the Applied Behavioral Analysis Program to keep up with the advancements and achievements in rehabilitation, therapy and intervention techniques.   Testimonials "I can honestly say that I really enjoyed having Nicky as a therapist for my daughter, Ariana. She not only taught Ariana to play with toys correctly but she worked with her speech, and following directions as well. She taught me a lot on how to help my daughter as well and for that I am eternally grateful. I wish I could've kept Nicky on longer (even though Ariana goes to school now), she is just a joy to have around. Thanks Nicky for your sweet personality and passing on your knowledge!" - Ana Martinez-Smith 2009 "Nicky, to me is a Super Model. Let me explain. Last spring, my three year old Ayush was diagnosed with mild to moderate Autism. My whole world was falling apart. I had not even heard the word ever before in my life. I went on the internet and discovered this great lady Nicky, who promised me to offer her services at my residence. This began our beautiful friendship. Nicky, we all know, who have met her looks Super :) Not only that, the mental support and advise she gave me was super too. Plus, she knows her job well. We began with Ayush speaking just a few single words to  forming sentences now. We worked on his fine motor , where there was no grasp to him tracing shapes now. There has been progress and we have a long way to go, but along this unknown and emotionally drawing path, I was never alone and never will be. I have Nicky. I have her friendship, and most importantly I see the love she has for Ayush. She is a therapist is every form. Last summer, Nicky even held a summer camp for kids in her Suwanee location. They had organized and structured routines where they did a variety of activities just like a school setting. Ayush gained a lot from that too. He started becoming more social towards his peers and teachers. He enjoyed doing Yoga which was a great bonus. Nicky, is a very humble and hard-working human being. Its not easy running a home and her ABA services which such efficiency. Even in her toughest day, she wont let go of her smile. That makes her a role-model whom I look up to. To sum up, her super work makes her my role model and she is nothing less than a Super Model! Thanks Nicky for all that you do and being yourself. " Shruti Kapur 2009 "We love Ms. Nicky from All Kids First! We had been through a couple of therapists that didn't work out and so I was apprehensive about trying another. I was at the end of my rope. When Ms. Nicky came to our house, my child fell in love. He was so comfortable and playful with her right away. You could immediately see the connection. She was extremely knowledgeable and my child learned so much and so quickly. I was amazed at how he caught on, because he hadn't with the others. I am so glad that we found her. At All Kids First they do just that; put all the kids 1st." -Mom to Andrew, now age 3 1/2, 2009 "We love All Kids First. Nicky has been great with Audrey. Audrey has made such great progress in her speech and we’re so thankful to All Kids First. I would recommend anyone need these services here" Jenn Spellacy 2007 Jalon has been working with Nicky for only a few months, and I'm so proud of the improvements that am seeing in him. The first visit was so amazing, I saw that her skills and techniques was working. She had only been with him for an hour, and within that hour she had taught him "quiet hands". I loved the quiet hands technique that she uses. Jalon and I are both learning from Nicky, i would recommend Nicky and all kids first to every parent that has a special child.    Kim What a wonderful choice it was for Jacob to attend All Kids First! The staff was not only highly educated but also caring and dedicated to teaching exactly what my son needed to learn most. They were able to capitalize on his strengths and use them to help in weaker areas, all the while  making the tasks fun and exciting. What’s best though, is that his communication skills literally exploded and his imagination began to blossom! He now practically talks my ears off and loves to play pretend play with his brother! I highly recommend All Kids First any parent wanting the highest quality services with their kids. Paula Myers 2007 All Kids First has made a tremendous impact in helping our daughter Gigi reach her potential. In our opinion the staff is the best in this field. We can not thank everyone at All Kids First enough for helping our family during this important time in our lives.  Brian-Sherri McClellan , 2008 Thank you all the therapist working with Joshua. He had improved a lot and was so comfortable with everyone. I wish he could spend more time with everyone. I would like to thank everyone again for being so special. He will miss you all so much. Sandra & Bob Rukhnaraine, 2008 We’re very pleased with the progress Nathan has made. He has learned to say “key, car, shoes and on” He also learned to wave “bye “ and clean up after himself. They also do yoga and he has brought some yoga moves home. We do yoga to calm down and relax. We would highly recommend All Kids First to any parents that want to see their child grown and learn with the teaching and guidance of qualified professionals. Amy Lewis, 2007 All Kids First offers excellent growth opportunities for toddlers. Our kids have learned to talk and interact with other children their ages. We would recommend All Kids First to any parents. Thank you. Shan Hicks 2008