Meet the Team
The people behind the care.
NAMI is a small team of people who chose this work for personal reasons. We bring professional training, genuine warmth, and the steadiness that comes from years of doing this well.
Founder and CEO
Yukiko M. Dove, M.Ed.
Special Educator · Autism Mom · ABA-Trained
Yukiko founded NAMI Independent Living in 2024 after years as a special education teacher and as a mother to a child on the autism spectrum. She holds a Master of Education and is trained in Applied Behavior Analysis.
Her work brings together two perspectives that rarely sit side by side: the professional rigor of classroom and clinical experience, and the everyday wisdom of a parent who has walked the path.
Wellness and Joy Ambassador
Nami
Goldendoodle · Comfort Specialist · Namesake
Nami the Goldendoodle is the heart of the household, and yes, our namesake. She brings calm, joy, and the kind of unfiltered welcome that has a way of making any room feel safer.
Animals often play a meaningful role in supporting individuals with developmental disabilities, and Nami is no exception. Her presence is a quiet reminder of what we are really about: presence, comfort, and showing up with love.
Advisors
With trusted guidance.
Virginia Autism Project
Teresa L. Champion, Advisor
NAMI Independent Living partners in an advisory capacity with the Virginia Autism Project, drawing on Teresa Champion's decades of advocacy and policy experience to inform how we serve our community.
Join Us
Want to be part of this team?
We are always looking for caring, qualified people who want to do meaningful work.