Meet the PPC Team
Nikki Smith, M.Ed.
Educational Specialist, Mom & PPC Co-Founder
For over 20 years, I’ve dedicated my career to helping children with diverse learning needs reach their full potential while guiding families through the complexities of education. I earned my undergraduate degree in Education from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and a Master’s in Educational Leadership and Administration from National Louis University.
Since 2002, I have worked as a special education teacher across grades K–12 and currently serve as an IEP Coordinator at New Trier High School. In this role, I collaborate with students, families and educators to create individualized educational plans that foster both academic growth and emotional well-being.
For the past 11 years, I’ve also consulted with families outside the school setting, helping them navigate the often overwhelming educational, medical and psychological systems. As both an educator and a parent, I understand firsthand the challenges families face and how empowering it can be when parents have the right guidance and support.
I co-founded Parent Pathway Consulting to provide families with clarity, confidence and practical strategies. My mission is to help parents advocate effectively for their children, feel supported at every step and make informed decisions that best meet their child’s unique needs. When we work together, I want families to feel less alone, more confident and empowered to create the best path forward for their child.
Sapna Kansal Mukherjee, MD
I have cared for children and supported families for over 20 years in my role as a pediatrician. A life-long Chicagoan, I earned my bachelor’s degree from the University of Chicago and medical degree from the University of Illinois before completing my pediatric residency at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. My clinical experience includes positions at several children’s hospitals including Lurie, Comer and Advocate as well as experience in pediatric private practice. In my clinical work, I regularly help families navigate complex medical, social-emotional and mental health challenges. When next steps feel overwhelming, we partner to problem-solve, develop practical strategies and create a clear path for their child to thrive.
I'm a connector who thrives on bringing people and opportunities together. My approach is rooted in empathy, collaboration and a belief that every family deserves to be informed and empowered. As a mom of three active children who have struggled with academic, emotional and medical problems over the years, I understand the challenges that parents face. As a result, I'm actively involved in my community and knowledgeable about the myriad of resources we can tap into. I co-founded Parent Pathway Consulting to help break barriers between healthcare, schools and community resources.
Pediatrician, Mom & PPC Co-Founder
Nisha Hakhu, DO
For more than 20 years, my professional focus has been to develop and share a comprehensive understanding of healthcare from a biopsychosocial approach. I completed my undergraduate studies at the University of Southern California (USC), earning a BA in Psychology, a BS in Biology and a Minor in Public Health. I studied medicine at Michigan State School of Osteopathic Medicine. Residency brought me to the Chicagoland area, where I completed Pediatric Residency and Chief Residency at Advocate Children’s Hospital - Park Ridge at Lutheran General where I continue to work and practice medicine.
I practice at a hospital-based pediatric outpatient clinic where we educate medical students and residents. I established a patient panel of children with complex medical and psychosocial conditions. I work with interdisciplinary groups of physicians and allied healthcare workers on a daily basis, including those outside of our institution, to help deliver high quality, coordinated medical care. In my role, I ran a school-based health center in D207 where I served as the medical director and provided direct patient care. I have frequently coordinated and collaborated with school personnel and therapists to ensure coordinated care that best serves the needs of the child.
I have two incredible daughters with educational and psychological needs. My older daughter has a rare genetic disorder with complex medical needs. I have seen firsthand how difficult it can be to navigate our complicated systems even when you have professional experience within the system. But, I have also seen the magic that holistic communication and coordination can bring to a child’s care.
I co-founded Parent Pathway Consulting to draw on both my personal and professional experience to understand your child’s unique medical, educational, psychological and social needs, guiding you through the next steps of your journey.
Pediatrician, Mom & PPC Co-Founder