Natalie was born and raised in Westminster, CA within a tight-knit Vietnamese immigrant family. She volunteered and worked on service projects from a young age and gained a passion for education and community involvement. Throughout high school participated in community service organizations, student leadership, and health competitions to further these passions.

Natalie is a 2nd year UCLA student majoring in Psychobiology with a minor in Disability Studies (DS). Through the DS minor, she hopes to better understand the nature of disability, particularly neurodivergency, and how healthcare can be changed to improve accessibility and quality of care. 

At UCLA, she is involved in the Psi Chi International Honors Society, PULSE (Pre-Medical Undergraduate Learning through Shadowing Experience), Vietnamese Community Health, and a behavioral neuroscience lab. She is interested in pursuing a career in psychiatry and work in communities that lack mental health resources and education. 

Natalie joined Level Up in the spring of 2024. Growing up with a sister with autism fostered her interest in medicine, disability, and their connections to community efforts. As a Direct Support Professional, her goal is to help neurodiverse participants enjoy fulfilling, independent lives.  Beyond her involvements, Natalie loves to bake, listen to/watch true crime, play with her 7 pets, and watch shows with her family.