Dr. Thompson was born and raised in the Midwest.  She graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in English from Washington University in St. Louis.  Prior to entering medical school, she worked with talented and gifted high school students, in cancer research, and as a senior analyst for a healthcare and higher education consulting firm in Washington D.C.  In addition, she has volunteered with science-outreach programming in elementary schools and with children and young adults participating in Special Olympics. 

For medical school, she attended the University of Iowa, where she graduated from the combined MD/MPH program with honors.  She subsequently completed residency training in general pediatrics at the University of Virginia and pursued additional training in adult and pediatric neurology at the University of Virginia and the University of California Los Angeles. 

Dr. Thompson values the opportunity to partner with families who have children with autism and other neurodevelopmental differences.  She feels privileged to provide detailed, comprehensive assessment, education, supportive resources, and hope through the Cortica Care Model.  She finds joy in working with children and feels inspired by their spontaneity and adaptation.         

Prior to joining Cortica, she gained clinical experience working for a large pediatrics practice in Orange County.  She has also worked for a smaller private practice and large healthcare system in Los Angeles.  She currently resides in Orange County and enjoys going to the beach with her dog, Stella, reading, writing, and Pilates.