As both a teacher and a school administrator, Joy’s journey includes educating students in public school and private school as well as home school. Having taught regular ed, special ed, gifted ed, and English Language Learners, Joy enjoys working with and learning from learners of all ages.
Schools and organizations around the globe in Australia, Czechia, Dominican Republic, Kenya, Mexico, Romania, Thailand, and the United States have been influential in shaping Joy’s understanding of neurodiversity. Serving alongside talented educators in each of these countries, Joy celebrates the creativity, wonder, and innovation that thinking differently brings.
As a coach in the Neurodiversity Centers of Excellence at EY, one of the Big Four professional service firms, Joy was instrumental in promoting neurodiversity education. In 2023 Joy was named one of the Top 50 Global Neurodiversity Evangelists by ND by Design.
An expert at ordering takeout dinners, Joy enjoys time with her family including doggy daughter, Angel. Joy says that doing life with her neurodistinct husband of over 40 years, her autistic son, and her ADHD daughter provides insight and understanding to living with neurological differences that are hidden from view.
Joy Young
Author, Speaker, Advisor, and most of all, a Teacher
Focusing on valuing strengths and honoring differing neurotypes, Joy works with educators, managers, leadership teams, parents, and community groups. She is passionately committed to creating neuroinclusive environments that are welcoming to all. Joy has a heart for all learners and has been influential in inspiring countless people around the world.
What people are saying:
A short story, a 15 minute impact across many lives that is long lasting. Inspiration, hope, understanding and sense making. That’s the impact Joy had on me and my family. She helped me see pieces of the jigsaw that I’m not sure I’d have ever spotted without her insights. - Joanne MacLeod, Director Cultural and Behavioral Transformation, EY
Joy hit a home run at our senior HR leadership forum. We were grateful to learn from her and apply what she gave us in our respective companies. Joy is such a strong advocate for helping neurodistinct individuals thrive in all areas of their lives. - Randy Hain President, Serviam Partners
I learned a great deal about neurodiversity from Joy's extensive knowledge and expertise. She inspired me to incorporate creative solutions to perplexing challenges, resulting in positive outcomes for all stakeholders. - JoEllen Goldsberry, Director of Culture & Talent Development Programs
Approachable, positive and collaborative, Joy creates a culture of teamwork and growth. She generously invests in others with genuine caring and discerning wisdom. - Dr. Catherine Graham, English Department Chair Currey Ingram Academy
Joy has the unique quality of being able to discern what matters. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve mentally bookmarked ways she’s said things or how she’s handled extremely difficult situations. She’s truly one of a kind in the best ways possible! - Richard Trent, Director NexE