Erin Ryan Heyneman

they / them / any

I provide disability inclusion awareness education to business, organizations and school groups. My approach is centered in storytelling, audience engagement, my Iived experience, and disability studies theory. I educate groups on the unfamiliar topic of disability inclusion from a place of caring and curiosity. Because we don’t know what we don’t know! My free publication, Rising and Gliding, is leader in the disability space where I and guest authors discuss the intersection of disability and culture.

Education and Licensure

Northwestern University Graduate Certificate: Leadership For Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion | 2022

The George Washington University M.ED Secondary Education | 2009 BA English | 2006

Teaching License | Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, English (5-12)

Honors and Awards

Paul W. Spooner Generational Leadership | Inaugural Cohort, October 2023

Winthrope Elementary School REACH Awardee, 2022

Organizations I’ve Worked With

  • Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Science

  • Tufts University School of Occupational Therapy

  • Understanding Our Differences - Newton, MA

  • City of Melrose, MA Elections Commission

  • Follow Your Art Community Studios

  • Braaains Podcast

  • Let’s Talk, Melrose! Podcast

Testimonials

Erin’s work and life experiences have left a lasting impact on our students and faculty.

— MCPHS Faculty

Erin has a strong ability to crystalize her message in both writing and speaking. Her sense of humor keeps things positive even when [discussing] adversity.
— Becky Curran Kekula, TedX Speaker

Erin’s talk will help our students to develop the knowledge and competency they need to become outstanding occupational therapy practitioners.

— The Department of Occupational Therapy at Tufts University