A Master’s Education to Help Families with Autism

Danya Williams is currently a family engagement specialist for her local school district and she works with families in the individualized education program for students with disabilities. Even though she had more than 15 years in education before she started her master’s of school administration, she wanted to have new knowledge and stay abreast of what’s happening in special education. 

“Teachers fresh out of their programs know the new technology and resources that are available,” Williams said. “If I want to grow as a leader or be an instructional expert, I need to have that knowledge base as well.” 

She initially began her career as a third-grade teacher, but after her son was diagnosed with autism, she transitioned to working as a resource teacher so she could learn how to work with students with disabilities like her son. 

“I’m an all-in type of person,” Williams said. “In order to advocate for him, I needed to know the ins and outs of autism.” 

Williams quickly realized that not all families can learn about their child’s disability on the job like she did and didn’t know how to advocate for their children. She decided that she wanted to help families like hers. 

“These kids didn’t ask to have a disability. It doesn’t make them less than,” Williams said. “But their families don’t know how to help them, so this became my new passion.” 

“Teachers fresh out of their programs know the new technology and resources that are available. If I want to grow as a leader or be an instructional expert, I need to have that knowledge base as well.” 

Williams believes that for so many children, their lives depend on educators who care about them. She’s continuing her journey in education and leadership so she can help children reach their fullest potential. She is driven by knowing that the work she is doing is helping others, and that will be her legacy. 

“No one’s going to remember what was in your bank account. No one’s going to remember what kind of car you drove,” Williams said. “But they remember the way you made them feel and the things you did to help their children.”