Joy Givens

Joy Givens (she/her) is a Refugee Youth Program Specialist trained in trauma-informed care, education administration, and creative communication. She has taught, tutored, and supported learners of wide-ranging ages and backgrounds, with particular care toward the social-emotional and academic development of K-12 students who have experienced significant trauma and adverse childhood experiences. In addition to her work with refugee and immigrant students, Joy is particularly passionate about literacy and language development for all learners. She is a multi-published, award-winning author and a frequent workshop presenter for local and regional writers’ organizations. Joy’s debut picture book, The Unstoppable Jamie, which was inspired by her wish for greater representation in children’s literature for neurodivergent children like her own, was published in 2023.

Joy’s experiences as a parent of children with learning disabilities/differences, an educator of English language learners, and a creator of stories that inspire and empower children give her a unique, multifaceted perspective on learning environments. Joy is dedicated to practices that meaningfully integrate and uplift students among their peers, especially those who face marginalization for their identity or background, and she is firmly devoted to the expansion of diversity, equity, and inclusion, under the belief that everyone is served better through the application of these principles. In all avenues, Joy is driven to help young people find their passions and guide them to build the skills they need to succeed as conscientious, compassionate adults.