Dr. DeShanna Reed

Speaker, Founder & Managing Director

Dr. DeShanna Reed is an inspiring author, researcher, educator, and former school administrator with decades of experience working closely with individuals with intellectual and neurodevelopmental disabilities. Her connection to the disability communities stems from her life as the youngest sister of a now older adult living with autism level three. Dr. Reed is a mother of four, two of whom live with ADHD and one with a co-occurring mood disorder. Her personal experiences bring a deep understanding, knowledge, and compassion to her work with and on behalf of neurodivergent individuals and their families.

Dr. Reed is a proud veteran of the United States Army with a rich background in behavioral health research focused on underserved communities. She earned her Doctor of Education degree in Professional Leadership with a specialization in Special Populations from the University of Houston. Dr. Reed is the founder and Managing Director of D. Reed Coaching, Consulting & Advocacy, LLC, an educational consulting and disability advocacy firm focused on cultivating sustainable systems for accessibility, equity, and inclusion for disabled persons in all areas of public life. She passionately encourages educators, school leaders, families, and community members to evaluate systems of support, equip change-makers with the tools necessary for meaningful change, and empowers others to actively foster ecosystems of opportunity for all.

Through her firm, Dr. Reed is recognized as an educational consultant, credentialed vocational rehabilitation employment specialist, and executive functioning coach. She has also shared her knowledge as a two-time TEDx speaker, delivering inspiring keynote talks and workshops for many organizations nationwide. Beyond her professional work, she actively engages in philanthropic activities and advocacy efforts within the community to support individuals with disabilities and their families. In October of 2025, Dr. Reed was awarded the Champion of Inclusion (COIN) Disability Ally Award by the Houston Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities in Houston, Texas.