Alumni Update: Joe Timmons (MNLEND, 2011)

Joe Timmons (MNLEND, 2011) has devoted his career to teaching, researching, writing about, counseling and working with people with several types of disabilities, but he describes his current position as a social worker at Lionsgate Academy, a charter school designed for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder, as the most satisfying.

Timmons worked at ICI for 15 years in a variety of roles, and was part of the Institute’s second MNLEND cohort in 2010-11. The fellowship experience develops future interdisciplinary leaders in the neurodevelopmental disabilities field.

That experience a decade ago, paired with a master’s degree in social work, formed his calling to work directly with students on the spectrum. He joined Lionsgate about three years ago and has also served on the board of the Autism Society of Minnesota. 

“I learn so much every day,” he said. “The students are so interesting and they really are the best teachers.”

He credits his Lionsgate faculty colleagues – several of whom are ICI alums – with making his transition and his ongoing work go smoothly and with helping students navigate myriad challenges. 

“It’s been great to see such growth in the time I’ve been here,” he said. “My experiences at ICI and LEND were incredibly valuable.”