By: Joshua Finley
Empathy and a passion for inclusion are at the heart of Jaeyeon Irene Do’s mission to support families and individuals with disabilities. As an educator and advocate, her work goes beyond simply providing assistance; she focuses on empowering individuals and families to access the services they need, navigate complex systems, and thrive in environments that may not always be designed with them in mind. Jaeyeon emphasizes the importance of knowledge and understanding in helping families feel prepared and confident to advocate for their needs.
Her approach is deeply rooted in a commitment to cultural sensitivity and systemic problem-solving. She recognizes that every family’s experience is unique, shaped by cultural backgrounds, societal expectations, and individual challenges. By integrating this awareness into her work, Jaeyeon ensures that her support is practical, empathetic, and respectful of each family’s journey. This holistic approach makes her contributions invaluable to communities striving for greater inclusivity as she bridges gaps in understanding and creates pathways to meaningful change.
Empowering Through Education and Advocacy
Jaeyeon’s professional journey is deeply rooted in her academic excellence and practical experience. Graduating magna cum laude in special education from Ewha Womans University in South Korea, a leading institution in the field, she demonstrated her dedication early on. Recognized as “Teacher of the Month” at Dodgen Middle School in Marietta, Georgia, Jaeyeon brings expertise and a personal touch to her work. Her Master’s degree from Auburn University specialized in Autism within special education, and her teaching experience has been exclusively in classrooms for Autism. Autism is a condition that often benefits from structured and personalized approaches to support learning and development.
Her philosophy centers on empowering families to become active participants in their care. By providing them with the knowledge and tools to navigate available services, Jaeyeon Irene Do bridges gaps in accessibility. She believes that there’s a lack of special education professionals and that her work can fill this void by empowering families and building stronger community support networks. Her Master’s degree from Auburn University specialized in Autism within special education, and her teaching experience has been exclusively in classrooms for Autism. Autism is a unique disability that requires structured and individualized interventions to support both learning and development.
Bridging Cultures and Breaking Barriers
Transitioning from South Korea to the United States came with its challenges for Jaeyeon, including adapting to different service models and overcoming cultural and language barriers. However, she turned these obstacles into strengths, developing a culturally sensitive approach to special education. She says that experiencing diverse service models and understanding cultural differences has become an asset. It allows her to connect with families in ways others might not. Her Master’s degree from Auburn University specialized in Autism within special education, and her teaching experience has been exclusively in classrooms for Autism. Autism is a unique disability that requires structured and individualized interventions to support both learning and development.
Jaeyeon Irene Do draws inspiration from the resilience and strength of the families she serves. Witnessing their determination has fueled her advocacy for a more inclusive and accessible world. Her goal is to foster a systemic approach to disability services, combining cultural awareness with practical solutions.
Building a More Inclusive Future
Looking ahead, Jaeyeon envisions expanding her impact through a service model that could be franchised to different states. Her dream is to create a lasting legacy of inclusivity and support for families and individuals with disabilities.
Her efforts remind us of the importance of empathy in creating change. Jaeyeon’s dedication to empowering families, bridging cultural gaps, and advocating for systemic improvements is not just a profession—it’s a calling.
For more information on Jaeyeon’s work and mission, visit or explore her previous features, such as her journey documented on.
Published by Elle G.
