Jastyn (she / they) is a neurodivergent LISW and the LEND Social Work and Lived Experience faculty at The Ohio State University Nisonger Center. They also support the Learning and Interpersonal Development Services (LIDS) department programs at Nisonger. Jastyn earned their Master of Social Work from OSU in 2022 and was a LEND fellow. During their field practicum, Jastyn became interested Autistic communication. Their research focuses on Autistic social skills, drawing from the Double Empathy Problem, and working to bridge the gap between Autistic and neurotypical communication. 

Before getting her MSW, she worked in her local school district as a lead paraprofessional in an elementary and high school setting. During her time there, she developed a strong passion for helping Autistic and individuals with other disabilities learn to advocate for themselves and support them in building self-determination. Jastyn supports and follows the social model of disability and neurodiversity and incorporates them into their parenting of their own Autistic and otherwise neurodivergent sons. She has worked in the disability field for over 10 years and has experience with a wide variety of physical, intellectual, and developmental disabilities, but specializes in autism and ADHD.

In their free time, Jastyn enjoys reading, Legos, and spending time with her two young boys and husband.