Joey Ellis joined TNSTEP in 2011 and now serves as Director of Youth Services. He holds a B.S. in Education from the University of Tennessee at Martin and brings five years of experience as a special education teacher.
Joey’s work is deeply personal. As a person with cerebral palsy who received special education services and had an IEP, he experienced firsthand the impact of strong advocacy. Today, he is passionate about helping families advocate for their children and empowering youth with disabilities to speak up for themselves.
At TNSTEP, Joey is a familiar face in both virtual and in-person trainings and has played a key role in developing youth-focused initiatives, including the STEP Up to the Plate Youth Council and TNSTEP Youth Tour. He also serves as Chair of the Tennessee Advisory Council for the Education of Students with Disabilities.
For Joey, this work is more than a profession—it’s a calling. His journey has come full circle, from being supported by his parents’ advocacy to now helping other families and youth find their voice.
