Author. Advocate. Speaker.

Dr. Athena M. Thomas stands as a luminary in the realm of intellectual and developmental disabilities, boasting an illustrious career spanning over three decades. Armed with a master’s degree in nonprofit management and a doctorate in education from Abilene Christian University, she is an eminent authority in long-term care community-based services.

Dr. Thomas is not only a seasoned professional but also a certified mediator adept in conflict resolution, fostering cohesion and progress in her endeavors. Her groundbreaking research and dissertation illuminate the indispensable role of direct support professionals, elucidating the factors that fuel their unwavering commitment to serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Beyond the academic arena, Dr. Thomas is a polymathic individual. As the author of the enlightening children's book "I Am Normal for Me," she champions inclusivity and self-acceptance within the disabled community and beyond. Her resonant message urges readers to embrace their unique definitions of normalcy and cultivate love, acceptance, and confidence within themselves.

In her personal sphere, Dr. Thomas exemplifies versatility and grace. She is a devoted spouse and parent to three adult children and cherishing grandmother to four grandchildren. Residing in Richmond, Texas, she and her husband traverse the globe, immerse themselves in erudite literature and documentaries, and nurture their flourishing garden. Dr. Athena M. Thomas epitomizes resilience, empathy, and insatiable intellectual curiosity, enriching both her professional domain and personal pursuits with unparalleled fervor.