For David Hawkins (he/they), the most vibrant learning environments are created through opportunities to celebrate stories from diverse, inclusive, and genuinely authentic perspectives.
David’s Love of Learning first began in their home state of Tennessee, where they grew up learning to harmonize with country music radio stations, singing and performing in local theater productions, and exploring the creek in the backyard with their siblings. They went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Child Psychology and have since experienced a storied career spanning more than a decade in educational and non-profit settings in East Tennessee, Southern California, New York City, and David’s current community of Central New Jersey.
An experienced educator, David finds purpose in their chosen role of a trusted adult accompanying learners of all ages and abilities. They are passionate about empowering people with disabilities and their care providers to embrace an active role in contributing to their communities. Throughout their career, David has embraced zestful adventure, from co-learning about bioluminescence while encouraging elementary school students to chomp on mint candies, accompanying individuals with autism in developing their art showcases at the Guggenheim Museum and developing experiential learning opportunities for middle school students to expand their existing knowledge of autism and consider players of all abilities when designing board games. David also volunteers extensively with youth-centered organizations, including serving in leadership roles for the triennial National Youth Gathering of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and mentoring with the Center for Family Services based in New Jersey.
As Proof Positive’s Manager of Learning, David applies social intelligence and leadership through collaboration with team members and the broader Autism Wellbeing Alliance to advance the shared mission of spreading the science and skills of happiness. David cultivates and coordinates learning events for Proof Positive and develops wellbeing content for the autism community. They are committed to developing accessible and supportive learning experiences for each member of the autism community to learn about and incorporate the practices of wellbeing in their own lives and to advocate for the prioritization of wellbeing within the autism community.
David’s most prominent teachers and co-learners include their husband, Chris, their young daughter, and their family beagle, Bernice. David regularly shares short-form personal writings centered on gratitude inspired by new life, especially the power of making time to be in awe of every moment’s possibility to expand and become more welcoming of each individual’s story waiting to be embraced.