John L. Davis Ph.D.
Associate Professor &
Employ 210 Project Director
A native of Austin, Texas, Dr. John L. Davis earned a B.A. in psychology from the University of Texas, an M.A. in School Psychology from Texas State University, and a Ph.D. in School Psychology from Texas A&M at College Station. In 2022, Davis joined the University of Texas at San Antonio, where he works as an Associate Professor in the Department of Educational Psychology’s School Psychology Program.
Beginning early in his career, Davis has provided direct support to individuals with disabilities. “I've always been drawn to supporting others in their challenges and finding creative pathways to success,” he said. “The field of educational psychology has provided me opportunities to identify needs and support others in their learning, motivation and wellbeing.”
In addition to teaching, Davis is the Project Director of Employ 210 — a program that’s near and dear to his heart. “I would like to connect as many people as possible to meaningful work opportunities,” Davis said of the program and its goals to align the needs of San Antonio employers and the goals of neurodivergent employees.
“My background as a practitioner and researcher in many disciplines has provided me with a deep understanding of the challenges faced by those in this community,” Davis continued. “In addition, my experience designing and evaluating interventions positions me well to support this project.”
Beginning early in his career, Davis has provided direct support to individuals with disabilities. “I've always been drawn to supporting others in their challenges and finding creative pathways to success,” he said. “The field of educational psychology has provided me opportunities to identify needs and support others in their learning, motivation and wellbeing.”
In addition to teaching, Davis is the Project Director of Employ 210 — a program that’s near and dear to his heart. “I would like to connect as many people as possible to meaningful work opportunities,” Davis said of the program and its goals to align the needs of San Antonio employers and the goals of neurodivergent employees.
“My background as a practitioner and researcher in many disciplines has provided me with a deep understanding of the challenges faced by those in this community,” Davis continued. “In addition, my experience designing and evaluating interventions positions me well to support this project.”
Sierra Stegemann, M.A., BCBA, LBA
Lead Special Research Associate &
Employ 210 Project Manager
San Antonio native Sierra Stegemann got an early introduction to the special needs community through her autistic cousin. “He attended a camp for kids with special needs, and I started volunteering there during high school,” Stegemann recalled. “That experience sparked a deeper interest in supporting individuals with special needs, which I continued throughout high school by caregiving for different families.”
That experience also inspired Stegemann to pursue a B.A. in special education from the University of Texas at San Antonio. “During my student teaching I was placed in an autism unit, and that’s where everything truly clicked,” she explained.
During her course of study, Stegemann decided to pursue an M.A. in educational psychology with a concentration in behavioral analysis. “What really drew me in was the individualized, one-on-one nature of applied behavior analysis (ABA) and the ability to focus on meaningful life skills that could directly support a student’s success in school and beyond.”
With two degrees under her belt, Stegemann is putting her education into practice as Project Manager for Employ 210.
A vocal champion of neurodivergent communities, Stegemann challenges common misconceptions. “Our society tends to expect neurodivergent individuals to adapt to a fast-paced, rigid hustle culture — but rarely do we stop to consider how we, as a community, can adjust to better support and include them,” she said. “In any setting where I have a leadership role — whether it’s a classroom, clinic or community space — my priority is to create an environment where everyone feels welcomed, respected and supported.”
That experience also inspired Stegemann to pursue a B.A. in special education from the University of Texas at San Antonio. “During my student teaching I was placed in an autism unit, and that’s where everything truly clicked,” she explained.
During her course of study, Stegemann decided to pursue an M.A. in educational psychology with a concentration in behavioral analysis. “What really drew me in was the individualized, one-on-one nature of applied behavior analysis (ABA) and the ability to focus on meaningful life skills that could directly support a student’s success in school and beyond.”
With two degrees under her belt, Stegemann is putting her education into practice as Project Manager for Employ 210.
A vocal champion of neurodivergent communities, Stegemann challenges common misconceptions. “Our society tends to expect neurodivergent individuals to adapt to a fast-paced, rigid hustle culture — but rarely do we stop to consider how we, as a community, can adjust to better support and include them,” she said. “In any setting where I have a leadership role — whether it’s a classroom, clinic or community space — my priority is to create an environment where everyone feels welcomed, respected and supported.”
