Award winning artist & educator
Kevin Spencer
Kevin Spencer, Ph.D., is an award-winning performing artist, educator, and researcher whose career seamlessly blends artistry with academia. For over 25 years, Spencer and his wife, Cindy, captivated audiences worldwide with one of the largest and most acclaimed theatrical illusion productions in the United States. Their exceptional contributions to the art of magic earned them numerous accolades, including the title of International Illusionists of the Year in 2009, six Performing Arts Entertainer of the Year awards, and the prestigious 2015 International Illusionists of the Year award from the Milbourne Christopher Foundation for their significant contributions to the field.
At the height of his success, Dr. Spencer transitioned from the big stage to classrooms and hospitals globally, becoming the leading authority on the educational and therapeutic applications of simple magic tricks. His groundbreaking work centers on using magic to empower individuals with autism, developmental disabilities, intellectual challenges, emotional disturbances, and trauma histories.
Dr. Spencer holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, a Master’s in Arts and Academic Interdisciplinary Education, and a Ph.D. in Education with a focus on Special Education. He also maintains certifications in Neuropsychology, Autism Studies, and Trauma Support. His research has been published in prestigious journals, including the American Journal of Occupational Therapy (AJOT) and Journal of Learning Through the Arts (JLTA), and has been featured in prominent media outlets such as the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), The Washington Post, Taipei Times, and Chicago Tribune. He has also appeared on major television programs, including the CBS Early Show, Fox & Friends, and international broadcasts like CNN Türk and Saba Tümer (Türkiye).
Where Inclusion Meets Innovation
Inclusion is Magical
Award winning artist & educator
A Spencer Residency
A residency with Dr. Kevin Spencer embodies the core values of arts professionals providing meaningful access to the arts for individuals of all ages and abilities. In the face of mounting challenges within our educational and healthcare systems, Kevin offers transformative methods to connect with those often considered “unreachable.” His specialized programs empower children and adolescents with developmental and intellectual disabilities, support senior adults marginalized by ageism, and aid veterans overcoming post-traumatic stress and reintegration struggles. Committed to lasting impact, Spencer prioritizes building sustainable programs that continue to serve individuals excluded from full participation in the cultural systems that shape their lives.
Changing Lives Through Magic and Innovation
Our Impact
Dr. Spencer is the globally recognized authority on the academic and therapeutic applications of simple magic tricks in educational and clinical settings. His programs, Magic Therapy™ and Hocus Focus™, have earned international acclaim for their innovative approaches and impactful results.
Recognized for his innovative work, Dr. Spencer was referred to as The Kid Whisperer in Inside Autism (2013).
Download PDFAdditional recent honors include being named the 2024 Visionary Educator of the Year by ELITEX Magazine and receiving the 2024 Silver Anthem Award for Nonprofit Leader of the Year in Health and 2022 Gold Anthem Award for Leader of the Year in Education, Arts, and Culture. He is also the recipient of the 2024 Anthem Community Voice Award voted on by the public to recognize outstanding social impact contributions.
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Award-Winning Programs:
His therapeutic program, Magic Therapy™, won the 2023 Gold Anthem Award for Best Innovation in Health, and his educational program, Hocus Focus™, received the 2022 Silver Anthem Award for Best Innovation in Education, Arts, and Culture. Additionally, he was a 2022 finalist for the Zero Project Award, which celebrates pioneering initiatives benefiting persons with disabilities.
Dr. Spencer is a prominent figure in the performing arts industry, recognized as the 2021 Artist/Agent of the Year by the North American Performing Arts Managers and Agents (NAPAMA). He serves as a Subject Matter Expert on arts integration for special populations with the U.S. Department of State and as a research consultant for the Department of Occupational Therapy and Arts in Medicine at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Additionally, he is an Approved Provider of Continuing Education for the American Occupational Therapy Association.
NOTE: The Anthem Awards are the largest and most comprehensive social impact awards in the world. By amplifying the voices that spark global change, the Anthem Awards are defining a new benchmark for social impact work that inspires others to take action in their community.
What people are saying about Kevin Spencer
Loved & Trusted
Kevin Spencer has more academic and professional experience and connections in the broad area of disabilities than anyone I have known in my 35 years in this field. He is such a humble and unassuming individual – you cannot imagine the depths of his knowledge, skill, and heart until you see him at work. Those who spend their lives struggling with their disability, no matter their capabilities, were pushing the limits of their concentration as well as their motor skills because he brought forth the motivation to do so. As our week together progressed, it was clear to me that he was not only gifted but, indeed, a gift.
Barb Komdat
Director of Community Outreach, Developmental Pathways (CO)
Kevin Spencer is an extraordinary educator and artist who has positively impacted Northern California communities over the past eight years. His residencies have provided meaningful support to children and educators coping with trauma from events like the Paradise Camp Fire, COVID-19, and other regional wildfires. At the core of Kevin Spencer's work is his heartfelt passion for making a difference in the lives of others and empowering educators with valuable tools to work with their students. His exceptional work has left an indelible mark, and his contributions cannot be praised enough. It has been an honor and pleasure to work with him all these years.
Karen L. Avis
I have had the pleasure of collaborating with Dr. Kevin Spencer in both London and Istanbul. At Watermans in London, Kevin conducted a series of online workshops for children with complex needs. His sessions stood out as the most popular among the offerings, leaving a significant impact. Children and their families noticed meaningful changes—they fully engaged, had an incredible time, and ultimately became more social and confident in their environments.
At the Atta Festival in Türkiye, Kevin facilitated approximately 30 workshops over 10 days in Istanbul and Mersin, engaging children and young people with complex needs across various age groups. We were deeply impressed by Kevin's approach and professionalism in connecting with these participants. The children were captivated by his work and left with an experience unlike any they had encountered before. Additionally, Kevin delivered a Masterclass for professionals, which proved to be a transformative experience for them. We are eager for the opportunity to work with Kevin again!
Hakan Silahsızoğlu | Atta Festival Director, Founder | Türkiye
Kevin Spencer’s residency at The Zeiterion Theatre is one that we won’t soon forget. In total, his week here included 2 Professional Development workshops, a week-long magic camp, 11 classroom visits, and a sensory-inclusive mainstage performance for the public. Kevin’s offerings provided us with unique and enriching experiences for our community that had kids laughing, teachers planning, and young magicians dreaming of what could be. We have received overwhelmingly positive feedback from educators, students, parents, and community members alike. His enthusiasm, positive attitude, and sheer passion for his work were infectious. Kevin’s wealth of knowledge in his craft and special education was unmistakable. I have no doubts that the impact of his residency will have long-lasting results and am thrilled that we were able to work with him.
Rose Mary Gill | Executive Director, Zeiterion Theatre (MA)
