Priya Winston Ph.D. LMSW
Priya Winston is a social work scholar, educator, and advocate whose work centers on empowering neurodivergent young adults and strengthening the systems that support them. She serves as Director of Curriculum and Clinical Excellence at Transitions - For Autism and LD in the Albany, New York area, where she leads clinical professionals and curriculum teams in developing educational and therapeutic supports for students with autism and learning differences. She also shares her expertise as an adjunct professor at Utica University, helping prepare the next generation of social workers through graduate-level instruction.
Dr. Winston is also the founder of ENYA Experts for Neurodivergent Young Adults, an organization that connects professionals across law, education, healthcare, and mental health to improve opportunities and resources for neurodivergent individuals. A neurodivergent professional herself, she combines academic research, clinical leadership, and lived experience to advocate for more inclusive environments where neurodivergent people can thrive and contribute their unique strengths. Her work brings together researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and advocates to advance awareness and practical solutions that support independence and success for neurodivergent young adults.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Dr. Winston values creativity, connection, and the simple joys of life. She believes in nurturing relationships and creating meaningful spaces for family and community. Whether spending time with loved ones, enjoying the outdoors, or cultivating a welcoming home environment, these personal values shape her approach to both leadership and advocacy. Through her work and her example, she continues to inspire others to build communities where every individual is respected, supported, and empowered.
• PhD
• University at Albany Doctor of Philosophy - Ph.D., Social Work
• University at Albany Master of Social Work - MSW, Social Work
• Capital Region Women's Business Council Women of Excellence Emerging Leader Award 2025
• Church Community Member
• Sunday School Teacher
• Worship Team Vocalist
• Founder of ENYA (Experts for Neurodivergent Young Adults) offering free educational webinars
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success first and foremost to my faith in Jesus Christ. I don't think I would have been able to do anything in my life without Him. I'm also fortunate to have amazing people in my life that I'm so grateful for, and I practice gratitude every day. I think that's a big one. Letting my actions and my work speak for itself and reflect who I am has been important. Having a growth mindset has been crucial as well. I try to take every day, and every moment almost, as a moment to learn and ask myself what could I do differently, how could I do this better. And having joy has been transformative. When I started out, it was a lot about working hard and proving myself, but now just finding joy in what I do and focusing on the impact on other people has made a world of difference for me. I've gotten to a place where I have found that, and that's made all the difference.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I've received is to believe in something bigger than yourself. For me, that's my faith. The other piece is to let your character speak for itself. If you say you will do something, follow through, and your work will reflect that. The other piece that I wish someone had told me, but I know this now, is to not let the challenges or difficult experiences that you may face in life stop you from pursuing your goals. I kind of always felt, especially at a young age, that because of what I experienced, I would not be able to have the life that I want. But by God's grace, that experience was exactly the thing that led me to what I would consider my calling. So the things that you think are gonna stop you are sometimes the very things that are gonna lead you to what you're supposed to be doing, and then pay it forward and support people with the thing that you've experienced.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would say believe in something bigger than yourself. Again, my faith. Don't be afraid to speak up and use your voice. Help and lean on support of trusted people in your circle. Lean on relationships and connections. Take every day and every moment to learn and grow. Again, let your character speak for yourself. If you say you're gonna do something, follow through. And I think the most important thing is don't count yourself out because of certain challenges or experiences you've faced. Those things may be the very things that bring you to where you're supposedly to be.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is overcoming the limitations that others sometimes place on individuals with disabilities or unique circumstances. At a young age, I was told by a teacher that I would likely never attend college because of Turner Syndrome. Instead of accepting that expectation, I used it as motivation to continue pursuing my education and eventually earned my Ph.D.
That experience shaped how I view opportunity. When people are given encouragement, access to resources, and the belief that they can succeed, they often achieve far more than others expect. My journey has shown me that challenges can become powerful motivation.
Today, I see tremendous opportunity in helping others recognize their potential and pursue their goals. By creating more inclusive spaces and challenging outdated assumptions, we can empower many more people to succeed.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are perseverance, purpose, and finding joy in the journey. Earning my Ph.D. was a significant milestone for me, especially because there were moments early in my life when others doubted what I could achieve. That experience reinforced my belief in resilience and the importance of continuing to pursue your goals, even when the path is difficult.
Another value I hold deeply is using my experiences to inspire and support others. Being recognized and speaking at Women of Excellence was a meaningful opportunity to share my story and connect with others who are also working to make a positive impact in their communities. Moments like that remind me how powerful it can be to encourage and uplift one another.
Above all, I believe in finding joy and purpose in the work we do and the lives we build. Whether through my professional work, speaking engagements, or personal milestones, I strive to live in a way that reflects gratitude, determination, and a commitment to helping others see their own potential.