Kryss Shane

Educational Background

Kryss Shane, PhD LSW, LMSW (she/her) earned her Bachelors of Science at The Ohio State University in Human Development and Family Sciences. She has earned her first Master's degree at Barry University in Social Work where she focused on the LGBT community. She has earned a second Master's degree at Western Governors University in Education, Curriculum & Instruction for students K-12, as well as at undergraduate, and graduate levels. She also completed Columbia University School of Social Work’s Institute on Pedagogy and Technology for Online Courses. Kryss’ PhD is in Leadership, specializing in Education, from the University of the Cumberlands. Kryss also holds social work licenses in the states of Ohio and New York, as well as numerous certifications.

Kryss' professional social work foci are in the areas of: Sexual and Gender Minorities; LGBT Training and Education; Social Activism; Animal-Assisted Therapy with Youth, Adolescent, and Adult Counseling; Couples Counseling; Family Counseling; Group Counseling; Crisis Intervention and Resolution; Local, State, National, and International Activism work

Currently, Kryss is serving as a Lecturer at Columbia University and an Adjunct Professor at University of Massachusetts Global, Fordham University, and Northern Louis University. She is a Curriculum and Instruction writer for a variety of companies and schools, and she is a consultant and speaker on numerous topics in the LGBT+ field. Her work spans grades K-12 and undergraduate and graduate levels. Her work covers state and federally mandated subjects and topic areas, as well as elective coursework. She has additional training in curriculum creation and review for students with individualized needs, ranging from learning disorders and mental/physical deficits to those qualifying for gifted programs. Kryss is especially well-known for creating lesson plans that consider minority experiences and for finding ways to relate required topic areas to students' personal interactions with the world at any grade and ability level.

In addition, Kryss conducts coaching and professional trainings to key members of agencies and companies on how to make their workplace and workforce more inclusive, and she continues to actively advocate for the LGBT rights on the local, state, federal and international levels. Named a “Leading LGBT Expert,” Kryss has also contributed to the education of social workers, on the specific needs of LGBT+ clients, via NASW’s educational series.

Professional Work & Activism

Kryss' travels the world working as a consultant, educator, and corporate trainer, as well as appearing at events and conferences as a keynote speaker, an author, and a writer, all of which focus on making schools, businesses, and community leaders more LGBT+ inclusive.

As a supervisor and educator, Kryss has worked tirelessly to bridge gaps in the minds of employees related to the necessity of joining together to fight for equality in a way that best represents the LGBT+ population. She has led a small staff and expanded the worker population through community partnerships to triple the original number, with no additional cost to the company.

As an activist and social worker, she has aided in the introduction of Gay Straight Alliances in numerous high schools, participated in the National Equality March in Washington, D.C., rallied for non-discrimination laws in numerous states, and has held or actively participated in meetings with numerous legislators to educate and encourage their participation in the Equality Movement.

Kryss continues to actively advocate for LGBT+ rights on the local, state, federal, and international levels.