Kevin Spencer, Ph.D., is an award-winning performing artist, author, educator, and researcher whose career seamlessly blends artistry with academia. For over 30 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 peak of his success, Dr. Spencer shifted from the grand stage to classrooms and hospitals worldwide, becoming the leading authority on the educational and therapeutic uses of simple magic tricks. His innovative work focuses on using magic to empower people with autism, developmental disabilities, intellectual challenges, emotional issues, and trauma backgrounds.

Dr. Spencer holds a Bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies, a Master’s in Arts and Interdisciplinary Academic Education, and a Ph.D. in Education with a proficiency in Special Education. He also maintains certifications in Neuropsychology, Neuroscience, Autism Studies, First Responder Treatment, and Trauma Support Specialist. 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).

Recognized for his innovative work, Dr. Spencer was called "The Kid Whisperer" in Inside Autism (2013). His recent honors include being named the 2024 Visionary Educator of the Year by ELITEX Magazine and receiving the 2025 Gold Anthem Award for his work in sensory inclusivity in the performing arts. He also received the 2024 Silver Anthem Award for Nonprofit Leader of the Year in Health. 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. Spencer also earned the Gold Anthem Award for Leader of the Year. He was a 2022 finalist for the Zero Project Award, which recognizes pioneering initiatives that benefit persons with disabilities.

Dr. Spencer holds several prestigious academic and advisory roles, including participating in the faculty of the Pediatric Sedation Outside the Operating Room conference sponsored by Harvard Medical School and Boston Children’s Hospital. He works as a research consultant in the School of Health Professions, Department of Occupational Therapy at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), and for UAB’s Arts in Medicine program. Additionally, he advises the U.S. Department of State as a subject matter expert on arts integration for special populations. He is an Approved Provider of Continuing Education for the American Occupational Therapy Association.

As both a scholar and an artist, Dr. Spencer provides sensory-inclusive performances for underserved communities and gives lectures worldwide on the educational and therapeutic benefits of magic. His unique expertise continues to inspire and change lives through the blend of art, education, and health.