Tremaine Riley
Dr. Tremaine Riley, D.S.W., LCSW, is a passionate advocate for individuals with disabilities and their families. Inspired by her family, Dr. Riley has dedicated her career to advancing autism awareness, early intervention, inclusion, self-determination, and acceptance. Her commitment to equity and access guides her work in education, mental health, and disability advocacy.
With more than 20 years of experience across education, mental health, and leadership, Dr. Riley brings a strengths-based, trauma-informed, and person-centered approach to her work. As a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), she has experience spanning elementary education, mental health, behavioral health consultation, and program leadership. Her professional background also includes serving as the health and disabilities manager for Orange County Head Start/Early Head Start and the assistant program director for Children and Families First Head Start/Early Head Start.
Dr. Riley currently serves as a clinical instructor with the Thrive Inclusive Postsecondary Education (IPSE) Program at North Carolina Central University (NCCU). Previously, she served as the personal development coordinator for the Elevate Program at North Carolina State University, where she supported college students with intellectual and developmental disabilities in developing self-advocacy, independent living, social-emotional wellness, and relationship-building skills. Through individualized coaching and person-centered planning, she helped students work toward their personal, academic, and professional goals. She also collaborated with campus partners to connect students with mental health services and university resources. Dr. Riley is committed to fostering inclusive environments where students feel valued, supported, and empowered to thrive as their authentic selves.
Throughout her career, Dr. Riley has championed inclusive practices and supported children, families, and young adults navigating educational, developmental, and mental health challenges. Her research and advocacy focus on expanding inclusive postsecondary education opportunities for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities, particularly at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). She is dedicated to breaking down barriers and promoting equitable access to higher education, employment, leadership opportunities, and meaningful community participation for students with disabilities.
A published author and researcher, Dr. Riley has had her work featured in the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Specialty Practice Section: Intersections in Practice and the Journal of Neuroinflammation and Neurodegenerative Diseases. Her scholarly interests include disability inclusion, autism, equitable access to higher education, and expanding opportunities for historically underserved populations.