Today we’d like to introduce you to Kevin Spencer.
Kevin, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My wife, Cindy, and I began our journey as college entertainers, earning recognition as Campus Entertainers of the Year. That early success opened doors we never expected. As the show grew, we transitioned from the college market to the performing arts industry and became one of the most successful independent touring productions in the USA. During our careers, we performed on some of the most spectacular stages in the U.S. and across Asia and Europe.
In 2015, we were recognized as Illusionists of the Year and received the Milbourne Christopher Award. At what many considered the peak of our performing career, we made a surprising choice: we stepped away from the stage lights. But for us, it wasn’t about withdrawing. It was about moving toward something more meaningful. We aimed to shift our focus and resources to our nonprofit work, especially to improving the lives of individuals with disabilities.
What started as a passion project evolved into two evidence-based projects that leverage the principles of magic to address developmental, educational, and therapeutic needs. The Magic Therapy® and Hocus Focus™ programs are recognized internationally. This work led me to pursue my PhD in Education with a focus on Special Education and to publish two texts with Routledge, the leading international publisher of educational books.
Our reach continued expanding beyond domestic borders. In Uganda, we established Project Clean Water Africa, through which we’ve constructed clean-water wells and are currently building a health clinic in Oukot Village. As a subject-matter expert for the U.S. Department of State, I have also worked in more than 30 countries.
What began as two entertainers trying to captivate audiences has transformed into a mission to serve vulnerable populations worldwide, using the same creativity and wonder that once filled theaters to now change lives in clinics, classrooms, and communities across the globe.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
While the highlight reel might look glamorous, the reality of our journey has been marked by significant challenges that tested our resolve at every turn.
Touring the world with more than 14 tons of equipment presented logistical nightmares that most people never see. We were managing not just a show but a massive production. This included coordinating crews, navigating international shipping regulations, dealing with equipment failures abroad, and shouldering the immense responsibility of keeping a large-scale operation running smoothly across continents. Every performance represented months of planning and the realization that we had a huge obligation to the ticket-buying audience coming to see the show! The physical toll was real, too. Life on the road is not easy. And the illusions in the show were often physically demanding.
The transition from performing to nonprofit work brought its own set of obstacles. Walking away from a successful career meant rebuilding our work from scratch and exploring the most effective and productive ways to grow. Establishing credibility in academia and healthcare required years of education and research. Our international work (especially in Russia, Germany, Poland. And Uganda) meant navigating complex international development challenges, cultural differences, and the harsh realities of working in underserved communities.
Each obstacle ultimately clarified our purpose. We never considered the struggles to be detours. They were the road itself, shaping us into people capable of doing work that matters.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
What do you do?
I’m a magician with a PhD in Special Education, and yes, that unusual combination is precisely the point. I discovered that teaching simple magic tricks to individuals with disabilities can have a profound impact on their quality of life through skill-building. When someone masters a card trick or coin vanish, they’re not just learning sleight of hand. They’re developing fine motor skills, sequencing abilities, executive function, social communication, and most importantly, confidence. Magic becomes the motivator that makes therapy engaging and meaningful.
What do you specialize in?
My work mainly centers on autism and individuals with trauma histories, although it spans the entire range of intellectual and developmental disabilities. I provide training programs for rehabilitation therapists, physicians, and pediatric anesthesiologists to help healthcare professionals gain tools to reduce anxiety and foster therapeutic rapport. I also lead hands-on, interactive experiences directly with individuals who have disabilities, meeting them where they are and using magic as a bridge to connection and growth. I have recently released two micro courses for parents, caregivers, and educators to help them better understand autistic individuals. The first is Understanding Autism: A New Perspective, and the second is a strategic, 8 Strategies for Effective Communication with Autistic Individuals.
What are you known for?
I’m considered the international expert on the educational and therapeutic application of magic tricks. My programs—Magic Therapy® and Hocus Focus™—are recognized internationally and are supported by professional organizations, including the American Occupational Therapy Association. Routledge published two of my academic books: Teach Like a Magician and The Use of Magic Tricks in Occupational Therapy. Scholastic published my first children’s book, The Fantastic Four Magic Club, and I also released A Practical Guide to Sensory Inclusivity in the Performing Arts to help venues welcome individuals with disabilities into their spaces. The goal has always been to create accessible, evidence-based resources that others can use to replicate this work.
What are you most proud of?
I’m most proud of what my wife Cindy and I have built together – the impact of our performing career in the world of magic and the arts, and the innovative ways we’ve used magic to genuinely change people’s lives. Our work in Uganda is especially meaningful because, through it, we welcomed our son, Eddy, into our lives. Project Clean Water Africa is part of our nonprofit that is dedicated to bringing clean water to remote regions of Uganda. But honestly, the moments I cherish most are the small ones: watching a child with autism perform their first trick for their family, or seeing a trauma survivor smile with genuine pride. That’s where the real magic happens.
What sets you apart from others?
I believe what truly sets us apart is our conviction that our lives and work are directed by God. Our relationship with Him fundamentally influences every decision we make—from walking away from a lucrative performing career to drilling wells in rural Uganda. We don’t see our work as compartmentalized into “sacred” and “secular.” It’s all ministry. It’s all service. That faith foundation gives us clarity about why we do what we do and courage to keep going when the work gets hard.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
If people want to know more about my work or books, they can visit any of my websites:
The Work: KevinSpencerLive.com
Healthcare: MagicTherapy.com
Education: HocusFocusEducation.com
Clean Water: ProjectCleanWaterAfrica.com
Contact Info:
- Website: https://KevinSpencerLive.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/magicguy2012
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kevinwspencer/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinwspencer/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/spencersmagic
- Other: https://vimeo.com/spencersmagic
Image Credits
Geri Kodey
