At Easterseals Arkansas, the heartbeat of our mission lies in the dedication of our incredible team members. This week, meet Eirnin Meredith McMahon, the Transition and Employment Specialist at SET for Success. They are one of the many people who go above and beyond each day to help individuals with disabilities lead more independent and fulfilled lives.
A Passion for Caregiving
Eirnin Meredith McMahon brings their boundless energy and two decades of experience working with teenagers to their role as a Transition and Employment Specialist in Easterseals’ SET for Success program. Their Easterseals journey began in the Waiver department, where they thrived as a caregiver and later stepped into a supervisory role. When the PASSE program launched, Eirnin paused their official tenure but remained closely connected. So, when the opportunity to return as a Transition and Employment Specialist arose, they “jumped at it” and haven’t looked back.
A proud Oklahoma native, they moved to Arkansas for college and fell in love with its natural beauty and the warmth of its communities. With a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Ouachita Baptist University, Eirnin’s path took them from the halls of the Children’s Hospital into the heart of social work and education. They honed their skills in homeless and children’s shelters, behavioral health placements for teens, CES waiver coordination, and care coordination. Each position became a classroom of its own, teaching them how to meet young people where they are and guide them toward fulfilling futures.
Over the years, they’ve watched some of the teens they once mentored grow into parents themselves, and nothing makes them prouder than seeing their success.
Championing Connection and Inclusion
Known for their technical savvy and creative teaching style, Eirnin seamlessly weaves systems, electronics, and computers into their curriculum. They have a knack for diagnosing a broken copier one minute and helping a student discover their passion the next. By zeroing in on each young person’s strengths and interests, they craft lessons that feel personal and engaging, transforming challenges into opportunities for growth. When asked about this, Eirnin explained:
“Nothing gives me more pleasure than seeing a teenager zero in on something they are good at and want to do for the rest of their lives.”
Their colleagues and students alike value their patience, ingenuity, and unwavering belief that every learner can succeed.
Life Beyond Work: Rest and Recharge
Outside the classroom, Eirnin spends their days curled up with a good book, caring for their two dogs and two cats, and trying to make their partner laugh. When they aren’t working, you’ll find them volunteering at the Arkansas Food Bank, supporting the Queer Collective, or learning Mandarin through the Taiwanese Center for Mandarin Learning.
In their younger years, they even served as president of their college’s social club! A fun reminder that leadership and laughter go hand in hand. This is just one example of how Eirnin has stepped outside of their own comfort zone and accepted opportunities that, as they put it, “feel[s] pretty out of character for me.”
But even empowering advocates need support; this is true for Eirnin Meredith McMahon as well. Yet they don’t give up:
“My animals, they keep me going.”
A Legacy of Care
Eirnin hopes to be remembered as someone who truly cared and championed every student’s potential. Whether they are troubleshooting a copier or celebrating a teenager’s first job, their mission remains the same: to open doors, foster belonging, and give young people as many life opportunities as they can imagine. Their passion for empowering others shines through in every lesson they lead, making Eirnin Meredith McMahon an inspiring force at Easterseals.
Thank You, Eirnin!
Want To Create A World of Possibilities? Join Our Team!
Easterseals Arkansas thrives because of people like Eirnin Meredith McMahon, professionals who combine knowledge with heart and expertise with empathy. Their commitment to providing students with opportunities and inspiring others empowers us all.
Connect with this story? Consider this your sign. We at Easterseals Arkansas invite you to be a part of something bigger. Whether you’re a therapist, educator, or just passionate about helping others, this may be the perfect place for you to not only grow your career but make a meaningful difference.
Opportunities are available now. Together, we can create a world of possibilities; one voice, one breakthrough, one person at a time.
