Andrew Ryan — Program Instructor

Andy Ryan serves as a lead program instructor for Yes I Can Unity Through Music & Education, where his journey began over 15 years ago at the original Summer Meltdown Autism Awareness Festival under the mentorship of program founder Bret Lieberman. After building a successful career in documentary filmmaking and live production, Andy officially joined the Yes I Can team in 2023, developing and implementing curricula in event production, filmmaking, photography, and digital marketing for young adults with disabilities. This full-circle moment culminated in the inaugural Good Karma Music & Arts Festival, where his students gained hands-on professional experience alongside industry veterans.

His approach to education is deeply informed by his extensive experience in the entertainment industry, including his role as cinematographer for the groundbreaking feature film "Carol Of The Bells," which made history with its inclusive cast and crew of individuals with disabilities. This unique combination of industry expertise and dedication to disability advocacy allows him to create meaningful pathways to employment for his students while challenging industry norms.

When not in the classroom or mentoring students on production sets, Andy pursues his passion for visual storytelling through fine art photography, specializing in capturing and studying natural phenomena like volcanic eruptions and the aurora borealis in remote locations worldwide. He is currently directing a feature documentary highlighting the journey of individuals with disabilities in the workforce, furthering his commitment to creating positive change through education and media.