Chief Academic Officer, Founder
EnCompass Academy
Dr. Nacy Tai Ryerson is the Co-Founder and Chief Academic Officer of EnCompass Academy, a private school with a public purpose based in Springfield, Missouri. EnCompass serves students with a wide range of learning needs through a personalized, relationship-centered model. Beyond the classroom, EnCompass offers a robust suite of professional services including community-based training, educational consulting, and coaching for parents, families, educators, nonprofits, and businesses. In 2025 alone, the organization will train over 300 community partners in trauma-informed practices.
Under Dr. Ryerson’s leadership, EnCompass has become a hub for innovation in education. The academy partners with Missouri State University as a preferred placement site, hosting college interns across disciplines such as education, therapy, child and family development, and pre-med. Dr. Ryerson regularly guest lectures and mentors future professionals who are shaping the next generation of support systems for children and families.
She was named one of Springfield Business Journal’s 2024 Most Influential Women and is the 2025 recipient of the Virginia Fry Rising Star Award from the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce, recognized for her visionary leadership, ethical impact, and dedication to resilient communities.