The New England Center for Children (NECC) has announced that Miriam Ramirez-Garceau (Hernandez) and Kalyn Smith have been named the 2024 winners of the Myrna E. Libby Scholar Award. The award, established in 2009, honors one student enrolled in each of the onsite graduate programs – Simmons University and Western New England University – whose work exemplify Myrna Libby’s vision that research guides the education and treatment of individuals with autism.
Myrna Libby, Ph.D., BCBA, was a director at NECC for 20 years and the principal program architect of NECC’s internationally recognized curriculum. As clinical director, she was a tireless advocate for using scientifically validated approaches and her groundbreaking research helped improve the lives of children with autism. For Libby, the actual test of any program was whether it made a meaningful difference in students’ behavior. Her clinical work directly benefited the lives of many and will continue to positively influence countless others for generations to come. Libby passed away in 2008.
Miriam Ramirez-Garceau
Ramirez-Garceau, a teacher in NECC’s residential program, is enrolled in the Western New England University (WNEU) master’s degree program in applied behavior analysis (ABA). She joined NECC in January 2022 on Francine Road and has worked on the team for more than two years as a case manager, and recently as core shift manager (CSM).
Ramirez-Garceau shared that as soon as she first learned about autism and witnessed the services being offered in her native El Salvador, she knew she wanted to get involved. “I was deeply moved by the warmth and dedication of those efforts, and I wanted to contribute in any way possible,” she said. “I was determined to learn how to deliver quality services to children with autism. With this in mind, I actively sought out opportunities to fulfill this aspiration.”
She chose NECC because of the shared vision of improving the lives of individuals with autism and their families. She also appreciated the exceptional opportunity NECC offers staff to expand their knowledge and engagement in ABA and research, particularly through the on-site graduate programs.
“When I enrolled in the WNEU program and joined NECC, I had no background in ABA,” she explained. “Every bit of knowledge I’ve acquired has not only enhanced my abilities as a teacher but also provided me with a clinical perspective and deeper understanding of the work I do every day. The impact has been overwhelmingly positive.”
Ramirez-Garceau enjoys everything about her job, from working with the students every day and helping them achieve their goals and progress to working alongside passionate professionals who inspire her. While she considers winning the Myrna Libby Award a tremendous honor, she credits her colleagues for getting her here.
“This moment encapsulates the profound impact of having an exceptional advisor, outstanding professors from WNEU, and remarkable supervisors and mentors at NECC,” she said. “Their guidance has fueled my growth in the field — as an educator, a professional, and an aspiring BCBA. They’ve equipped me with invaluable tools that will enable me to offer the best services to enhance the quality of life for individuals living with autism.”
Kalyn Smith
Smith, a teacher on Oak Street, graduated from Simmons University with a master’s degree in education with an autism specialization this past May.
“I’ve always had a passion for working with children,” Smith shared. “There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of witnessing their ‘aha’ moments when they grasp a concept.”
Smith’s journey towards specializing in special education began when she came across NECC as an undergraduate student. “I was intrigued by the opportunity to learn more about working with this unique population, so I took the chance to join NECC,” she said.
Smith shared that it was during her time working closely with the students on the residential team—she has worked on Oak Street for three years, serving as a case manager, education coordinator assistant, backup CSM, and CSM—when her passion for teaching truly blossomed. Recognizing the impact she could have on students’ lives, she decided to pursue a career in the autism education field.
“Furthering my education in special education was a natural step for me,” said Smith. She enrolled in the Simmons program shortly after joining NECC. “I am dedicated to equipping myself with the knowledge and skills necessary to support these children as they grow into independent individuals.”
Smith calls winning the Myrna Libby Award an incredible honor. “I am deeply thankful to be recognized in this way,” she said. “It reinforces my commitment to this work and serves as a reminder of the importance of the impact we can have on the lives of these children.”
In addition to the recognition, both Myrna Libby Scholar winners received a financial award.
One of NECC’s core values is to train and develop the next generation of autism educators and researchers. Through NECC’s graduate school partnerships with Simmons and Western New England, NECC staff can earn a master’s degree in education or ABA, either free of charge or at a heavily discounted rate. Classes are held on-site at NECC, making the program convenient for staff.