Joshua Jackson, PhD, BCBA-D, LABA, clinical program director for The New England Center for Children’s (NECC) Intensive Treatment Team (ITT), has worked at NECC for 13 years. Not only does Jackson serve as a role model in the classroom, but his passion for NECC has infiltrated his hobbies. In a few weeks, Jackson will represent Team NECC at the Falmouth Road Race; he has spent the last several months training and raising funds and awareness for NECC. He was nominated for Staff Spotlight because “Josh models a passion for serving individuals with autism, staff mentoring, and teaching behavior analysis to others. He is an incredibly talented clinician, and his work consistently results in meaningful changes in the lives of our students. The ITT is grateful to have Josh as one of our senior leaders!”
How long have you worked for NECC?
I have worked at NECC for 13 years. During that time, I’ve worked as a core shift manager and residential coordinator for Ursla Drive; a day coordinator on Salem End Road; a program specialist for ITT 2; and in consulting specialist positions in the Public School Services Department prior to my current role.
What is your favorite part of your job?
Working directly with the students to teach them new skills and identify therapeutic behavioral programming motivates me the most. Additionally, I value spending time with and supporting the professional growth of our teaching staff, coordinators, and specialists. They are some of the best individuals I know.
Why NECC?
The community of extremely motivated and talented clinicians, specialty service providers, and educators at NECC is unparalleled in this field. I’m grateful to be a part of this community as it pushes me to continue to grow professionally, which I don’t think would be possible elsewhere. Further, the quality of behavioral and educational services we are able to provide to our vulnerable population of students is second to none.
Have you taken advantage of any of the grad programs or teacher training at NECC? If so, how has it affected your teaching style?
Yes! I have completed the Western New England University master’s and PhD degree programs in behavior analysis. The skills I learned along the way have helped me become a better clinician, teacher, and leader.
What is something about you that your colleagues might be surprised to learn?
Something that might surprise my colleagues is that I really enjoy rock climbing. I recently completed a triathlon with a couple of good friends I met here at NECC, which is not something I ever imagined doing. I also do enjoy PC gaming during my downtime.
You are running the Falmouth Road Race for Team NECC. Why did you decide to take on this added responsibility of training and fundraising?
Running is a self-care activity I’ve really started to enjoy over the last year, so getting the opportunity to train for this race while also being able to support NECC’s Annual Fund was a no-brainer for me!
What does it mean to you to be able to represent Team NECC?
Any opportunity to advocate and raise awareness for the students we serve is so meaningful. Specifically, we provide teaching and behavioral support to individuals disproportionately impacted by profound autism for which there are a limited number of agencies that can provide meaningful services. Given this, it’s so rewarding to be able to make a positive difference in the lives of these students and their families.
Who is someone you look up to?
Professionally, I look up to Maureen Kelly (NECC assistant clinical director) and Jason Bourret (NECC clinical director). They are two longtime mentors that I often go to for professional advice and support. I would not be the clinician or leader I am today without their guidance.
What is your life philosophy or motto you like to live by?
Be humble, strive to continually learn, and practice gratitude regularly.