45 Stories of Inspiration: Abu Dhabi and Pam Olsen

Pam Olsen, PhD, BCBA, Chief Program Officer at the Mohamed bin Rashid Center for Special Education operated by the New England Center for Children

On June 27, 2007, NECC Founder and CEO, Vinnie Strully, signed a long-term agreement with the Abu Dhabi Health Services company (SEHA), launching a comprehensive education program for children with autism and their families. In July 2018, NECC-AD was renamed as the Mohamed bin Rashid Center for Special Education operated by the New England Center for Children (MRC-NECC). Beginning in 2021, MRC-NECC will be expanding its operations to serve nearly 300 students. The success of MRC-NECC can be attributed to the 285 teachers and staff from 40 different nationalities, who thrive off the guidance and mentorship of Dr. Pam Olsen. Alongside Dr. Dan Gould, Dr. Olsen’s 20 years of experience at NECC has provided a guiding hand in working with our diverse international staff as well as building a strong partnership with our committed NECC families in Abu-Dhabi. Thank you to our strong leadership team and all of the NECC teachers and staff who have made the commitment to travel around the world to work with children with autism.