On July 13, staff members from The New England Center for Children (NECC) enrolled in the Simmons University Applied Autism Research graduate program, along with their professors, presented their research proposals during a poster session at NECC’s campus in Southborough.
Irene Looi, MS, BCBA, LABA, is a day coordinator for NECC’s Oak Street residence. Looi came to NECC six years ago from Malaysia to work as a graduate assistant and take advantage of earning a free master’s degree. The Oak Street teachers nominated Looi for her dedication, positivity, and leadership.
Bridget Higgins has been a level 2 teacher and core shift manager (CSM) for NECC's Ursla Drive residence for two years. A colleague nominated Higgins because “she is a great leader and mentor” and “when she is on shift you will always feel appreciated.
The New England Center for Children® (NECC) has been selected as a National Association of Special Education Teachers (NASET) School of Excellence for the 2022-23 school year, the highest honor NASET bestows upon special education schools.
Zalika Tyrell is a graduate assistant and level 2 teacher who has worked at The New England Center for Children (NECC) for three years. Tyrell was nominated for demonstrating leadership and effectively communicating with her peers, supervisors, and other departments.
Joseph O’Neil, MSEd, MS, CCC-SLP, is a speech language pathologist (SLP) who has worked at NECC for 31 years. A colleague nominated O’Neil because he is a true team player, offering “his support to all residential teams every day when we arrive to school, and it is greatly appreciated!”
For nearly three decades, NECC has been working on a pipeline for direct-care staff through its internship program. At last year’s Children of Promise Gala, attendees pledged funds to support the expansion of the program. Because of these donations, NECC welcomed its largest class on interns in the program’s history.
Each year, ABAI holds its international conference that brings together the world’s top ABA researchers. This May, the 48th annual ABAI conference was held in Boston, where more than two dozen NECC researchers and staff shared findings from ongoing research projects at NECC.
Victoria Bayless is a day coordinator for NECC’s School Street residence. A colleague nominated Bayless because she is “always going above and beyond to advocate for our students and staff. … She also looks for feedback on how she is as a coordinator and wants to better herself any way she can.”
On May 20, 38 NECC staff received their Master of Science in Education with an autism specialization designation degree from Simmons University during their 2022 Commencement. During the ceremony, several NECC/Simmons graduates were also recognized with special awards for their exceptional work in the graduate program.
