On December 19, NECC President and CEO Jessica Sassi, PhD, BCBA-D, LABA, was named one of the Boston Business Journal’s 2025 Innovators in Healthcare. Dr. Sassi was recognized in the category of Health Equity Champion.
Vanesa Valdes, a level 2 teacher for NECC’s Salem End Road residential team, was nominated for Staff Spotlight because she “goes above and beyond to make meaningful relationships with her students and is always willing to help fellow staff. Vanesa is a great resource and is so supportive!”
Jasper Suhr, a lead teacher in one of NECC’s PSS partner classrooms, was nominated for Staff Spotlight because he “exemplifies leadership in every way” and “always brings a positive attitude and a personal touch into the classroom.”
The Millbury-Sutton Chronicle recently published a feature on the importance of early intervention, highlighting NECC’s Autism Infant Sibling Study. The article shares the story of the Kycia family, whose twins were diagnosed with autism at the age of 2. Because a child is 20 percent more likely to have autism if a sibling has been
In April, a group of ten dedicated runners will lace up their sneakers to tackle the 129th Boston Marathon presented by Bank of America as members of Team NECC. These runners are united by a common purpose: to raise critical funds and awareness for autism and NECC.
Grace Donahue, a level 2 teacher, was nominated for Staff Spotlight because she’s “always the first to respond whenever anyone needs help.”
For children with autism, completing medical procedures can be an immense challenge. These mandatory hearing screenings have required NECC staff and students to invest in a full-day trip to Boston. Now, students are tested using a less invasive test onsite at NECC Southborough.
Hannah Connolly, a tutor in one of NECC's Partner Program classrooms in Derry, NH, has worked in NECC’s Public School Services (PSS) program for three years. She was nominated for Staff Spotlight because she “works so well with all the students."
Shannon Rawson, a level 2 teacher, was nominated for Staff Spotlight because “the way she interacts with her students is truly special—she always knows how to bring a smile to their faces and consistently goes above and beyond to pay it forward.”
Thomas Lloyd, an IT desktop support associate, has worked at The New England Center for Children (NECC) for a year and a half. He was nominated for Staff Spotlight because he is “so helpful, attentive, and kind."
