Benjamin Boi, a residential counselor for The New England Center for Children’s (NECC) Intensive Treatment Team Apartment 1, has worked for NECC since 2006. Boi was nominated by colleagues because he is “the most deserving and is truly incredible,” and “brings a positive attitude to every shift he works."
Rebecca Van Valkenburgh, a residential coordinator for The New England Center for Children’s (NECC) Saddle Hill Road residence, is in her fourth year working for NECC. She was nominated by a colleague because she “goes above and beyond to advocate for both staff and students on Saddle Hill Road."
Julie LeBlanc, vocational specialist for NECC, was nominated by a colleague because she “goes above and beyond to ensure our students have access to meaningful vocational opportunities and are making progress. She is so thoughtful and really tailors things to each individual student's needs and abilities.”
During a December 5 school committee meeting, officials from the special education department in the Westfield Public Schools shared an update on how the staffing shortage has created challenges for the district in delivering special education services, and how the ACE® ABA Software System has helped assuage them.
Carley Woolcott, a day coordinator for NECC’s ITT Apartment 2, was nominated for Staff Spotlight by a colleague because “she is a “phenomenal leader” and “has great rapport with EVERY student on the team.”
Caitlin Landry, a level 2 teacher and core shift manager for The New England Center for Children’s Ursla Drive residence, was nominated for Staff Spotlight by a colleague for being “an all-around team player."
The L. Vincent Strully, Jr. Endowment Fund for The New England Center for Children will ensure that NECC recruits and trains the best staff to serve children with autism, both at NECC and throughout the world. The fund, which was announced at the 2022 Children of Promise Gala on November 11, has secured $15 million in commitments upon which to build over the next few years.
McKenzie Rusczyk, a teacher in NECC’s ITT Apartment 4, was nominated for Staff Spotlight by a colleague for her ability to ensure each shift runs smoothly.
The New England Center for Children will build a state-of-the-art dental clinic operated by New England Dental Group in its school in Southborough providing on-site dental services for NECC students.
Shawn Janetzke, a program specialist for NECC’s ITT Apartment 3, has worked for NECC for seven years and in a variety of roles. He was nominated for Staff Spotlight for being a great resource to his team.
