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.
More than 600 participants, including students, teachers, friends, and families of NECC, gathered on May 21 for the 16th Annual NECC 5K Walk/Run for Autism. Runners and walkers enjoyed a beautiful day on the course followed by a BBQ. The event raised over $190,000 for the Center.
On May 5, David and Elizabeth Klein, a member of NECC Board of Directors. hosted the fourth annual Art Show on behalf of NECC. The Art Show returned to an in-person event after a two-year hiatus because of the pandemic.
Kevin Forrand has worked at NECC for 14 years as an instructor within the APE and Aquatics departments. A colleague nominated Forrand because “he is always willing to lend an extra hand and make sure our entire team stays active!”
This month, the NECC community will join together to celebrate Pride Month, which is held annually in June. Pride is a month-long national celebration of the diversity and unity within the LGBTQIA+ community.
Kara Flanagan, a day coordinator for Parker Road, has been with NECC for seven years. A colleague nominated Flanagan because she is “an exceptional educator. Her passion for her students is inspirational and she consistently goes above and beyond to do anything she can to help.”
Rebecca MacDonald, PhD, BCBA-D, LABA, a licensed clinical psychologist and program director and director of the Infant Sibling Research Project at NECC, was invited to present in Iceland at the Annual Meeting for Behavior Analysts (IceABA) In November 2021.
