On Friday, May 17, 26 NECC staff members received their Master of Science in Education with an autism specialization designation degree during the 2024 Simmons University Commencement. On Thursday, NECC recognized these 26 staff from the Simmons-NECC Autism Specialization licensure program—as well as one graduate from the Simmons-UAE Non-licensure program, who represents one of the 15 UAE staff who graduated in the program in January—with a celebration in Southborough.
During the May 23 event, the graduates enjoyed a luncheon and received accolades from NECC President and CEO Jess Sassi, PhD, BCBA-D, LABA, and Graduate Program Director and Professor of Practice for Simmons University at NECC Christine Evans, MEd. Special guests in attendance included NECC Founder and Executive Advisor Vinnie Strully, Assistant Professor of Practice and Practicum Coordinator Heather Fortin, MSEd, and many Simmons faculty and supervising practitioners.
Several NECC graduates were also recognized with special awards for their exceptional work in the graduate program:
Shay Falkins received the Vincent Strully Autism Specialization Award, which is presented to a teacher candidate who exemplifies NECC Founder Vinnie Strully’ s vision for serving children with autism spectrum disorder. The individual must demonstrate exemplary teaching skills with the ability to successfully differentiate instruction for diverse learners with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The recipients of this award possess a talent for designing and implementing individualized academic and behavioral programs, utilizing principles of applied behavior analysis and evidence-based practices.
Haley Nicholson was given the NECC Inclusionary Practice Award, which is presented to a Teacher Candidate who demonstrates exemplary inclusionary practices of children with special needs. The recipient is a strong advocate for the individual needs of their students, demonstrates strong group management, creates a warm and welcoming environment, and meaningfully incorporates culturally responsive teaching into their practice.
Tinashe Ganyau, who completed the Simmons-UAE program in January, received the Kennedy Family Award in Special Education, which, according to Simmons, is presented “in recognition for leadership with children with disabilities and their families, the ability to make a difference in people’s lives, the ability to enhance Simmons’ leadership and example in special education, and demonstration of academic excellence.”
Congratulations to the award winners and all the graduates of the Simmons University Class of 2024:
Stasia Bankert, IIP Cohort F
Maleigh Citro, IIP Cohort G
Jen Correa, West 2
Miranda Cox, West 1
Shay Falkins, Oak Street
Sarah Farley, IIP Cohort B
Tinashe Ganyau, Ursla
Ashley Gioioso, IIP Cohort B
Rayssa Guimaraes, IIP Cohort B
Sarajane Hersey, Sudbury-PSS
Tiffany Horton, Bedford-PSS
Amber Kemmerer, IIP Cohort B
Mathew McDonough, ITT 1
Meghan Murphy, IIP Cohort D
Natalie Narcisse, IIP Cohort C
Rebecca Neuberger, Derry-PSS
Haley Nicholson, Groton-PSS
Emmanual Obianigwe, IIP Cohort G
Emma Parsons, West 1
Evan Potter, ITT 3
Sydney Rehmann, School Street
McKenzie Rusczyk, ITT4
Breanne Ross, Saddle Hill
John Schaper, Salem End
Kalyn Smith, Oak
Courtney Tierney, IIP Cohort A
Jonathan to, Francine