Rose Spitzer, a core shift manager (CSM) and level 2 teacher for The New England Center for Children’s (NECC) Salem End Road residential team, has worked for NECC for four years. She was nominated by her colleagues because since joining Salem End Road at the beginning of the contract year, she has had an “immediate positive impact on the students and teachers. She goes above and beyond for her students and is professional and always willing to help out the team. She knows the students’ guidelines in and out and makes sure the team is all on the same page and is working toward our common goal of improving the lives of our students. Rose is a strong advocate for the students and is not afraid to stand up for what she believes in. She is a leader her fellow staff want to follow.”
How long have you worked for NECC?
I have worked at NECC for nearly four years. I previously was the back-up CSM on both Saddle Hill Road and School Street where I was a case manager as well.
What is your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part of my job is seeing my students achieve goals they have been working hard at for so long. Having worked on teams from NECC’s youngest students up through the oldest, it is incredible to see the progress made through educational and clinical programming and observe the independence gained over the years.
Why did you choose a career in helping children with autism?
Since I was very young, I have always gravitated towards working with children and young adults with autism. In middle school, I was in a lunch group with students in my district’s inclusion program and was involved with Best Buddies in high school and college. I then worked alongside BCBAs during my student teaching program in college.
Why NECC?
NECC is so lucky to have such a dense population of behavior analysts and resources for teaching and caring for our students to help them to make progress. They also train strong behavior analysts who will continue to contribute to the field, and that community was something I knew I wanted to be a part of.
Have you taken advantage of any of the grad programs or teacher training at NECC? If so, how has it affected your teaching style?
I am enrolled in the Western New England University (WNEU) program and currently working on completing my thesis. I have also had the opportunity to attend a number of trainings that have absolutely contributed to my teaching style. Having a well-rounded understanding of the behavior analytic principles that are part of each student’s individualized programming has made me a more intentional and compassionate teacher and behavior analyst in training.
What is something about you that your colleagues might be surprised to learn?
I have traveled to 13 countries and will be adding #14 to the list soon!
What is your life philosophy or motto you like to live by?
Always remember why you started.