Heather Arel, a lead tutor in one of The New England Center for Children’s (NECC) Partner Program classrooms in Groton, MA, has worked for NECC for nearly two years. She was nominated by a colleague because she “always goes above and beyond to support students and other staff,” and when she moved to Groton, she “jumped right in to help rewrite behavior plans, create student materials, create all new data sheets, and so much more. She has been such a positive influence in our Groton classroom, and we can’t wait to see all of the amazing things she will do in the future.”
How long have you worked for NECC?
I started at NECC in August of 2022 as a tutor at a Partner Program classroom in Derry, NH. Last November, I began covering the classroom in Groton and was promoted to the lead tutor position this spring.
What is your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part of my job is watching the kids make progress.
What are your daily duties/schedule like as a tutor in a partner classroom?
I spend the majority of the day working directly with the students. I also spend time updating behavior guidelines, assisting the lead teacher with creating materials and updating the ACE® ABA Software programs, and training staff.
What is something you would like people to know about working in the Partner Program?
Working in the Partner Program is a great opportunity to experience a combination of academic and behavioral skills in applied behavior analysis (ABA).
Why did you choose a career in helping children with autism?
I knew from a young age that I wanted to work with kids with autism. When I was younger, I would visit my mother’s classroom and would always want to hang out and play with the kids who had special needs.
Why NECC?
My very first job I had working in this field, we started using the ACE® ABA Software System and I went to a training at NECC. While at NECC, I thought how amazing a company like this is and that I would love to be a part of a team like this.
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 currently enrolled in the Regis College program for a master’s degree in ABA. I have learned a lot, and it has helped me learn different aspects of ABA that I haven’t learned in the past 11 years of teaching.
What is something about you that your colleagues might not know?
My favorite thing to do in my free time is to go to different fun places and events with my two children.
Who is someone you look up to?
Someone I look up to is my mom. She has been a special education teacher for many years, and I have always looked up to her.
What is your life philosophy or motto you like to live by?
Life is 10 percent of what happens to you and 90 percent of how you react.