Kelly Hilcoff, MSEd, BCBA, LABA, a consulting specialist in The New England Center for Children’s (NECC) Public School Services department, has worked at NECC for 23 years. She was nominated for Staff Spotlight because she “goes above and beyond to cater to staff needs and always does so with a smile on her face. Kelly’s passion, team spirit, and expertise go a long way in many classrooms and school districts.”
How long have you worked for NECC?
I started at NECC in June 2001, so I have been here for 23 years. I started on SIU 4 (what is now ITT 4) as a level 2 teacher before serving as a residential coordinator on West 1. After that, I joined the PSS Partner Program and was a lead teacher in the Quabbin Regional School District for 18 Years. I am currently a consulting specialist for our partner classrooms in Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire.
What is your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part is getting to travel around and create positive changes in many different school districts. In my current role, I am able to impact many more students than in any of my previous positions. I also have opportunities to grow and learn about how things are done in different places, which builds my capacity as a consultant and helps me to grow professionally. I love being able to provide support to children in their home districts that help them be successful learners in their own communities.
What are your duties as a consulting specialist?
I provide clinical supervision to one partner classroom, as well as BCBA consultation to three other districts, all of whom are also utilizing the ACE® ABA Software System!
Why did you choose a career in helping children with autism?
I had a very meaningful experience working with a student on the spectrum when I was in my undergraduate program and doing my student teaching for my education degree. After teaching first grade for a year, I switched gears and went back to school to become a special education teacher.
Why NECC?
The actual answer is that I was living in Michigan teaching first grade when I had a dream that I lived in Boston and my life was perfect. I got on the computer when I woke up the next morning and Googled jobs in Boston working with kids who have autism. NECC popped up, so I reached out for an interview, flew out, got the job, and have built a life here.
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 completed the Simmons University program for my master’s degree and then earned my BCBA. The opportunity to attend classes with my work colleagues was very beneficial.
What is something about you that your colleagues might be surprised to learn?
I think most people know most of my quirks at this point, but I have an extensive Converse shoe collection. I also love tacos and have eaten them every Tuesday for the last 3-plus years and find nothing more amusing than a good pun.
Who is someone you look up to?
I look up to Bill Holcomb (now retired), who was my supervisor for many years. He has always been a beacon of fortitude, calm professionalism, and data-driven wisdom, all mixed with just the right amount of humor and Monty Python references. Much of who I am today as a consulting specialist is because of the time I was able to spend learning from his example.
What is your life philosophy or motto you like to live by?
I always say, “We can do hard things,” and it is true. I have had to do a lot of hard things during my time at NECC, and so far, I have survived them all.
Kelly with her son who has ASD. “I am ‘on shift’ every night with him after work and am so grateful for what I have learned working at NECC that has helped me to be the best possible mom I can be to him.”