Samantha Dykes has worked for NECC's Higley Road residence as a level 2 teacher for three years. She was nominated by a colleague for excelling in her roles of an education assistant and case manager.

Ashley Dodd, NECC’s event specialist, was nominated for “representing the most positive aspects of NECC. Through events like the Boston Marathon, the Woo Sox [Autism Acceptance] game, and the 5K, she goes above and beyond to ensure smooth planning of events that benefit our staff and students!”

Irene Looi, MS, BCBA, LABA, is a day coordinator for NECC’s Oak Street residence. Looi came to NECC six years ago from Malaysia to work as a graduate assistant and take advantage of earning a free master’s degree. The Oak Street teachers nominated Looi for her dedication, positivity, and leadership.

Bridget Higgins has been a level 2 teacher and core shift manager (CSM) for NECC's Ursla Drive residence for two years. A colleague nominated Higgins because “she is a great leader and mentor” and “when she is on shift you will always feel appreciated.

Joseph O’Neil, MSEd, MS, CCC-SLP, is a speech language pathologist (SLP) who has worked at NECC for 31 years. A colleague nominated O’Neil because he is a true team player, offering “his support to all residential teams every day when we arrive to school, and it is greatly appreciated!”

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.”

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!”

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.”

Ashley Jordan has been a teacher at NECC’s Day Care Center for 15 years, first working in the infant room before moving to the toddlers, where her colleagues say she’s “a staple to the program.” A colleague nominated Jordan because she’s “wonderful with parents, loved by co-workers, and extremely reliable.”