Taylor Collins, a program specialist for The New England Center for Children’s (NECC) Intensive Treatment Team (ITT) Apartment 1, has worked at NECC for more than seven years. A colleague nominated Collins because “she is more than deserving of the mention” and “goes above and beyond the expectations constantly and is always willing to do whatever it takes to ensure the students of ITT 1 are well taken care of. She works tirelessly to ensure programing is in place and student medical needs are being addressed. Her demeanor with the parents of ITT 1 is always professional yet compassionate and the team could not have a better individual to lead them.”
How long have you worked at NECC?
I began working at NECC in the summer of 2015. I started as a teacher on Temple Street, was the residential coordinator on ITT 3, and the day coordinator on ITT 4 and ITT 1.
What is your favorite part of your job?
My favorite parts are our students and providing the highest quality of services to them and their families. Having the opportunity to spend each day with the most remarkable students is an experience I am forever grateful for.
Why NECC?
While obtaining my undergraduate degree, I worked at a day program that served individuals with autism. This experience was my first exposure to the field of applied behavior analysis (ABA), and my interest led me to pursue a career at The New England Center for Children.
You recently ran the Falmouth Road Race and raised funders for Team NECC. Why did you decide to do that?
When the application was sent out, a group of us from the ITT thought it may be fun to all run together, so we all signed up on a whim. It gave us the opportunity to give back to the agency, represent the ITT, and have fun together (despite the very warm cape cod sun that day).
Have you taken advantage of any of the grad programs or teacher training at NECC? If so, how has it impacted your teaching/career?
I have completed Western New England University’s (WNEU) master’s degree program in ABA and am currently in my third year of Western New England’s PhD program in behavior analysis under the advisement of Dr. Jason Bourret. Pursuing the graduate programs through NECC and WNEU have afforded me a comprehensive experience to grow as a researcher and clinician.
Who is someone you look up to?
I look up to the members of the ITT clinical admin group (both past and present). I work and have worked alongside some of the hardest working, dedicated, and compassionate clinicians and educators. It is a privilege to be a member of the ITT.