Carrie Johnson, MSEd, BCBA, LABA, began her career at The New England Center for Children (NECC) in 2011. Johnson worked in numerous capacities at NECC before landing her current role as an education coordinator for the Intensive Treatment Team’s (ITT) Apartment 4. She was nominated by a colleague because she “embodies what it means to be a team player and portrays every characteristic an individual would want in a leader and co-worker. To name a few, Carrie is genuine, intentional, wholesome, collaborative, and humble. Carrie is an amazing supervisor with a huge heart. She advocates for all students and brings an unmatched level of energy to work each day. It is so refreshing to work with an individual like Carrie as she never turns down the opportunity to help someone or support the team.”
How long have you worked for NECC?
I started at NECC in 2011. I left in 2019 to explore some other opportunities but returned in July 2020. I have been a behavior health technician/level 1 teacher and a level 2 teacher in Southborough, as well as a therapist in Abu Dhabi. I’ve been privileged to hold a variety of roles (clinical role, education assistant, core shift manager, and case manager, among others) on a number of teams (Francine Road, SIU 1, IIP South, ITT 3, ITT 4, and a number of classrooms in Abu Dhabi).
What is your favorite part of your job?
Building meaningful connections and relationships with my students and watching them grow.
Why NECC?
I had a family friend who worked at NECC and connected me with an interview opportunity after finishing my undergraduate degree. I am so grateful to the NECC community for teaching me everything I know about teaching, behavior analysis, and being a caring community member. I am still here because there continues to be wonderful learning opportunities, the program is supportive and well-structured, and my co-workers and students are amazing.
Why did you choose a career in helping children with autism?
I feel more like this career chose me, and I am incredibly grateful for all of the opportunities it has provided for me both here at NECC and beyond.
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 have my master’s degree in special education through Simmons University and also went through the Western New England University ABA post-master’s certificate program. I try to view all of my teaching and skill acquisition programming through a behavior analytic lens and am lucky to have the support and guidance of many talented clinicians.
What is something about you that your colleagues might be surprised to learn?
I spent most of my childhood outside of the United States.
Who is someone you look up to?
I’m privileged to have learned from so many caring people over the course of my life whom I continue to look up to.
What is your life philosophy or motto you like to live by?
“Meet everyone where they are” and “roll with the waves.”