When Kristen Sidman, MEd, MS, OTR/L, answered a newspaper ad for a teaching job, she never imagined it would spark a nearly 40-year career. “The creativity of the ad drew me in,” she recalled. “It looked for someone who wanted more than a classroom role — someone energetic and creative. I applied, and the rest is history.” 

Sidman joined NECC in 1987. While teaching, she earned a master’s degree in intensive special needs through NECC’s former Fitchburg State partnership and later a second master’s in occupational therapy from Tufts. Those degrees prepared her to take on a major challenge: building NECC’s first integrated department for Occupational Therapy (OT), Physical Therapy (PT), and Adapted Physical Education (APE).  

“Until that point, we hired an outside agency to provide OT and PT services for students,” said Sidman. “It was a very small number of hours, and they just provided written recommendations without implementation.” 

From Clinician to Program Director  

Sidman’s vision to create a program centered around individualized care was no small feat. Her role initially only budgeted for 20 hours per week, so she juggled multiple jobs while gradually expanding NECC’s APE/OT/PT department.  

Her work transformed the department into a collaborative model where educators and therapists design customized physical education and therapy plans for every student. “Before, there was one gym program for everyone,” she said. “Now each student has their own — whether in the gym or the pool.” 

One of Sidman’s proudest achievements is developing the on-site pool program, an undertaking that brought unique safety and teaching challenges. “Swimming isn’t just a sport here; it’s a survival skill. Children with autism are drawn to bodies of water, so teaching water safety is crucial,” explained Sidman.  

Before the Michael S. Dukakis Aquatics Center opened in 2008, staff transported students to an off-site pool, leaving little time for instruction. “The difference now is that the pool has allowed instructors to focus on teaching students to learn to swim rather than just getting them to a pool,” she said.  

Building Traditions and Partnerships

Sidman’s impact goes far beyond clinical care. She spearheaded some of NECC’s most cherished traditions, including the now-iconic Field Day, which is in its 32^nd year. “Field Day started as a simple day of playful games, but it has evolved into a fantastic event with amusement rides, petting zoos, and activities carefully designed to give our kids safe, fun opportunities they might not have otherwise,” she said, adding that the event is also a chance for staff and families to come together in joy and celebration. 

Creativity and community-building have also driven her to forge meaningful affiliations that benefit students outside the classroom. For example, a partnership with St. Mark’s School offers a Saturday integration program where NECC’s high school students engage in games and activities with St. Mark’s students.  

Special Olympics of Massachusetts has been an invaluable partner. “We participate in soccer, basketball, and track and field across three seasons,” said Sidman. “Special Olympics allows us to tailor activities to our students’ needs. They provide equipment, volunteers, and space, supporting us in ways that genuinely strengthen our community.” 

Reflecting on her decades at NECC, Sidman points to the relationships that keep her inspired. “I see students preparing to graduate who I first knew as toddlers. I even recently attended a former student’s 40^th birthday. To be part of their journeys — and to have them still know and reach out to you — is a gift on both sides.” 

This article originally appeared in the 50th Anniversary edition of Insight.