Karen Jinno, a Level 2 Teacher on the Intensive Instruction Program (IIP) on Cohort A, has worked at The New England Center for Children (NECC) since August 2025. She was nominated for Staff Spotlight by a colleague, “because she is reliable and communicative on the team. She is productive, kind, and compassionate while working with her students. She is a strong case manager, frequently reviewing her students’ data and sharing insights and ideas to help them make progress. Most recently, Karen led her first parent clinic. She carried herself professionally and engaged in meaningful conversation with her case student’s family.” 

How long have you worked for NECC?

I’ve been working at NECC for a little under a year. I started as an intern in February 2025 and became a full-time employee in August 2025. 

What is your favorite part of your job?

My favorite part of the job is interacting with students and seeing their progress firsthand. 

Why did you choose a career in helping children with autism?

I have been interested in early developmental psychology since high school, and I thought learning about autism was very important for understanding developmental disorders in general. I also love how my actions can make a huge impact on students and help them become more successful in achieving their happiness. 

Why NECC?

I chose NECC because Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) really aligns with my belief in teaching children. I also appreciated that NECC offers free graduate programs, since graduate degrees are critical for entering the field of psychology. 

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 am starting the master’s program in Applied Behavior Analysis at Western New England University (WNEU) this fall. It hasn’t started yet, so I can’t speak to its effect, but I’m very excited to learn more about the clinical side of ABA. 

Who is someone you look up to?

I look up to the teacher I met during the year I was in preschool. I interned under her during high school, and I realized how much of an impact she made on me. Even though I met her when I was very young, I still remember how I became invested in early education, which led me to pursue a career in developmental psychology. 

What is something about you that your colleagues might be surprised to learn?

I used to play viola in an orchestra. I started learning it in junior high school and played it until my freshmanyear of college. I kind of fell out of it after that since I didn’t have time to join the orchestra, but I still have it at home! 

What is your life philosophy or motto you like to live by?

Follow your interest. I always choose what I do in life, including my job or college, based on what interests me. Some decisions I’ve made have not benefited me in the short term, but they have made me happy and fulfilled in the long term. 

Listen to Karen share a little bit about herself here.