Author: Kim Ruscitti

NECC’s Onsite Hearing Tests Promote Student Success

For children with autism, completing medical procedures can be an immense challenge. These mandatory hearing screenings have required NECC staff and students to invest in a full-day trip to Boston. Now, students are tested using a less invasive test onsite at NECC Southborough.

STAFF SPOTLIGHT: Hannah Connolly

Hannah Connolly, a tutor in one of NECC’s Partner Program classrooms in Derry, NH, has worked in NECC’s Public School Services (PSS) program for three years. She was nominated for Staff Spotlight because she “works so well with all the students.”

STAFF SPOTLIGHT: Shannon Rawson

Shannon Rawson, a level 2 teacher, was nominated for Staff Spotlight because “the way she interacts with her students is truly special—she always knows how to bring a smile to their faces and consistently goes above and beyond to pay it forward.”

STAFF SPOTLIGHT: Thomas Lloyd

Thomas Lloyd, an IT desktop support associate, has worked at The New England Center for Children (NECC) for a year and a half. He was nominated for Staff Spotlight because he is “so helpful, attentive, and kind.”

STAFF SPOTLIGHT: Amy Sparkes

Amy Sparkes, a lead teacher in a Partner Program Classroom in Chelmsford, MA, was nominated for Staff Spotlight because she “is an incredible leader and mentor.”

NECC in the News: Behavioral Health Buoys

NECC was included in a recent Boston Business Journal article, entitled “Behavioral Health Buoys,” about the challenges Massachusetts is facing in building a workforce to meet the growing behavioral health needs.  

STAFF SPOTLIGHT: Justin Bashaw, MSEd

Justin Bashaw, an ACE® client support specialist, was nominated for Staff Spotlight because he “goes above and beyond to be a friendly face and ACE expert for both our clients and for NECC staff.”

NECC Celebrates AAC Awareness Month

This October, NECC is celebrating Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Awareness Month. The NECC community of speech-language pathologists (SLPs), families, and educators are raising awareness about the pivotal role that AAC plays in empowering individuals to communicate and engage with their community.

STAFF SPOTLIGHT: Colleen Mills

Colleen Mills, a level 2 teacher for The New England Center for Children’s (NECC) Intensive Treatment Team (ITT) program, has worked at NECC for three years. She was nominated for Staff Spotlight because she “goes above and beyond for all of her students, ensuring they receive compassion, dignity, and respect.”