Lauren Rae, a day coordinator for The New England Center for Children’s (NECC) Intensive Treatment Team (ITT), has worked for NECC for six years. She was nominated by a colleague because she is “an extremely effective and compassionate supervisor. She is always willing to go above and beyond to support the teachers and students on ITT 3. Lauren is an excellent teacher and prioritizes academic achievement for all of the students that she works with. Lauren is also a great staff mentor who has worked exceptionally hard to provide training for staff.”
How long have you worked for NECC?
I started working here during the summer of 2017 on West 1, where I served as case manager, clinical role, core shift manager, and residential coordinator.
What is your favorite part of your job?
I love the sense of teamwork that you feel working here. All the big and little wins would not be possible without the hard work and collaboration that goes into decisions and programming.
Why did you choose a career in helping children with autism?
In college, I completed an internship at an early intervention program for children with autism. I really enjoyed seeing the impact that the work we were doing had on their lives and the lives of their families.
Why NECC?
My professor at UMass recommended NECC as a great place to learn more about the field of applied behavior analysis.
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 am currently completing the Western New England University ABA program. It has been such a great experience being able to directly apply the material I have learned in classes to the field work that I do every day.
What is something about you that your colleagues might be surprised to learn?
I am a big foodie. I love trying new brunch spots, restaurants, and traveling to new countries to try their traditional cuisines!
What is your life philosophy or motto you like to live by?
I try to always find the positive in situations. There are a lot of things that can make situations challenging or less than ideal, but focusing on the positive helps you remember your goal and the reason why you are working towards that goal.