This August, 18 runners will take on the 53rd ASICS Falmouth Road Race as part of Team NECC. NECC’s 2025 team includes NECC staff, family members, staff alumni, and community partners who are dedicated to NECC’s mission and fundraising to support the impactful work it does for its students in Southborough, in public school classrooms, and across the globe. This year, Team NECC will extend beyond Falmouth, as a handful of runners will be completing the At-Home Edition of the Falmouth Road Race in support of NECC.

Below, meet NECC’s 2025 Falmouth Road Race runners and help them go the distance by donating to their individual fundraising pages. All funds raised directly benefit the students through the NECC’s Annual Fund, which covers costs for technology, vocational programming, off-site trips, extracurricular activities like art, music, and the pool, and much more!

Stephanie Carlin is running her 11th Falmouth Road Race in honor of her son, Elliot, who has been a student at NECC for the last 17 years.  Elliot is a three-time cancer survivor and has lived with significant autism for most of his life.  “NECC has been steadily by our side since we learned of this incredibly difficult diagnosis,” shared Carlin. “Though there is no known cause or cure for autism, NECC does not waver in its focus and efforts to help each child reach their potential. In Elliot they saw a tiny fighter with a great smile, engaging eye contact but with no verbal language, and many behavioral and attentional challenges. The team dug deep to figure out how to help Elliot learn and never looked back.”

Carlin added that during his time at NECC, Elliot has learned to communicate using a language app on an iPad giving him access to the people and the world around him. She shared that “as his ability to engage in the world increases, we have seen a steady decline in his most challenging emotional and behavioral difficulties.”

Carlin began running to escape the halls of Boston Children’s Hospital, giving her a chance to work out her grief and anxiety as she watched Elliot fight for his life. After running two Boston Marathons for pediatric cancer, she subsequently launched what is now her beloved annual tradition of running the Falmouth Road Race as a member of Team NECC. “It’s a chance for me to honor Elliot’s incredible resilience and support the school that has given him a future and our family the gift of hope,” she said.

Meghan Coughlin is excited to run her first Falmouth Road Race for a cause that means so much to her.  As an applied behavior analysis (ABA) tutor in a public school, Coughlin has seen firsthand how NECC’s services directly impact students in a partner classroom setting. “I’m excited to be a part of this amazing team and to help raise awareness and funds for NECC,” she said. “NECC’s mission is something that I value, and I am grateful and proud to be able to contribute in this way. I will be running, not just for personal achievement, but to help make a difference in the lives of these children and their families.”

Cassidy Dale, a human resources generalist for Greenwood Industries, was inspired to run the Falmouth Road Race for Team NECC after meeting two NECC students who are completing their vocational work at Greenwood. “It’s been such a great experience,” she said. “When the students come to the office, they assist with various administrative tasks, which not only helps me but also provides them with valuable hands-on experience. I get to see firsthand how much progress they make in their skills and confidence. The relationships I’ve built with the students and the team have made me appreciate even more the amazing work NECC does for these kids.”

Dale added that raising money for Team NECC is “a small way for me to give back to an organization that does so much.”

Dominic Grasseschi, an estimator at Greenwood Industries, is running to support NECC’s mission and the students. Like Dale, Grasseschi has the opportunity to work with the two NECC students every Tuesday. “I have gotten to know them well and would love to continue to support their growth for career development,” he shared.

Leah Gregoire is running her first Falmouth Road Race in support of NECC, where she worked as an occupational therapist for 15 years. During her time at NECC, Gregoire worked across the program teaching in the pool, gym, and classrooms, and is currently a volunteer with the adapted piano group. “I have encountered so many incredible students and directly observed their successes and hard work,” she shared. “From watching preschoolers rapidly develop their fine motor skills to seeing transition-age young adults meet long-awaited goals, these students have shown what they’ve learned with amazing skill. The joy and connection I’ve shared with NECC students and staff has shaped me into the professional and the person I am today.”

Alex Heggie, has worked at NECC for the past five years, including the last four in the Adapted Physical Education (APE) Department. Heggie shared that his passion has always been helping children with various diagnoses achieve and maintain a fit and healthy lifestyle, and his favorite part of his job is being able to open up different environments for the students to enjoy. “Seeing the joy in students’ faces as they accomplish new goals in the gym or enjoying the pool reminds me daily that my job is endlessly rewarding,” he said. Heggie added that running for Team NECC allows him to support a mission he truly believes in while helping provide resources and opportunities for the students. “Every mile I run, and every donation made helps children with autism access the education, resources, and teachers they deserve.”

Since 2011, Carrie Johnson has had the privilege of working with forming “countless unforgettable relationships with the incredible students at NECC.” Johnson is hoping that through running her fourth consecutive Falmouth Road Race for Team NECC, she will be able to raise crucial funds for the continued research to enrich the lives and educational experiences of her students.

Robin Kopplin, a production account coordinator for Fitts Insurance, is running her first Falmouth Road Race this August for Team NECC. Kopplin has always believed that it is important to provide opportunities to help people of all ages grow and succeed and shared that “NECC is tireless in its efforts to support people living with autism through education, research, and hands-on programs.” While Kopplin has spent time volunteering with other therapeutic programs, being able to give back through running – a sport that allows people from all walks of life to participate – is a new opportunity. “I know that raising funds in support of NECC will have a lasting and positive impact on the surrounding community for years to come.”

Lauren Kot has worked at NECC for the last 12 years as an APE teacher and has seen firsthand the “passion and commitment that NECC embraces to support the community we serve.” Kot, who has always enjoyed watching and supporting Team NECC runners over the years, is excited to take part in support of her “amazing students and NECC’s mission. These fundraising efforts will provide meaningful experiences that have a lasting impact on the lives of our students.”

Joy Kucinkas is excited to once again have the opportunity to combine her love for running with my love for special education. “I have worked in the field of autism education and ABA for 14 years and get to witness firsthand every day the incredible impact that evidence-based services have for so many children and families across New England and the world,” shared Kucinkas.

Jill Lagace has always wanted to run the Falmouth Road Race. More than a decade ago, Lagace joined NECC as an intern and currently works as an occupational therapist in the OT/PT/APE Department. “Running for Team NECC is a great opportunity to raise awareness and support the students I work with every day,” she said, adding that she has witnessed the positive impact NECC has on individuals with autism, their families, and the global community.

Tess Lambros has spent the last seven years working in NECC’s partner program and consultation classrooms on Cape Cod. In her position, Lambros has witnessed the “amazing progress our students can make with quality services and behavioral supports.”  She shared that while she primarily works with younger students, she enjoys seeing former students increase their independence and gain access to their community as they get older. As part of her fundraising campaign, Lambros has partnered with Advanced Embroidery in Hyannis, MA, who will match all donations up to $1,000.

Julia Mazzola was inspired to join Team NECC after seeing colleagues run the Falmouth Road Race last summer. A seasoned runner, Mazzola is looking forward to supporting the students with whom she directly works. “The funds I raise will go directly toward supporting the students, helping provide the educational programs and resources they need to succeed both in and out of the classroom.”

Riley Moran is looking forward to running her second Falmouth Road Race for Team NECC because she is “so passionate about the students I work with. I would do anything for them and I’m excited to raise funds and awareness for NECC.”

Moran shared that over her three years at NECC, she has seen how NECC’s work impacts students across the program. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to challenge myself physically and mentally, all while supporting an organization I believe in,” she said. “Working at NECC has truly changed me for the better, both professionally and personally.”

Andrew Rance has worked at NECC since 2010 and is proud to be running the Falmouth Road Race for Team NECC for the second time. Rance shared that participating last year was an incredible experience, both in terms of personal achievement and as a way to contribute to NECC’s commitment to autism education, research, and community outreach. “My time at NECC has been driven by a profound commitment to transforming the lives of individuals and families affected by autism and related developmental disabilities,” he said. “From my experience on the residential teams to my current role working with the ACE® ABA Software, I have developed a deep passion for the work I do.”

Nino Rodriguez, a service manager for V.I.P. Tires & Service, is running for NECC in honor of his young cousin who has autism. Rodriguez picked up running again a couple years ago as a way to stay active and support different organizations through fundraising. His first foray back into running was the annual NECC 5K Walk/Run for Autism. “I enjoyed running for NECC, and fundraising is a great way for me to give back and raise awareness,” he shared.

Rob Silva decided to run the Falmouth Road Race for Team NECC after witnessing the energy and camaraderie among the runners last year. Silva has worked at NECC for over 20 years as an occupational and physical therapist and running for Team NECC is a way for him to support NECC, its meaningful mission, and the students. “It’s incredibly rewarding to enrich the lives of my students and promote their health and wellness each day,” he shared. “I am honored to have the opportunity to raise money to support this amazing organization.”

Caroline Stevenson always knew she wanted to be a teacher, and working with the children with autism at NECC has made her dream even more meaningful. “Teaching at NECC has provided me with wonderful teaching and leadership opportunities in special education,” she shared. Stevenson’s path to NECC began with a summer internship, which turned into a full-time job as a level 2 teacher after graduating college. “Running the Falmouth Road Race for NECC and my students is a special opportunity for me. I have been an avid runner for my entire life, and I can’t think of a better way to raise awareness for my students and fulfill my passion for running. It’s not just about running and raising money; it’s about raising awareness and showing the community the incredible potential of every child.”

Team NECC At-Home Edition

Ryan McAuliffe, of Lexington, is running to support his son, Henry, who recently joined NECC as a student.

Beth McGonagle, who has worked at NECC since 2016, will be running her third Falmouth Road Race for Team NECC. She’ll be training and fundraising in honor of the “kiddos at NECC who have touched my life by their giggles, smiles, and achievements” as well as her nephew who is a “rock-climbing, Halloween-loving, apple addict whose kindness and compassion toward others brightens everyone’s day.”

Stephanie Midura is running as a member of Team NECC for the first time. As a mother of two, NECC’s mission means a lot to her, and she is looking forward to being a part of a team working toward the same goal of raising funds for NECC’s important work.

Kim Ruscitti is running her eighth Falmouth Road Race, and third with Team NECC. Since joining NECC in 2021, she has met some of the most dedicated and compassionate individuals, as well as the best kids who continue to thrive and grow thanks to the autism services provided by NECC. Although Ruscitti will miss the atmosphere of the in-person race, running the At-Home Edition allows her to raise funds for NECC’s students and support the amazing work NECC does.

If you’d like to run the At-Home Edition of the Falmouth Road Race for Team NECC, please reach out to Kim Ruscitti at [email protected].