Each year, the NECC 5K Walk/Run for Autism brings together hundreds of staff, students, families, and community members for a day of awareness and support for autism education. On May 11, nearly 1,000 individuals will lace up their sneakers to support The New England Center for Children’s (NECC) mission, including more than 65 people on the Miles for Mimi NECC 5K team honoring their late colleague, Amy Posocco.
Amy (“Mimi”) Posocco was a cherished NECC staff member who dedicated her entire 19-year career to NECC. She joined NECC as a teacher in the Center’s residential program and was amongst the first staff members to relocate to NECC’s sister school in Abu Dhabi where she helped establish the program that grew to become the Mohammed Bin Rashid Center for Special Education (MRC-NECC). After returning to NECC’s main campus in Southborough, Posocco quickly became an integral member of the Consulting and Public School Services Department, where she served for many years as a lead teacher, consultant, and clinical supervisor to NECC Partner Classrooms. She was also a key contributor to NECC’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts and a committed member of the DEI committee.
“Amy was a creative teacher, a skilled clinician, an enthusiastic mentor, and a passionate advocate,” shared Erin Coulson, MSEd, BCBA, LABA, assistant director of evaluations and client training in NECC’s Consulting and Public School Services Department. “She made an indelible impact on the students, families, and professionals she worked with during her 19 years at NECC. Amy was also a wonderful person and a valued colleague. She was approachable, understanding, encouraging, and extremely fun!”
Posocco, who passed away unexpectedly last July, had a tremendous impact across NECC’s programs as an educator, clinician, colleague, friend, and mentor, and her absence is felt across the Center by the countless students, families, and professionals she touched.
While she is dearly missed, Team Miles for Mimi is hoping to keep her memory alive through the NECC 5K and other efforts. “The NECC 5K seemed like a great opportunity to honor Amy’s legacy, as she loved being active and outdoors,” shared Coulson. “We look forward to remembering her while doing some of the things she loved!”
For those looking to support or join Team Miles for Mimi, whether in-person or remotely, visit the team page.
*Online registration for the NECC 5K Walk/Run for Autism closes on Tuesday, May 7 at 11 p.m., however on-site registration on Saturday, May 11 begins at 8:30 a.m.*