On Friday, May 16, Simmons University celebrated the Class of 2025 at its commencement ceremony, including 18 NECC staff members who received their Master of Science in Education with an autism specialization designation degree. The graduates were joined by nine colleagues from the Simmons-UAE master’s degree program, who were part of a group of 25 UAE staff whose degrees were conferred in January.
During the ceremony, several NECC graduates were also recognized with special awards for their exceptional work in the graduate program:
Janelle Mickaela Calaguian, a rehabilitation counselor for Higley Road, received the Mary Carlyle Holmes Award, given to a graduate in the Department of Special Education who most exemplifies a commitment to the philosophy that all children can learn, to the principle that educators must model the valuing of diversity within the human community, and to the concept that inclusive education is a right for all children; as well as the skills to advocate for ways to prepare each individual to be a productive citizen in this society, as demonstrated in the practicum or internship experience.
Sarah Cerrella, a tutor in a Derry, NH Partner Program classroom, was given the Douglas Eli Schuch Award, which is presented to a student concentrating in education or human services who, through course work, practica, and extracurricular activities, has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to the social and educational integration of citizens with special needs into the mainstream of today’s schools and society.
Benjamin Egby, a waivered education coordinator for ITT 2, earned the Francis W. Gallishaw Award, which is given to a graduate student who has demonstrated academic excellence in pursuit of graduate studies in the Program in Special Education, has demonstrated a commitment to assuring that all students achieve full participation in the broad spectrum of activity in the school and community, is a role model for peers in the academic setting, and is committed to lifelong learning and provides leadership and training to colleagues.
Amanda Foley, an IIP teacher in Cohort G, received the Vincent Strully Autism Specialization Award, which is presented to a teacher candidate who exemplifies NECC Founder Vinnie Strully’ s vision for serving children with autism spectrum disorder. The individual must demonstrate exemplary teaching skills with the ability to successfully differentiate instruction for diverse learners with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The recipients of this award possess a talent for designing and implementing individualized academic and behavioral programs, utilizing principles of applied behavior analysis and evidence-based practices.
Aldwin Galicia, a senior classroom teacher at NECC’s sister school, MRC-NECC, in Abu Dhabi who finished his degree in January, was awarded the Dr. D. Daniel Gould Award for Global Excellence in Special Education Training. This award honors a master’s-level graduate who has demonstrated exceptional commitment and innovation in the dissemination of special education teaching on a global scale. Named in honor of the distinguished Dr. D. Daniel Gould, a visionary in the field of special education, this award celebrates individuals who embody his passion for inclusive education and tireless efforts to disseminate evidence-based practices globally while serving as a mentor and leader to all.
Sean Hemminger, a level 2 teacher for Westborough 1, received the Kennedy Family Award in Special Education, which, according to Simmons, is presented in recognition to a recipient demonstrating exemplary leadership qualities. The recipient has the ability to demonstrate clear and effective communication with students, colleagues, and families and the ability to make a difference in their lives. The recipient has modeled genuine compassion, empathy and trustworthiness. The recipient exhibits exceptional leadership aligning themselves with the Kennedy’s family mission for inclusive education and demonstration of academic excellence.
Christina Rayball, a waivered lead teacher in a Groton, MA Partner Program classroom, was given the NECC Inclusionary Practice Award, which is presented to a Teacher Candidate who demonstrates exemplary inclusionary practices of children with special needs. The recipient is a strong advocate for the individual needs of their students, demonstrates strong group management, creates a warm and welcoming environment, and meaningfully incorporates culturally responsive teaching into their practice.
Congratulations to the May 2025 graduates:
Janelle Mickaela Calaguian
Emily Desjardins
Benjamin Egby
Amanda Foley
Sean Hemminger
Summer McGowan
Michaela McMillan
Colleen Mills
Allison Rozenas
Olivia Tomyl
Jessica Beaudry
Sarah Cerrella
Jaylin Enright
Alice Pauly
Suzanne Poole
Christina Rayball
Morgan Sundman
Catherine Williams
Congratulations to the January 2025 graduates:
Abdelrhman Abdelhafeez
Dima Abdeljaber
Shireen Abu Abs
Zarah Alejandro
Itaf Alhalabieh
Noura Awad
Ghinwa Balouza
Carmen Emad
Nkembo Evarah Akwesie
Sumayah Fadil
Aldwin Galicia
Chris Gonzales
Jose Mari Guevara
Alyanna Mari Hilario
Noela Ndikum Kandzuh
Cecilia Mazhata
Sidoline Nkemboh
Mary Shem Quilantang
Dana Ramadan
Melissa Scholz Galvis
Sybel Van Dalen
Maram Yousif
Natasha Zakaria
Tsungirirai Zimuto
For more information on NECC’s on-site graduate program partnership with Simmons University, visit the website.