On July 18, 27 NECC staff members enrolled in the Simmons University Applied Autism Research graduate course presented their original research during a poster session at NECC’s campus in Southborough. The Simmons students, a group of 20 teachers from the Southborough campus and seven from across NECC’s Partner Program classrooms, were led by their professors: Jessica Seaver, PhD, BCBA-D, LABA, NECC’s Director of Public School Services, and Allison Bergenholtz, PhD, BCBA-D, LABA, NECC’s Director of Professional Development.

Both professors provided academic guidance and mentorship to students throughout the program. In total, 13 poster presentations were delivered, covering a broad range of applied research topics including learner profile assessments, data collection methodology, and strategies for building life and vocational skills in individuals with autism.

First place was awarded to direct-care staff in NECC’s residential program Dorothy Incoom Botchwey, Paul Karanja, and Caroline Stevenson for their collaborative research, Determining the Most Effective Teaching Strategy for Learners with Autism. Second place went to Partner Program lead tutor Mallory Cloran for her presentation, The Impact of Peer Support on Vocational Independence in Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Botchwey, Karanja, and Stevenson shared that their group gathered its own research by working with three students from NECC’s residential program to determine the most effective teaching strategies for each individual. “This process helped us reflect on and refine our teaching methods, and working collaboratively allowed us to support one another through challenges,” the group said. “We’re incredibly thankful for this experience and for our professor, Dr. Bergenholtz, for guiding us into the world of research.”

Chris Evans, MEd, chair of the education department and professor of practice in the Gwen Ifill School of Media, Humanities, and Social Sciences at Simmons University, praised both the student presenters and their faculty mentors. “I am so proud of the work these students presented,” she said. “Their research will contribute valuable insights for developing future interventions that support student success at NECC and beyond. I also want to recognize Drs. Seaver and Bergenholtz for their continued mentorship and dedication to student learning.”

A panel of 12 judges, composed of NECC leadership and Simmons alumni, selected the winners. The panel included Kim Keogh, MSEd, BCBA, LABA, Director of the Intensive Instruction Program (IIP); Sorrel Ryan, MSEd, BCBA, LABA, Program Director; Magda Stropnik, PhD, BCBA-D, LABA, Director of Special Projects; Ashley Parkin, MSEd, Senior Education Coordinator; and David Searles, MSEd, BCBA, LABA, Director of Local Consulting. The judges commended presenters for their professionalism, depth of knowledge, and innovative approaches. Many were described as “highly engaged,” “well-versed in their research,” and offering “meaningful insights and future directions.”

Simmons University’s autism specialization program is grounded in inclusive practice, cultural responsiveness, and family-centered service delivery. Students are taught to design interventions that honor family values, reflect diverse cultural contexts, and align with evidence-based approaches to autism education. These principles are woven into both coursework and research, preparing graduates to engage in ethical, impactful, and community-informed practice.

For over three decades, NECC and Simmons University have partnered to deliver on-site graduate training in autism education. Since 1992, more than 1,500 NECC staff members have earned graduate degrees through the Simmons program, positioning them for leadership in public schools, private educational settings, and clinical programs.

To learn more about NECC’s graduate programs, including the free on-site Simmons University program, visit the NECC graduate programs page.