Augustina Owusu, a Rehabilitation Counselor on Ursla Drive, has been at NECC for a little over a year. She was nominated for Staff Spotlight by a colleague, “because she’s such an incredible human being! She brings so much life to the team and is the most supportive team member one could ever ask for. She not only supports the students, but they all love her. Every student on the team keeps asking where she is on her days off: ‘Where’s Tiya?’ We love her so much and are super excited to have her on the team.”

How long have you worked for NECC? I have worked at NECC for a year and three months. 

What is your favorite part of your job? My favorite part of my job is working alongside a student and seeing their progress over time. It is very rewarding to see even the smallest improvement and know that I play a role in supporting their growth. 

Why did you choose a career in helping children with autism? I always tell anyone who asks that the job chose me!

Why NECC? After working in the special education field in Ghana for about three years and finding it meaningful, I knew I had much more to learn. When I found NECC, I realized it was the place to keep developing my skills and expand my understanding of the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).

Have you taken advantage of any of the grad programs or teacher training at NECC? If so, how has it affected your teaching style? I am currently enrolled in the Simmons University Master of Science in Education Program, Autism Specialization with Severe Disabilities Licensure, and it is the best decision I have made in my educational history.

Who is someone you look up to? I look up to a woman I worked with in Ghana, Mrs. Dzidzi. She is the most positive, empathetic, and hardworking person I know.

What is your life philosophy or motto you like to live by? My life philosophy is to always aim to be a better version of yourself with honesty, kindness, and love.