Kelsey Mellekas, MSEd, BCBA, LABA, has worked for The New England Center for Children (NECC) for ten years. Mellekas started as an intern and currently works as a consulting specialist in the Consulting & Public School Services Department (PSS). Mellekas was nominated for Staff Spotlight by a colleague because “she is an amazing supervisor who is always there to support each member of the team, whether it be a staff or a student. She always has a positive attitude, is so friendly, is an excellent problem solver and clinical resource, and is overall just an absolute pleasure to work with!”
How long have you worked for NECC?
I started at NECC as an intern on Higley Road in 2014. Since then, I have worked as a level 2 teacher and core shift manager (CSM) on Higley Road, spent three years on the IIP as a case manager, and an additional year as an education coordinator on the IIP. I transitioned to the PSS department as a lead teacher in 2018, where I was a lead teacher for four years before becoming a consulting specialist.
What is your favorite part of your job?
There are so many things I love about working at NECC and in the PSS department. What I love about working as a consulting specialist is all of the different staff, families, and students I get to work with.
What are your daily duties/schedule like working in PSS?
My schedule varies from day to day, which I love! A few days a week I help supervise and support partner classrooms and a few days a week I provide support and consultation to classrooms and students in various districts.
Why did you choose a career in helping children with autism?
I have always had a love for education. My passion for helping children with autism started when I was in high school when I had the opportunity to work with a family friend’s child as a support staff during town league sports. From there, we started working together more consistently after school and during the summer for academic and social skills support. I loved learning how to best support him. It opened my eyes to individuals with various needs and solidified my career in education.
Why NECC?
When I was an undergrad at Stonehill College, my advisor suggested NECC. She mentioned there were some alumni who worked there and suggested I check it out as an internship. I spent five months as an intern and really enjoyed the opportunity to learn and grow. I graduated on a Sunday and started as a full-time employee the next day!
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 completed the master’s degree program through Simmons University and also the BCBA program through Western New England University. I’m so appreciative of the opportunities available to further my education with so much support from the company.
What is something about you that your colleagues might be surprised to learn?
I really love cooking and baking! I always joke that if I didn’t become a teacher, I would love to have a cooking show or a cooking YouTube channel. Now that my kids are getting older, it’s something I get to enjoy with them, too.
Who is someone you look up to?
I look up to my parents. They both exemplify what it means to work hard and be a good person and that is something I strive to do every day.
What is your life philosophy or motto you like to live by?
I don’t necessarily have a life motto or philosophy, but I try to make every day a good one. I think it’s especially important in this field and in the time we live in where everything seems to be moving fast. It’s important to take the time and find small things that bring you joy and bring joy to those around you.