Liz Chapin, a senior education coordinator for one of The New England Center for Children’s (NECC) Intensive Treatment Teams (ITT), has worked at NECC for 13 years. She was nominated by a colleague because “Liz goes above and beyond for the students on ITT 3. She is such a good role model for the other education coordinators in the department. She has so much experience and is always willing to help promote additional learning opportunities for our students. Liz is kind, thoughtful, and a great teacher, and she creates novel stimuli to help teach our students effectively. ITT 3 appreciates Liz so much!”

How long have you worked for NECC?

I worked as a level 2 teacher for Westborough 1 from 2012-15, a level 2 teacher for ITT 1 from 2015-17, and have been working as an education coordinator for ITT 3 since 2017.

What is your favorite part of your job?

My favorite part of my job is providing enrichment opportunities for our students, especially when we can get them out into the community.

Why did you choose a career in helping children with autism?

I chose this career because there is such a high level of need and fewer resources as our students age.

Why NECC?

I chose NECC because the graduate school programs, level of support, and ratio of behavior analysts to clients make NECC a great place to be a special education teacher.

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 Simmons University master’s degree program and obtained my BCBA through Western New England University. Learning to view student (and staff!) performance through a behavior analytic lens has resulted in a lot more reflective practice, functional goal setting, and collaboration with other professionals. This has resulted in a lot of progress for my students!

What is something about you that your colleagues might be surprised to learn?

They might be surprised to learn that I graduated from college with a minor in studio art and still love to create when I have time. My favorite media are printmaking and sculpting with clay.

Who is someone you look up to?

I look up to Chata Dickson, PhD, BCBA-D, LABA (a principal researcher in NECC’s Research Department)!

What is your life philosophy or motto you like to live by?

Every moment can be a teaching moment!