McKenzie Ruscyzk, MSEd, an education coordinator for The New England Center for Children’s (NECC) New Castle Road (NCR) residential team, has worked at NECC for nearly five years. She was nominated by colleagues for Staff Spotlight because she is “someone who truly goes above and beyond for both staff and students. She always brings positive energy and is so encouraging to everyone on the team.” A second colleague also recognized “the successful work she has done to improve attendance with a few students within the pool environment.”

How long have you worked at NECC?

I have worked at NECC for four and a half years. I started as a level 2 teacher on ITT Apartment 4 and am now entering my second contract year as education coordinator on NCR.

What is your favorite part of your job?

My favorite part of my job is building rapport and a trusting relationship with students and creating opportunities for them to go into the community more often, especially to new places!

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

I had an idea that I wanted to work with children and young adults with disabilities, but I did not know that I wanted to work with children with autism until I started at NECC! I continue to appreciate the humbling and authentic conversations I have with students and the rapport that I get to build with each student that I work with.

Why NECC?

NECC was my first job out of college. The continued learning opportunities that NECC provides and the incredible students that I get to work with have made it pretty hard to leave.

Have you taken advantage of any of the graduate programs? If so, how has it affected your teaching style?

Yes, I graduated from the Simmons University master’s degree program and am now in the post-master’s Western New England University (WNEU) program. Simmons prepared me to tackle the role of educational coordinator and the WNEU program has allowed me to feel more comfortable making quick decisions on the floor. It has truly opened my eyes to the true meaning behind compassionate care.

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

I commute to NECC from Connecticut and enjoy riding my moped around the farm town I live in!

Who is someone you look up to?

I look up to the whole NCR crew! The staff I work with are truly amazing, such great advocates for our students, and truly go above and beyond for one another.

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

Life is better when you’re laughing