Nicole Ciotti, MS, CAGS, BCBA, LABA, Executive Director of ACE ABA Software System, has worked at NECC for twenty-nine years. She was nominated for Staff Spotlight by a colleague, “because Nicole leads the department with grace and vision!”

How long have you worked for NECC?

I started as an intern on the Saddle Hill Road team in the summer of 1996 and began working full time at NECC in January 1997. This coming January will mark 30 years at NECC.

What is your favorite part of your job?

My favorite part of my job is learning from my colleagues, supervisors, and team members. Even after many years at NECC, I continue to learn something new every day, and I am grateful to be surrounded by people who challenge and inspire me.

Why NECC?

It was clear to me early on that NECC was a leader in the field. The opportunity to work alongside experts in behavior analysis and autism education, while also continuing to advance my own education and career, made NECC an easy choice.

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 was very fortunate to earn my degree in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) through NECC’s partnership with Northeastern University and to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) in 2001. There is something incredibly meaningful about working in the field while taking classes; it prepares you in a way that classroom learning alone cannot. I also earned my Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS) from Northeastern, with a focus in Organizational Leadership. Those experiences shaped the way I think about teaching, supervision, leadership, and the importance of continuing to learn throughout your career.

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

I am a pretty open book, but colleagues might be surprised by how much I credit the people around me for shaping who I am as a professional. I have learned something from nearly every team, colleague, and supervisor I have worked with.

Who is someone you look up to?

I really cannot name just one person. I try to find something to learn from everyone I encounter. I have been fortunate to work with many mentors, colleagues, and leaders who have shaped how I think about behavior analysis, leadership, teamwork, and service to others.

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

I try to live by the values that are most important to me every day: self-reflection, learning, and gratitude. I believe there is always something to learn, and that staying open to feedback and growth makes us better colleagues, leaders, and people.

Listen to Nicole share a little bit about herself here.