Samuel Oduro, a Rehabilitation Counselor on Ursla Drive, has been at NECC for about a year and a half. He was nominated for Staff Spotlight by a colleague “because he is so diligent at work! Sam always makes sure to give his best and brings humor to the team as well. His team members love him, as do all the Ursla students. His students will say, ‘Sam is so perfect!'”

How long have you worked for NECC?

I have worked at NECC since April 2025. 

What is your favorite part of your job?

My favorite part of my job is bringing students to specials. You can say I’m the specials guy! I especially love bringing students to the Career Development Center (CDC). For me, the CDC is a doorway to reaching and impacting even more students across the country and around the world, even in places my feet and arms may not reach. If I can bring my students in for these little jobs, knowing the packages they put together travel far and wide to impact other students and people elsewhere, that brings me so much satisfaction.

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

I’ve always been drawn to opportunities where I advocate, facilitate, and play a role that helps people do better, live better, and achieve their potential from a place of vulnerability. In Ghana, where I am from, there aren’t many resources for autism education and research. Generally, most people have a poor perception of people living on the spectrum. This presents a great opportunity to be a voice, a facilitator, and someone who helps vulnerable people live their lives.

Why NECC?

NECC is the standard. It is a global benchmark in the field of autism education and research. Being part of an organization that has such a significant impact on the lives of individuals and families and holds such global significance is exciting, motivating, and a great privilege. This is one powerful place – there is no other place to be.

Have you taken advantage of any of the grad programs or teacher training at NECC? If so, how has it affected your teaching style?

Yes, I’m a student in the Simmons Master’s degree program. I was admitted this year, but I took a couple of non-degree courses in the spring before I was admitted in the summer. Despite my previous work experience, the Simmons program has been an eye-opener for me in many ways. 

The modules are straightforward, the teaching approach is highly flexible, and the lecturers provide practical information that supports my day-to-day work at NECC. The program is making me a better teacher. I’m becoming more self-aware in theory and practice and in cultural responsiveness. I feel I’m getting the right information for the different situations that arise on the job. I already know I’ve become a better teacher than I was last year, thanks to the program.

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

I play soccer very well; I could easily have been a pro if I had the support.

Who is someone you look up to?

First, God, then my family! My Dad, my Mum, and my three siblings are my first source of motivation in life. We’ve come from far away, and the goal remains to continue living the good way they raised me and to make them proud every step of the way.

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

“And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.” Colossians 3:23-24 [NKJV]