Sarah Walding, a program coordinator for The New England Center for Children’s (NECC) Salem End Road residential team, has worked at NECC for a decade. She was nominated for Staff Spotlight by a colleague because she is “an excellent clinician and leader. Students blossom on Sarah’s team, and she does not shy away from anything. She is thorough in her approach to reducing challenging behavior and clearly explains the rationale behind student programming, team systems, and decisions.” The nominator shared that Walding has also significantly impacted the health of the students on her team by increasing access to and encouraging the consumption of more nutritious snacks and meals. For example, at lunch, many Salem End Road students utilize the student lunch choice boards that she has implemented on the team, and most choose to have a salad.

How long have you worked for NECC?

I have worked at NECC for 10 years. I was previously a core shift manager (CSM) on Newcastle Road, a residential coordinator on Francine Road, and a day coordinator on Salem End Road.

What is your favorite part of your job? 

My favorite part is working with a large interdisciplinary team that includes direct-care staff, educators, clinicians, APE/OT/PT/SLP, medical professionals, families, etc., who are all working towards the growth, independence, and happiness of our students. Celebrating all of our students’ successes is made that much more rewarding when it’s shared with such a large and diverse community!

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

I did a summer internship at an applied behavior analysis (ABA) preschool, and among the many great opportunities I had there, I taught a student how to button a button for the first time using discrete trial training (DTT). I knew then that I had found my career!

Why NECC? 

I did my undergrad at Auburn University and was part of the ABA lab as well as Auburn’s ABA clinic. Almost every article we read for lab was published by former, current, or future NECC staff, so it seemed like the best place to go for a career in this field!

Who is someone you look up to? 

I look up to my former specialist on Francine, Kay Abeling, and my former specialist on Salem End Road, Clelia Deltour. They showed me how to be a better supervisor, trainer, and clinician, and always pushed me to keep learning and growing. I owe them both so much!

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

“All behavior is communication.”