Assistant Program Director
May Center for ABA Services and Early Intervention
Western Mass.
As Sarah’s 30th year since her initial hire date approaches, the Western Massachusetts (WMA) team reflects on her extensive contributions and accomplishments within the May programs where she has worked. Sarah primarily supports the WMA home- and center-based program but also provides support to the WMA Early Intervention team as a Developmental Specialist one day per week. She has also worked as a direct therapist and senior therapist.
While working with families in the home or center, Sarah is able to acknowledge and address specific needs for each family while demonstrating values outlined in May Institute’s mission statement, including compassion, care, respect, and dignity.
Sarah honors each child’s individual strengths and preferences and views every goal as a learning opportunity. As Program Coordinator, Sarah excels in her ability to problem-solve, mitigate, and resolve concerns from families and direct staff, with her goal being to assist each person with genuine care, time, and dignity. Her program not only runs smoothly but is filled with happy and thriving clients, families, and staff.
Following the restructuring of services, Sarah took on additional responsibilities, including supporting the intake and assessment process, supporting new hires, monitoring program metrics surrounding staffing and client service hours, and completing documentation to allow children with transportation barriers to access center-based applied behavior analysis (ABA) services.
She approaches challenges by encouraging our staff, clients, and program to overcome the barriers in a way that promotes dignity, respect, and care for all parties. Sarah’s prioritization of equitable access to high-quality ABA services ensures all individuals she serves are given the resources they need to be successful.
Sarah’s demonstration of excellence in her service and dedication to the organization has been and will continue to be pivotal to the success and ongoing development of WMA services.
Nominated by Abigail Rix and Allison Lichtenberg, Western Mass.
Quotes from her community:
“Sarah’s love and passion for working with children are undeniable. She works so incredibly hard to make sure families are involved and aware of every aspect of their child’s program. She is always available to offer support to the families as well as staff and does so without hesitation” – Karen Aversa, Administrative Assistant.
“Sarah cares so deeply for the families and truly goes above and beyond to help them out with whatever they need. I admire how hard she works to ensure that children aren’t waiting long for services and how patient she is when staff comes to her with challenges.” – Nancy Lunden, Program Director of Early Intervention
“Sarah is one of the first people families speak to after receiving an autism diagnosis. While navigating this new reality, she is there with a friendly personality as she helps them by answering any questions they have and setting up appropriate services. She really is our go-to person! She is the jack of all trades and has amazing multitasking skills. Sarah will always work on problem-solving when tough situations are presented. Sarah is such a kind person with a great and positive attitude.” – Sylvia Bachand, BCBA
“Sarah makes our team stronger. She goes above and beyond when helping and advocating for our staff, clients, and families. I admire her personality, work ethic, dedication, and willingness to always help others.” – Zaida Carter, Operations Manager
See all of the pictures from the event on our Flickr album!
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