Introducing the 2025 NAPSEC Awardees

Educator of the Year
Spectrum360

Doug has been a dedicated Spectrum360 employee for over 25 years, progressing from Teacher's Aide to Teacher through dedication and a focus on resilience-building. He plays a pivotal role in the Young Adult Program (YAP), which helps 18- to 21-year-olds transition into adulthood. Doug has led initiatives such as implementing programs that teach workplace and social behavior, emphasizing consequences and adaptation. He rebranded YAP with innovative features like a simulated Walgreens, providing hands-on training in stocking, inventory, and customer service. Additionally, he creatively utilizes available resources in workshops to push students beyond expectations.

Doug excels in fostering inclusivity and pushing boundaries for student achievement. He introduced daily sign language lessons to integrate a deaf student with autism, enhancing communication and reducing dependence on interpreters. He also runs workshops where students use power tools to create marketable items, demonstrating trust in their abilities and enabling skill-building. By designing programs that challenge traditional methods, he consistently proves that students with special needs can exceed expectations.

Doug’s work benefits the school and the broader special needs community in meaningful ways. He enhances school events with visionary set designs for productions, enriching student experiences. His career education programs prepare students for life after school by fostering independence and real-world readiness. Beyond the classroom, Doug supports former students through home instruction and community-based initiatives, ensuring their long-term growth and success. His dedication and innovative methods leave a lasting impact within Spectrum360 and the larger special education community.

Related Service Provider of the Year
Gramon Family of Schools

Stephanie Dixon has worked as a Physical Therapist at the Gramon Family of Schools for over 20 years.  Her impact in the field of special education goes well beyond the therapy services she provides to students.  Stephanie has a positive, energetic, and fun personality, that it is contagious amongst her colleagues.  Over the years, so many families have requested her to work with their child to develop their gross motor skills. Even though she has helped numerous students overcome motor deficits, it is the way she goes above and beyond that makes her truly special.  Stephanie was instrumental in the founding of a new school program; NBFit.  NBFit is a physical fitness gym located inside the Gramon Family of Schools that is designed to motivate students with special needs to work out and “be fit.”  Stephanie was instrumental in the design and equipment chosen.  She worked collaboratively with our physical education instructor to maximize the usage of the space for a variety of student ages.  Stephanie and her colleagues are hoping that creating a rich, stimulating environment will help provide natural motivation for students to exercise.  Stephanie and her team aim to not only provide these incredible services to address IEP goals but to also combat obesity in our student population.

Stephanie’s accomplishments are many inside the school setting. However, her greatest accomplishment might be one that occurred outside the walls of the school building.  Stephanie has a love for sailing and frequently sails to various locations on her own time.  Combining that passion with an organization called “Possible Dreams” she was able to organize and facilitate a sailing excursion for multiple groups of students with disabilities on the Hudson River.  The sounds, the sites, and the experience was truly one of the most enriching of our students’ school lives.  Many of the parents were overwhelmed with emotion as they experienced this dream opportunity with their son or daughter.  Stephanie instinctually believed that students with ASD would respond positively to the lapping of the water against the boat, the motion and sensory experiences it would provide.  Her instincts were correct, and the sails were even more successful than she dreamed.  The success of this program has spawned multiple other sailing trips and help create “GFS Adventures," which are experiences for students with ASD in the community that go above and beyond exposure to community-based instruction. These adventures include snow-tubing, alpaca farm trips, rock climbing and soon - surfing.

For the many years Stephanie has provided incredible therapy services, leadership, and commitment to the organization, there is no one more deserving of this recognition.

Direct Care Worker of the Year
Chapel Hill Academy

John has been a pillar of the Chapel Hill Academy community for over twenty years, and his incredible dedication to students and staff makes him the perfect choice for this award. John’s ability to connect with students—especially those facing challenges—set him apart from the start. Whether through humor, athletics, or just a quiet chat, he’s always found ways to break down barriers and build trust.

Starting as a one-on-one aide, John quickly grew into a leadership role. When the school needed someone to handle counseling support, crisis management, and behavior interventions, John was the obvious pick. He’s the go-to person for tough situations, knowing every student’s name, needs, and unique personality. Tossing a ball, sharing a snack, or offering a kind word—John’s approach is about meeting kids where they are.

Beyond his work with students, John’s influence shapes the entire school. He’s a certified Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) instructor, modeling proactive strategies that prevent crises before they happen. His insights help staff adopt trauma-informed practices, creating a school culture that’s both compassionate and supportive.

This year, with new students and staff transitions, John stepped in where he was needed most—guiding classrooms through challenging adjustments and helping new assistants find their footing. His efforts immediately brought calm and positivity, transforming difficult situations into success stories.

John’s dedication goes beyond people—he takes pride in the school itself. Whether tidying up hallways or jumping in to solve problems, he’s always ready to lend a hand. His commitment to Chapel Hill Academy is felt everywhere, making him more than a staff member—he’s the heart of the school.

John’s compassion, leadership, and tireless effort make him truly deserving of this recognition. He’s not just a role model—he’s the kind of person who makes Chapel Hill Academy a better place every day.

Dr. Thomas Colasuonno has the characteristics of an outstanding NCASES site reviewer. He is thorough, understanding, committed, and empathetic to both school and site review team needs. Tom's impressive and dedicated career in education spans more than 50 years. He has served in leadership roles in both the public and private sector and continues to lead a life of service even since his retirement in 2015.

During a process that is often stressful for applicant agencies, Tom consistently develops positive relationships with staff and students over a short period of time. His personable and approachable demeanor helps to put staff, students and families at ease. Tom works in a collaborative manner prior to, during, and after site review visits and oftentimes volunteers to mentor new site reviewers. 

Tom is committed to the evaluation process and to supporting excellence in special education, to education more broadly, and is driven by the success of others in this community. Throughout his impressive career in education he has supported various accreditation agencies and contributed to over 20 reviews. It’s easy to see why he is so valued as a professional and a friend.