“ When I think about that, I know I’ m with the right people and that Faison is a special place to be.”— Beth Newcomb
STUDENT WINS CREATE‘ OH, WOW’ MOMENTS
Beth Newcomb still recalls the moment that a student she was working with spoke to her for the first time. It was a small, but magical moment that showed the young teaching assistant that she was making a connection— and the student was responding.
“ I taught that kid to say just one word. Then he began to talk,” she said.“ That experience was a defining moment in my own learning process.”
That was 20 years ago, when Beth had just started at Faison. She joined the team after providing in-home instruction for one of our students when he came home from school. She never imagined that a part-time college job would evolve into a long career in autism services.
“ Through working with just one child, I found that I liked working with students with autism,” Beth said.“ The kids were all very different. I enjoyed their small but steady gains where I could see the impact of my teaching.”
Over the next two decades, Beth took on more responsibility and greater leadership roles while also earning a Master’ s Degree and Board Certified Behavior Analyst designation, both paid for through Faison’ s tuition reimbursement program.
Year after year, she watched our school and community grow. Elementary-aged students advanced into middle and upper classes. Enrollment expanded at every level. The school moved into its Willow Lawn campus and then that campus grew exponentially. That young boy she first taught at his home continued with Faison through his entire school career, and he is now in our Adult Day and Family Partner programs. Today, Beth serves as the Director of The Faison School overseeing a staff of more than 150 teachers and teaching assistants.
No matter how much Faison has grown and evolved over the years, Beth still knows that the real
“ When I think about that, I know I’ m with the right people and that Faison is a special place to be.”— Beth Newcomb
measure of success is the collection of magical moments that each student experiences. From mastering a basic skill, to talent shows and graduation, special moments prompt her to say“ oh, wow!” as each student grows and learns.“ Because of Faison, these kids have the opportunity to do many of the same things that every other kid is doing,” Beth said.“ When I think about that, I know I’ m with the right people and that Faison is a special place to be.”
Annual Report 2023-24 | 11