Northwestern Counseling & Support Services

04/05/2026

Happy Easter from all of us at NCSS!

Wishing our staff, clients, and community a day filled with hope, renewal, and a little extra joy. Whether you're spending time with loved ones, enjoying the sunshine, or simply taking a well-deserved pause, we’re here for you today and every day.

04/01/2026

💙 April is Autism Awareness & Acceptance Month 💙

Throughout April (and all year long), we celebrate and support individuals with autism spectrum disorder by fostering understanding, inclusion, and acceptance. This month highlights the importance of education, advocacy, and recognizing the unique strengths and diverse experiences of autistic individuals.

Let’s come together to build a more inclusive community, one that values and uplifts every voice. 💙

And don’t forget! Join us for our 11th Annual Autism Walk on May 31st. We’d love to have you walk alongside us in support and celebration!

Stay tuned for more details, we hope to see you there!

03/30/2026

We’re pleased to share that Ryan Davis has been appointed Chief Financial Officer at Northwestern Counseling & Support Services.

Ryan’s leadership as Interim CFO has already made a strong impact, and we look forward to his continued contributions.

Congratulations, Ryan!

Read the full announcement below.

ST. ALBANS — Ryan Davis has been selected as the new Chief Financial Officer at Northwestern Counseling and Support Services.

03/27/2026

Last week, our Developmental Services division held a successful all staff in-service where we provided updates on current system changes, training from Pat Frawley about Positive Behavior Supports, and training about Quality Documentation from Heather Hubbard. Each training sparked excellent discussion amongst staff creating opportunities for shared learning. We had the largest turn out thus far creating an important opportunity for staff to connect and hear important messages from leadership!

03/25/2026

Su***de Prevention and Awareness Training Opportunity

Participants will gain essential knowledge and practical skills in su***de prevention, including:

• Understanding societal myths and attitudes
• Using sensitive and supportive language
• Recognizing risk factors and warning signs
• Identifying protective factors
• Considering populations at higher risk
• Learning what to say and how to help
• Accessing local and national resources

This training also teaches a simple three-step process for supporting someone who may be at risk for su***de, along with a collaborative discussion on best practices for your organization or community.

💙 This training is made possible through generous donations from Afterglow Foundation

Duration: 2 hours
Available in-person or virtually

For more information or to schedule a training, please contact: communityrelations@ncssinc.org

03/24/2026

Our School-Based Services teams recently came together for a comprehensive professional development training aligned with the Vermont State Behavior Intervention (BI) Minimum Standards, as well as staff-identified areas for growth. The training focused on key topics including Trauma-Informed Care, Functional Behavior Assessment, Seeking Supervision, and Strategies for Navigating Difficult Conversations. This Inservice strengthens our teams’ ability to effectively support youth in our communities, helping ensure students can successfully access and engage in their education.

In addition, Alyson Penzola facilitated an informational session on professional development opportunities at NCSS. She focused on their ABA program and highlighted the NCSS partnership with Endicott College, which is expanding access to continuing education and making it more affordable for staff to advance their skills and credentials.

03/22/2026

In honor of March being Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, we are giving you a peek into our PAEA program. Megan Martinson joined our team just six short months ago and has transformed this full-time art program that currently serves more than 30 clients, most participating in hour-long sessions.

Megan brings over 20 years of experience and a Master's Degree in Art Education, which allows her to design sessions that are fully tailored to each individual client's interests, strengths, and needs.

Each session provides a safe, supportive, and creative environment where clients can explore art at their own pace. The program is designed to help reduce stress and anxiety, support emotional regulation, and build self-esteem regardless of artistic skill level. Art sessions also offer a valuable non-verbal outlet, giving clients the opportunity to express thoughts and emotions visually in ways that may be difficult to communicate with words.

In the words of Georgia O'Keefe, "I found I could say things with color and shapes that I couldn't say any other way--things I had no words for."

03/21/2026

March 21 (3/21) marks World Down Syndrome Day 💙💛

This date was chosen to represent the three copies of the 21st chromosome, known as Trisomy 21, that make individuals with Down syndrome wonderfully unique.

Today is about raising awareness, advocating for inclusion and equal rights, and celebrating the amazing individuals in our communities who have Down syndrome. Let’s continue to spread kindness, understanding, and acceptance, today and every day. 💛

03/20/2026

🌸 Welcoming Spring & Celebrating 1-Year of The Able House! 🌸

Today marks one-year since the ribbon cutting for The Able House, one of our newest residential care homes, made possible in collaboration with the Vermont Department of Disabilities, Aging & Independent Living (DAIL).

Able House is a six-bed residence that provides 24-hour person-centered care for individuals aged 45+ with I/DD, including autism, who require enhanced medical support. 🏡💙 Since opening, staff have assisted clients to participate in events with their peers and grow in independence and well-being every day. Thank you to our dedicated NCSS staff for their ongoing commitment to creating spaces where clients feel at home and supported in living fulfilling, self-directed lives.

This much-needed home in Franklin County offers:
✅ Nursing oversight & medication management
✅ Psychiatric services & personal care
✅ Community-based support to ensure health & safety

We'd like to extend our thanks, once again, to our partners Connor Contracting, Cross Consulting Engineering, DAIL, and many more for making this vision a reality! 👏

Click Here to read the Vermont Digger article published last year:
https://vtdigger.org/2025/01/23/the-able-house-northwestern-counseling-support-services/

Click Here to watch our Able House Here for You episode:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ub4nHgHF5wQ&t=2s

Looking to join the NCSS team? Click Below for open job positions:
https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/portal/3D92DE23C00B53E1C7AB625C39F06F30/career-page

03/17/2026

We’re hiring!

Join our dynamic nursing team at Northwestern Counseling & Support Services as a Medical Assistant. An office-based role with flexible, predictable hours (no nights, weekends, or holidays).

Make a difference while supporting patient care in a collaborative, compassionate environment with great benefits to match.

Apply today and join a 2025 Best Places to Work in Vermont!

https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/portal/3D92DE23C00B53E1C7AB625C39F06F30/jobs/156787

03/17/2026

Acts of service aren’t just about doing things for others.
It’s about showing up with purpose.

And somehow, in giving, you get something back too. 🤍

On April 16th, join us at the Collins Perley Sports and Fitness Center for the 2nd Annual Franklin County Volunteer Fair.

This month, Joe Halko sits down with Erin Creley with Vermont Department of Health and Zoey Quigley with to talk about why volunteering matters and how you can get involved.

Click here to watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5e-jp6BaClc&t=961s

If you’ve been looking for a sign, this is it.