The 2025 TEACCH Awards were announced at the TEACCH Staff Retreat on March 17. These awards were presented to TEACCH Staff members who consistently strive to uphold and promote TEACCH’s mission, vision, and values. Congratulations to all the award recipients.
The Mesibov Award
The Mesibov Award (formerly the TEACCH Core Value Award) is named after Dr. Gary Mesibov, the second Executive Director of the TEACCH Autism Program.
The 2025 Winner of the Mesibov Award is Chandra Brown from the Chapel Hill TEACCH Center.
The 5 core values represented by this award are:
1. Demonstrating commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of others.
2. Creating a culture of collaboration and partnership, where everyone is respected and valued.
3. Delivering excellence through innovative and responsive practices.
4. Appreciating the unique strengths of every individual.
5. Emphasizing the importance of continuous lifelong learning.
The Miggie Award
The Miggie Award named in honor of: Margaret D. Lansing, the first TEACCH therapist and wife of our Co-Founder, Eric Schopler.
The 2025 Winner of the Miggie Award is Molly Spears, an Autism Specialist from the Wilmington TEACCH Center.
This award recognizes a TEACCH Autism Specialist who exemplifies the professional characteristics Miggie was known for throughout her career. The characteristics represented by this award are:
1. Creativity
2. Collaboration
3. Genuine concern and respect for others
4. Always willing to do whatever is needed to get the job done
The Kathy Hearsey Community Impact Award
The Kathy Hearsey Community Impact Award is named in honor of Kathy Hearsey, former Director of the TEACCH Training Program.
The 2025 Winner of the Hearsey Award is Belinda Barret from the Carolina Living and Learning Center.
This award is presented to an employee who consistently strives to uphold and promote the TEACCH vision for a world where all individuals with autism and their families have access to excellent services in their home communities. This award is open to a TEACCH employee who is responsible for providing direct services to autistic individuals outside of the traditional clinic setting, such as in their home or residential setting, in vocational settings, and/or the community, and through their efforts significantly contributes to sustaining and enhancing services in the community.