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Rebranding and Reinvigorated. No Place for Hate becomes “Plymouth for All”.

The Plymouth chapter of “No Place for Hate” has been rebranded to “Plymouth for All Committee”. The name change reflects a more inclusive approach and that the organization is not affiliated with the national No Place for Hate program of the Anti-Defamation League.

The Plymouth For All Committee is a committee of town government, with members appointed by the Plymouth Select Board.

The focus of the Plymouth for All committee remains stalwart. The group is dedicated to fostering a community that values diversity, promotes inclusion, and ensures that all people are treated with dignity and respect. In addition to changing their name, Plymouth For All is changing their approach to actively opposing hate, bias, injustice, and discrimination by implementing a new and improved strategic plan.

Plymouth For All can be found on the town of Plymouth’s website at – https://www.plymouth-ma.gov/697/Plymouth-for-All-Committee

The committee consists of 13 seats for Plymouth residents who are appointed by the Plymouth Select Board – including 11 seats for adults and 2 seats for Plymouth High School students. Meetings are held on the fourth Wednesday of every month at 7:00pm ET at Town Hall — all are welcome to attend.

Peter Matlon, chair of the Committee, noted, “Our new strategy emphasizes our ambition to play a more active role in policy advocacy within town government –  and our commitment to build working relationships with marginalized communities.”

In addition to Peter Matlon, Committee members include Christina Bryant, Linda Jones, Meghan Neutzling, Jonathan Plate, Keyana Adarkwah, David E. Brown, Peggy Grimes, Stephen Karam, Sophie Speliopoulos, Michelle Tirella Ventura, Sarah Jane Engel, and Zachary Thomas Hogge.

MPAAQ Sounds the Alarm Over 2026 MassHealth Medical Necessity Criteria and Performance Specification for ABA

New Regulations Will Negatively Impact Access to Medically Necessary ABA for Children with Autism and Down Syndrome

On December 11, 2025, Carelon/MBHP distributed the 2026 Medical Necessity Criteria and Performance Specifications for Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA). These changes go into effect February 15, 2026 and represent a substantial deviation from current regulations, which will negatively impact access to medically necessary ABA for children with autism and down syndrome.

MPAAQ has many concerns with these new policies, which have not been presented for public comment, but the most significant concerns include:

  • Increasing minimum age for behavior technicians (paraprofessionals) from 18 to 21. 
  • Excessive assessment requirements to obtain prior authorization for treatment
  • Excessive requirements for center-based ABA services
  • Limiting access to group instruction (a cost-effective and less restrictive level of care) to less than half the national standard.

MPAAQ understands the necessity of policy and regulations to protect quality of ABA services and to ensure the MassHealth program is financially sustainable. MPAAQ is eager to partner with MassHealth and EHHS on policy that protects both access and quality of ABA services in the commonwealth. 

“However, MPAAQ cannot stand by silently when major policy changes are released at the last minute, without public comment,” said Ashley Williams, PhD, LABA, BCBA-D, Board Member, MPAAQ Board of Directors. “These changes will make it even harder for families to access critical services.”

The new policy limits access to care for current (and future) clients by introducing new and excessive assessment requirements to authorize treatment and overly stringent expectations to justify center-based ABA services. 

“These requirements are not in line with our field’s generally accepted standards of care and will lead to children accessing lower doses of treatment and potentially discharging prematurely,” said Rebecca Thompson, PhD, BCBA-D, Chair of MPAAQ.

Further, MassHealth is limiting group instruction, a cost-effective and less restrictive model of treatment, to less than half of federal policy. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) establishes guidance on the typical maximum number of units a service code may be used per day, called Medically Unlikely Edits (MUE’s). When medically justified, a higher number of service units may be delivered per day. The CMS MUE for group treatment is 18 units (of 15 minutes each) or 4.5 hours, but MassHealth will be limiting this service to 2 hours per session and a total of 10 hours per week.

ABA is an effective and well-researched method of teaching children with developmental differences a variety of skills related to communication, social interaction, motor skills, and problem solving. This therapeutic approach has been proven to improve the functional capabilities of children diagnosed with autism and Down syndrome by systematically breaking down challenging tasks into smaller components. Research shows that for the autism population, ABA services can save the commonwealth more than $2 million per child over their lifetime.

In addition, increasing the age requirements for behavior technicians – who are front-line staff – immediately reduces MPAAQ members’ potential workforce by 20 percent. These ABA providers already face a direct care workforce shortage, and this new policy exacerbates this issue. It will also increase costs, as people who have been in the workforce longer will require higher wages to compensate for their experience. Demand for services will increase in 2026, as new law goes into effect mandating coverage for ABA for Down Syndrome, in addition to autism. This new policy restricts MPAAQ members’ potential workforce, just as thousands more individuals will be eligible for care. 

About the Massachusetts Providers for ABA Access and Quality (MPAAQ) :

The Massachusetts Providers for ABA Access and Quality (MPAAQ) is the dedicated, nonprofit trade association representing organizations who render ABA services across the Commonwealth. We champion evidence-based, equitable ABA services, working to ensure strong policies that uphold clinical integrity, workforce sustainability, and meaningful outcomes for individuals and families. Learn more at www.mpaaq.org

Sources:

Jacobson, J. W., Mulick, J. A., & Green, G. (1998). Cost-benefit estimates for early intensive

behavioral intervention for young children with autism—general model and single state case.

Behavioral Interventions, 13(4), 201–226.

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/(SICI)1099-078X(199811)13:4%3C201::AID-BIN17%3E3.0.CO;2-R

Needham, MA news – Circle of Hope in High Gear as  Mark’s Storage & Moving is named Official Mover.

Circle of Hope,  a nonprofit organization based in Needham, Massachusetts, mark another major sponsor and its official mover – Mark’s Storage & Moving.

Mark Silverman, founder of Mark’s Moving & Storage, is a long-time Needham resident and neighbor of Circle of Hope.  In addition to  his moving and storage company, based in Westborough, MA, Silverman founded Mark’s Northeastern Furniture Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to re-purposing discarded furniture and other necessities for charities and individuals in need.

Circle of Hope provides individuals and families experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity in both Metro West and Greater Boston with clothing and hygiene essentials to promote health and opportunity. By making regular deliveries of seasonally appropriate clothing, shoes, bedding, and hygiene essentials to 35 homeless shelters, healthcare clinics, schools, and community programs, Circle of Hope promotes physical and mental health and fosters opportunity for thousands of people in need. Last year, Circle of Hope gave clothing and hygiene essentials to more than 31,700 people experiencing homelessness.

“We are delighted to partner with Circle of Hope,” noted Silverman. He added, “We don’t just move belongings — we move with purpose! This partnership represents exactly who we are – a company whose culture and mission reach far beyond profitability. For more than four decades, we’ve believed that success creates responsibility — and that those of us who have been fortunate have an obligation to lift others up.”

He continued, “At Mark’s Moving & Storage, philanthropy isn’t a side project; it’s woven into the fabric of how we operate. From supporting families in crisis to delivering essential goods to those who need them most, we take pride in using our resources, people, and expertise to make a real impact in the community.”

Ari Barbanell, Executive Director of Circle of Hope noted, “We are blessed to have partners like Mark’s Storage and Moving. We have a common goal – creating a more compassionate and connected community.”

ABOUT CIRCLE OF HOPE

Circle of Hope provides essential clothing, hygiene items, bedding, and baby supplies to individuals and families experiencing homelessness in Boston and MetroWest, partnering with shelters, schools, and health clinics for emergency aid and dignity. Founded in 2008, they deliver vital necessities like coats, diapers, and hygiene kits to promote health and opportunity for thousands, offering ways to donate goods, funds, or volunteer

The organization is located at 1329 Highland Ave., Suite 3, Needham, MA 02492. To donate or volunteer, visit  circleofhopeonline.org.

About Mark’s Moving & Storage

Mark’s Moving and Storage, 111 Milk St., Westborough, offers a wide range of moving and storage services, including commercial on demand warehouse storage local and long-distance residential and corporate moving, air freight, container shipping, record storage management, disposal, packing and unpacking services, portable storage containers, warehousing and fire and flood remediation. For more information, visit https://marksmoving.com.

Isaiah Brown joins Johnson Brunetti

FRANKLIN, MA, NEEDHAM, MA, NORWELL, MA and WOBURN, MA..

photo of Isaiah Brown, Johnson Brunetti client relationship coordinator

Johnson Brunetti, an independent retirement and investment specialist firm, founded in 2003, recently announced the addition of Isaiah Brown as a client relationship coordinator.

In this role, Brown coordinates workshops and events, supports clients, and serves as a liaison between advisors and clients.

“Isaiah has a knack for managing multiple project simultaneously without a drop in the quality of service,” said Linda Walter, Regional Operations Manager. “He has an affable way about him that gives both clients and co-workers the confidence that everything is under control. He’s has been a welcome addition to our team.”

Brown attended the University of Arkansas and earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing with a focus in business analytics.

“It’s a real tight-knit group here at Johnson Brunetti and I love how we work collaboratively with clients and on projects. As someone who’s relatively new to the financial services industry, it’s reassuring that if I have a question, I can go to just about anybody in the firm and get some help,” said Brown.

A native of Arkansas, Brown resides in Brighton with his girlfriend Rachell. In his spare time, he’s a soccer referee, officiating for high school and college matches across southeastern Massachusetts. An outdoorsman, he also enjoys exploring his new home state, particularly the western and southeastern parts of the state.

About Johnson Brunetti

Johnson Brunetti is a local retirement planning firm with offices in Needham, Franklin, Norwell, and Woburn, MA. Johnson Brunetti provides the financial guidance and service that retirees and those planning for retirement need as they strive to achieve financial independence. To learn more about Johnson Brunetti and its services, call 800-208-7233 or visit www.JohnsonBrunetti.com.

Johnson Brunetti names Max Gordon as community liaison

of Max Gordon, the community liaison for Johnson Brunetti

FRANKLIN, MA, NEEDHAM, MA, NORWELL, MA and WOBURN, MA..

Johnson Brunetti, an independent retirement and investment specialist firm, founded in 2003, recently named Max Gordon as community liaison. Gordon will take on this role in addition to his duties as a client services specialist.

As community liaison, Gordon will coordinate with non-profit and charitable organizations to arrange volunteer opportunities for Johnson Brunetti. The firm’s employees contribute four hours of community service each quarter.

“Max has shown tremendous initiative since he joined Johnson Brunetti out of college in 2021. With the growth of our Massachusetts locations, Max stepped up to take on the community liaison role. We’re grateful to have someone of Max’s skill and passion in that role and look forward to even more rewarding community service projects for our staff,” said Linda Walter, Regional Operations Manager.

Over the past several years, Johnson Brunetti staff members—both collectively and as individuals—have performed community service for a wide range of organizations. Those include: The Make-A-Wish Foundation, Circle of Hope, The Salvation Army, Dress for Success, Wounded Warriors, and many more.

“One of the things I’ve loved about working at Johnson Brunetti is the team dynamic. Much of what we do here is a collaborative effort. The community service work we do brings our close-knit team even closer together,” said Gordon. “I’m excited to jump into this additional role and find more ways to help people in the communities we serve.”

Gordon earned a bachelor’s degree in managerial economics from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst. Originally from Pompton Lakes, New Jersey, he resides in the Brighton section of Boston. In his spare time, he enjoys movies, skiing, and mountain biking.

About Johnson Brunetti

Johnson Brunetti is a local retirement planning firm with offices in Needham, Franklin, Norwell, and Woburn, MA. Johnson Brunetti provides the financial guidance and service that retirees and those planning for retirement need as they strive to achieve financial independence. To learn more about Johnson Brunetti and its services, call 800-208-7233 or visit www.JohnsonBrunetti.com.

A Welcoming Place for Kids to Get Active – Trellis Services Teams Up with Bowleys Athletic for a Fun Day on the Field

BOWLEYS QUARTERS, FOREST HILL, NOTTINGHAM, TIMONIUM, MD… More than 20 children and their families learned new skills and had fun on the field at a free soccer clinic presented by Bowleys Athletic Club and Trellis Services. 

Trellis Services, Maryland’s premiere contemporary applied behavior analysis (ABA) provider of center-based autism services for children ages 1-10 years old, teamed up with Bowleys Athletic to provide one-hour soccer sessions for their ABA families.

Trellis families brought their children to Maryvale Preparatory School in Lutherville, where Bowleys Athletic players and coaches held a private soccer camp for children aged 4 years old and under, as well as for children aged 5-8 years old. The kids practiced soccer basics such as dribbling and passing while learning these new skills at their own pace. The event provided an opportunity for the kids to play together with coaching support from Bowleys Athletic soccer club players.

“Teamwork is at the heart of what Trellis and Bowleys Athletic believes in,” said Suzanne Heid, Executive Regional Director of Trellis Services. “Together, we’re creating a welcoming place for kids to get active, learn new skills, and have fun.”

Austin Heid, Bowleys Athletic soccer player and Trellis Services Advanced Technician, shared, “I’m grateful to Trellis for entrusting our club, Bowleys Athletic, to run this clinic for their learners and am proud to have been able to offer this unique opportunity to the children and their families.”

The event was a huge success, and another free soccer clinic for Trellis ABA families will be announced in the spring.  

About Trellis
Trellis is a provider of LEARN Behavioral, a national leader in compassionate autism treatment. 
A leading provider of evidence-based autism services for over 20 years, Trellis is dedicated to delivering personalized, high-quality ABA therapy. Trellis has Learning Centers in Forest Hill, Nottingham, and Timonium, MD.

Trellis provides in-home and center-based ABA therapy, diagnostic services for autism, speech and occupational therapy, and Social Skills Programs for children ages 2 to 6. 

There is no waitlist. Flexible treatment hours are available after school and in the evenings to accommodate busy family schedules.

For more information or to enroll a child, call (443) 330-7900 or visit https://trellisservices.com/locations

About LEARN Behavioral
LEARN Behavioral is a national leader in autism treatment, offering comprehensive diagnostic services and contemporary applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). With a nationwide network of ABA providers and more than 100 Learning Centers across the country, LEARN delivers the highest standard of evidence-based care—customized to meet the unique needs and interests of each child and family. For more information, visit learnbehavioral.com.