Christine J. Evans, M.Ed., is Chair of the Department of Education, Professor of Practice, and Graduate Program Director for the Autism Specialization at Simmons University, Gwen Ifill School of Media, Humanities, and Social Sciences. A member of the Simmons community since 1992, she brings more than three decades of experience in special education, teacher preparation, autism education, program leadership, and university-community partnerships.
Evans leads graduate programs in special education, including Simmons’ longstanding partnership with The New England Center for Children and international programming in the United Arab Emirates. Her work focuses on preparing educators to use evidence-based, culturally responsive, and inclusive practices with students with autism and other disabilities. She provides leadership in curriculum development, practicum and licensure preparation, faculty mentoring, student advising, program assessment, recruitment, and the development of new academic initiatives.
Prior to joining Simmons, Evans held teaching, administrative, family services, and parent-training positions serving children with significant developmental and behavioral needs. Her professional experience has provided a strong foundation in cultural conscience practices, family engagement, inclusive education, social skills instruction, and the education of students with severe disabilities.
Evans is actively involved in university and community leadership. She serves on the Dean’s Leadership Committee and Graduate Curriculum Committee at Simmons, is a board member of Shrewsbury Youth and Family Services and serves in advisory and committee roles with The New England Center for Children. Her professional service has also included leadership with participation in state and national special education organizations.
Education & Credentials
- M.Ed., Moderate Disabilities, Lesley University
- B.A., Elementary Education, Hartwick College
- Massachusetts Professional Licensure in Special Needs, N–9
- Massachusetts Professional Licensure in Elementary Education, Grades 1–6
Areas of Expertise
- Special Education and Autism
- Teacher Preparation and Practicum Supervision
- Culturally Responsive and Inclusive Teaching
- Curriculum and Program Development
- Faculty Mentoring and Professional Development
- Family Engagement and Collaboration
- Educational Leadership and University Partnerships
Selected Scholarship
- Evans, C. J. (2017). Careers in Education. Salem Press/Grey House Publishing.
- Axe, J. B., & Evans, C. J. (2012). Using Video Modeling to Teach Children with PDD-NOS to Respond to Facial Expressions. Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 6, 1176–1185.
Honors
- Simmons University Excellence in Teaching, 2026
- Simmons University 30-Year Service Award
- Simmons College BRAVO Award
Christine Evans in the News
Simmons Celebrates 30-Year Partnership with the New England Center for Children
For 30 years, Simmons has been providing specialized teacher training for employees at the New England Center for Children. Professor Christine Evans has witnessed the evolution of this program and the remarkable dedication of NECC teachers.
Shout-outs from Students and Alums
Simmons & NECC Partnership Poster Session
Students in the Simmons Education program for New England Center for Children Employees (NECC) staff presented their original research during the annual Simmons University Applied Autism Research poster session at NECC’s Southborough, Massachusetts campus.
Simmons Alumna Details Her Relationship with Education
Courtney Tierney ’24MSEd started her journey at the New England Center for Children (NECC) in 2016, and since then has risen to the role of education coordinator in the intensive instruction program.
Simmons Alum Dedicates His Time to Teaching Abroad
After earning an honors bachelor's degree in education from Great Zimbabwe University (MasVegas), Tinashe Ganyau enrolled in Simmons' Master of Education program. Simmons has partnered with the New England Center for Children (NECC) for more than 30 years. Ganyau was among the first to join NECC’s expansion to Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates, working at the Mohammed bin Rashid Center for Special Education.
Lead Therapist of Special Education Teaches with her Heart
Alia Al-Suwaidi ’24MSEd is determined to ensure that all children — regardless of their disability — can learn and thrive effectively. She is a member of the first international cohort of Simmons students at the Mohammed bin Rashid Center for Special Education, operated by the New England Center for Children, and the winner of the inaugural Dr. D. Daniel Gould Award for Global Excellence in Special Education Teaching.