For those of us who live and work in the Berkshires, it’s hard to ignore the natural beauty of the region and its many cultural attractions. But the real story lies behind every school, small business, hospital, tech startup and social services center, where an amazing tapestry of people make it all happen. This year, as we have since 2016, we celebrate 40 incredible young people who share their talents here.
These young leaders, selected from an impressive pool of candidates, embody the spirit of community and leadership. Some are on the front lines, while others work behind the scenes. Many have made personal sacrifices in order to make a difference in the lives they touch. The common thread among them is a desire to help, to make the world a better place.
As I read through these colorful 40 Under Forty narratives, I’m struck by the humbleness and selflessness between the lines. Written with truth, passion and humor, their words resonate. I’m truly honored to recognize each of them and their myriad accomplishments.
Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors—Berkshire Bank, General Dynamics, Greylock Federal Credit Union, MassHire Berkshire Workforce Board—and our many judges, supporters and advertisers, we bring you the sixth annual 40 Under Forty celebration. Many thanks as well to our partners, 1Berkshire and the Berkshire Eagle, for their commitment to honoring this unique, diverse group of innovators and entrepreneurs. I hope you enjoy their stories and share my excitement in recognizing the awardees. Our future is in their hands, and I have every confidence they’ll continue to thrive in the years to come, in whatever they do.
40 under forty
Sponsors
STRATEGIC PARTNER
1Berkshire
MEDIA PARTNER
Berkshire Eagle
PRESENTING SPONSORS
General Dynamics Mission Systems
Greylock Federal Credit Union
UNDERWRITING SPONSORS
Berkshire Bank
MassHire Berkshire Workforce Board
SUPPORTING SPONSORSHIP
Adams Community Bank
Berkshire Health Systems
Berkshire Innovation Center
Community Access to the Arts, Inc.
Dulye & Co. / Dulye Leadership
Experience
Internet Brands (Motorhead Media Inc)
Kanoa Consulting
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts
Mill Town Capital
SPECIAL THANKS
Optimal Healing, LLC
BEST WISHES
413 Theraworks
Ellen Kennedy
President, Berkshire Community College
SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR JUDGES:
Allison Basdekis*
Shaker Creek Farm
Joel Bergeland
Zion Lutheran Church of Pittsfield
Alison Brigham*
Lee Bank
Jennifer Connor-Shumsky
Greylock Federal Credit Union
Hannah DeLisle Stall*
Collins Aerospace
Lorena Dus*
Berkshire Immigrant Center
Adam Klepetar
Berkshire Community College
Ben Lamb* 1Berkshire
Jeff Lowenstein*
Berkshire Community Action Council
Kathie Penna
Mill Town Capital
Abby Powers*
Berkshire Community College
Tess Sorentino*
Adams Community Bank
*Past 40 Under Forty Award recipient
CONGRATULATES
ERICA BARRETO ERIN MILNE LESLIE APPLEGET
LESLIE APPLEGET
District Arts Integration Specialist, North Adams Public Schools, North Adams, MA
HOMETOWN: Colchester, VT
RESIDENCE: Pittsfield, MA
EDUCATION: BA Communications, Legal Institutions, Economics, and Government, American University; MA Arts, Festival and Cultural Management, Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: Managing the photos desk for the Edinburgh International Festival’s landmark 70th year. Watching Berkshire teachers be inspired by artmaking and the area’s cultural institutions as part of the Berkshire Regional Arts Integration Network.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: I am the clerk of the board for the Pittsfield Education Foundation, the leader of the Berkshire Athenaeum book club, and manage the Berkshire Cultural Asset Network.
ULTIMATE CAREER GOAL: Through research and strategic analysis, I aim to increase the recognition of the intrinsic value of arts and culture across various levels of public policy.
INDIVIDUAL YOU ADMIRE MOST: Dr. David Stevenson at Queen Margaret University. David is adept at both argumentation and teaching, and an expert on Foucault.
HIDDEN/UNIQUE TALENTS: An Orwellian aptitude for editing.
FAVORITE BERKSHIRE PERSON/PLACE/THING: The late Doris Duke Theatre at Jacob’s Pillow.
ERICA BARRETO
Institute for the Arts and Humanities Coordinator, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, North Adams
HOMETOWN: Rhinebeck, NY
RESIDENCE: North Adams, MA
EDUCATION: B.A. English/ Communications, Creative/Professional Writing, Arts Management, MCLA
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: Promoting equity-centered change on MCLA’s campus and throughout the Berkshires by expanding access to arts and humanities resources, catalyzing opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration and engagements and advancing experiential teaching and learning with students at the Center.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: BART Charter Public School; Berkshire Cultural Asset Network (BCAN); BRAINWorks (Berkshire Regional Arts Integration Network); BRIDGE Inc.; C4 Initiative; North Adams City Council DEI Committee; and WAM Theatre.
ULTIMATE CAREER GOAL: I aspire to continue creating and sustaining the vibrant, vital and enriching spaces where communities can thrive while celebrating meaningful pathways for success, connection and liberation.
INDIVIDUAL YOU ADMIRE MOST: My parents, siblings and life-long friends who I call family; my mentors and colleagues; my partner Chris; and all of my students. You know who you are!
HIDDEN/UNIQUE TALENTS: I am a hybrid poet and artist whose work embodies a playful mix of ‘rule-breaking’ strategies to revitalize readers’ regard for the power of language, expression and image.
FAVORITE BERKSHIRE PERSON/PLACE/THING: Top of the World, Windsor Lake and Mass MoCA.
ASHLEY BENSON
Owner & Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, Optimal Healing, LLC, North Adams, MA
HOMETOWN: Stephentown, NY
RESIDENCE: Williamstown, MA
EDUCATION: Masters in Social Work, Smith College School For Social Work; Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, Minor in Social Work, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts; Associate Degree in Liberal Arts, Berkshire Community College
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: Fortunate to gain experience at local gems like BCC, Redfield House, Berkshire County Kid’s Place, NBCC, Brien Center and a hybrid group-private practice led by Dr. John Howland, I was eventually inspired to go out on my own and ultimately formed Optimal Healing, LLC in January 2022.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Current Vice President of the Roots Teen Center. Formerly Co-Chair of Williamstown Community Preschool, member of the MA DCF TILT (Trauma Informed Leadership Team), DTA Advisory Board, Board of Directors at BCAC, Site Board Member of Berkshire County DMH and AmeriCorps VISTA.
ULTIMATE CAREER GOAL: To lead the Optimal Healing team towards offering more accessible, cutting-edge mental health services to county residents, incorporating the mind, body, spirit and communities of those served.
INDIVIDUAL YOU ADMIRE MOST: My greatest admiration is for my daughter. It is no easy feat growing up today; with little pause, Isa confronts the world with a fierce heart, strength, kindness and an appropriate side of sass.
HIDDEN/UNIQUE TALENTS: While it’s no talent yet, yoga teacher training is on deck, and I am committed to finding balance in crow pose without landing on my forehead!
FAVORITE BERKSHIRE PERSON/PLACE/THING: If 3rd Place Theory exists, find her at PUBLIC.
LAILA BOUCHER
Vice President of Government Banking, Adams Community Bank, Adams
HOMETOWN: Jackson, MS
RESIDENCE: Williamstown, MA
EDUCATION: Chemistry, Hinds Community College, MS and Millsaps College, MS
MEG BOSSONG
Director of Intimate Violence Prevention & Response and Health Education, Williams College, Williamstown, MA
HOMETOWN: Vestal, NY
RESIDENCE: Pittsfield, MA
EDUCATION: B.A. Political Science, Williams College; M.S., Law and Public Policy, Northeastern University
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: Designed a bystander intervention training program for bar and nightclub staff that is still in use nationally. Used campus safety survey data to design a sexual assault prevention program that became a free toolkit for campuses that helped them to use environmental design to prevent campus sexual assault.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Founding member of Invest in Pittsfield, a coalition trying to invest Pittsfield’s funds in non-police structures to grow a safe, just city. Former commissioner with the Berkshire Commission on the Status of Women, and held the first-ever hearing for Berkshire County women incarcerated in Chicopee.
ULTIMATE CAREER GOAL: Keep working in roles in which I can impact the organization and community I’m a part of, at the same time as I’m changed by them. Continue working in alignment with my values about justice and equity.
INDIVIDUAL YOU ADMIRE MOST: This isn’t a single person, but I have been shaped by mentors, friends, neighbors and north stars in my life who have shown me how to generously and doggedly keep showing up for justice and change.
HIDDEN/UNIQUE TALENTS: Having worked briefly in the travel industry, I am a virtuoso vacation planner. I have both catered and officiated multiple weddings while having no formal training in either field.
FAVORITE BERKSHIRE PERSON/PLACE/THING: The Pittsfield Farmers Market.
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: Over the course of of my 14-year banking career with Adams Community Bank, I have held various positions within the bank. I started my career as a teller and I currently serve as the Vice President of Government Banking.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: I’m on the board for Berkshire Family And Individual Resources (BFAIR), I serve on the Mass Bankers State Legislative and Regulatory Affairs Committee, I’m an active member of the Mass Collectors & Treasurers Association, and I was recently elected to the McCann School Committee.
ULTIMATE CAREER GOAL: My ultimate career goal is to serve as a Senior Vice President.
INDIVIDUAL YOU ADMIRE MOST: The individual I admire the most is my sister. She is a woman with a strong heart and vision. She has been my role model since I was a little girl, teaching me how to believe in myself.
HIDDEN/UNIQUE TALENTS: I fluently speak, read and write Farsi.
FAVORITE BERKSHIRE PERSON/PLACE/THING: The Clark Art Museum.
BCC ALUMNI
Laila Boucher VP, Government Banking
TIM BUTTERWORTH
Operations Manager, Berkshire Innovation Center, Pittsfield
HOMETOWN: West Stockbridge, MA
RESIDENCE: Great Barrington, MA
EDUCATION: Monument Mountain; Biomedical Engineering, Bunker Hill Community College (in progress)
MARCUS COLEMAN
Virtual Financial Advisor, Raymond James Financial Services
HOMETOWN: Camden, NJ
RESIDENCE: Pittsfield, MA
EDUCATION: Finance & Supply Chain Management, Syracuse University
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: Early in the pandemic, I worked with an international team of doctors, scientists and engineers to develop open source PPE. My own project, a 3D printed mask machine, connected me with Doug Crane, Stephen Boyd and the BIC.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: I’m proud to be a founding member of the Norman Rockwell Museum’s Next Generation Council supporting efforts to encourage patronage of the arts here in the Berkshires. I’ve also served as a peer mentor for the Greater Boston Chapter of the National Spinal Cord Injury Association.
ULTIMATE CAREER GOAL: As a kid, I dreamt of becoming a mad scientist or inventor. Now, I recognize the best tool in my workshop is a cadre of passionate, creative people. My goal is to build new things with them every day.
INDIVIDUAL YOU ADMIRE MOST: Not a week goes by without being asked if I’m Brian Butterworth’s son. I admire the reputation my father has earned through commitment to his community, strong work ethic and devotion to family.
HIDDEN/UNIQUE TALENTS: My outfits always match. Also, I’m colorblind.
FAVORITE BERKSHIRE PERSON/PLACE/THING: Cold Brew on Six Depot’s porch on sunny mornings.
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: Taking a lateral career move in 2020 to relocate to Pittsfield and learn from two great financial advisors, Paul Fortini and David Rice CFP. I developed the skills I needed to advance my career at Raymond James and secure a role that allows me to work from home in beautiful Berkshire County.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Working behind the scenes as the treasurer of the NAACP Berkshire County Branch has allowed me to work on rewarding projects, such as providing $20,000 in scholarships to high school students pursuing trade school, an associates degree or a bachelor’s degree.
ULTIMATE CAREER GOAL: My ultimate career goal is to be inspired and challenged daily by my work, and to provide the resources to care for my family and give back to my community.
INDIVIDUAL YOU ADMIRE MOST: I admire my mother for instilling in me the values of hard work and discipline – most importantly, giving me permission as a kid on the football field to sack the quarterback.
HIDDEN/UNIQUE TALENTS: My long arms worked perfectly in football, but now they have been reassigned to the glorious role of the family selfie stick.
FAVORITE BERKSHIRE PERSON/PLACE/THING: My favorite diner in Berkshire County is Otto’s.
NOAH COOK-DUBIN
Principal, KANOA Consulting, Pittsfield, MA
HOMETOWN: Stephentown, NY and Hancock, MA
RESIDENCE: Pittsfield, MA
EDUCATION: Mt. Greylock RHS; BA Religious Studies, Dartmouth College
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: Worked 12 years at Google, most recently as a Creative Director. Managed a team in three countries and languages. Created and produced award-winning projects for the World Cup and the Olympics. Established KANOA Consulting to contribute to the success of clients, family and the community.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Volunteer with EforAll as a mentor and course instructor for entrepreneurs. Deliver groceries each week with the South Community Food Pantry. Serve as a board member of the Tyler Street Lab. Play music at Knesset Israel and with the Berkshire Jewish Musicians Collective.
ULTIMATE CAREER GOAL: To work for the love and not just for the money. To keep finding ways to contribute to something bigger, stay challenged and collaborate with people who make me better.
INDIVIDUAL YOU ADMIRE MOST: My mom, Nancy Cook, is the hardest-working, most heart-led person I know. She is my model for infinite creativity, resilience, service and commitment.
HIDDEN/UNIQUE TALENTS: Singing, playing and writing music. Making furniture and jewelry.
FAVORITE BERKSHIRE PERSON/PLACE/THING: Mountain biking and outdoor shows.
MICHELLE DECEPIDA
Deputy Program Manager for Engineering, General Dynamics Mission Systems, Pittsfield, MA
HOMETOWN: Dumont, NJ
RESIDENCE: Pittsfield, MA
EDUCATION: Dual B.S. Mechanical/ Materials Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute; M.S. Systems Engineering, Johns Hopkins University
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: In 2018, I was asked by the Director of the Strategic Systems Business Area to travel to STRATCOM in Barksdale, LA to speak with Four-star General Robin Rand to discuss GDMS’ approach to growing and developing people. It meant a great deal to be asked to travel to Barksdale and lead this dialogue.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: With CBHFH, I went from organizing teams for the annual Women Build fundraiser to becoming a board member to becoming their treasurer. In 2021, I participated in both the first virtual class of the Berkshire Leadership Program and the Inclusive Leadership Cohort (ILC), hosted by BRIDGE.
ULTIMATE CAREER GOAL: I want to build high-performing teams that meet the needs of our customers, all while enabling those teams to be innovative, creative, love what they do and grow themselves.
INDIVIDUAL YOU ADMIRE MOST: Lucie Castaldo. She is supremely dedicated, ambitious, and passionate - she cares deeply for her community and is always willing to dig her heels in to be a part of the change she wants to see.
HIDDEN/UNIQUE TALENTS: I love to rock climb and I know how to lead climbs outdoors!
FAVORITE BERKSHIRE PERSON/PLACE/THING: A-OK BBQ, Bright Ideas Brewery and MASS MoCA.
MIKE DELL’AQUILA
Co-Founder, Hot Plate Brewing Co., Pittsfield, MA
HOMETOWN: State College, PA
RESIDENCE: Lenox, MA
EDUCATION: BA English, Penn State University; MA English, Brooklyn College
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: During my 17-year marketing career, I was able to produce award-winning campaigns for clients like Disney, Outdoor Channel, Johnson & Johnson and Macy’s. For the last nine years, I utilized my professional skills to help cities like Phoenix and Philadelphia achieve their sustainability goals.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: In addition to serving on the Advisory Board for the Dulye Leadership Experience, through Hot Plate, Mike has also helped raise funds for local non-profits like Community Access to the Arts (CATA), the Berkshire Immigrant Center and Zion Lutheran Church of Pittsfield.
ULTIMATE CAREER GOAL: Beyond achieving profitability, I would like to merge my passions for storytelling, community building and craft beer through brand extensions that move Hot Plate into new and exciting spaces.
INDIVIDUAL YOU ADMIRE MOST: Musicians always inspire me because they embody an art that I love but have no talent for. Ben Folds is probably the individual I admire most because of his commitment to craft and staying true to himself.
HIDDEN/UNIQUE TALENTS: My first love was actually writing fiction, and I still continue to work on short stories and novels in whatever spare time I have.
FAVORITE BERKSHIRE PERSON/PLACE/THING: Jim Shepard. He’s one of my literary heroes.
LINDSAY DICICCO
Supervisor, Department of Children and Families, Pittsfield, MA
HOMETOWN: Pittsfield, MA
RESIDENCE: Pittsfield, MA
EDUCATION: BA Sociology, MCLA; BA Social Work, Westfield State University; Masters Social Work, Westfield State University
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: Running the DCF Christmas Program and ensuring that children and families working with DCF receive gifts every holiday season is a highlight for me. I have also been nominated for a Pride and Performance Award and have been recognized by my area office during Social Work Appreciation Month.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: I work with many programs such as Cradles to Crayons, WonderFund, Help Our Kids, Bags of Hope and the CulturalRX Initiative. I am also involved with the Judy M. DiCicco Memorial Fund and have served on the board of the Teen Parent Program and Take a Child to Heart, Inc.
ULTIMATE CAREER GOAL: My ultimate career goal would be to expand current programming to increase access to community providers, cultural experiences and enrichment opportunities for the families served by DCF.
INDIVIDUAL YOU ADMIRE MOST: My parents, as they have shown me what hard work looks like and they support me in everything that I do.
HIDDEN/UNIQUE TALENTS: Themed party planning is my hidden talent that I love!
FAVORITE BERKSHIRE PERSON/PLACE/THING: My favorite Berkshires place is Roasted Garlic!
IAN DOWNEY
Senior Manager of Customer Relations, Motorhead Media, North Adams, MA
HOMETOWN: Drury, MA
RESIDENCE: North Adams, MA
EDUCATION: Drury High School; Keene State College
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: Entering my 15th Year at Motorhead Media (October); promoted to Senior Manager of Customer Relations in August 2015; hired as Drury HS Head Varsity Girls Basketball Coach in November 2017.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: North Adams Youth Basketball League (NAYBL) Board Member; NAYBL Instructional League Coordinator; volunteer t-ball coach for Marty’s T-Ball; created and helped coordinate my high school class scholarship fund in memory of late classmates.
ULTIMATE CAREER GOAL: Obtain a position that allows me to continue to have an impact on the youth and community of the area.
INDIVIDUAL YOU ADMIRE MOST: I admire my grandmother. She is the most charitable person I know, and I strive every day to be as kind and caring as she.
FAVORITE BERKSHIRE PERSON/PLACE/THING: The close-knit community.
AURIC ENCHILL
Sales Manager, Elegant Stitches, Inc., Pittsfield, MA
HOMETOWN: Pittsfield, MA
RESIDENCE: Pittsfield, MA
EDUCATION: B.A. United States History, Tufts University
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: One of my favorite career highlights was helping the company land its first government contract with the FBI. I’m also proud of assisting Elegant Stitches to increase its annual sales by 23% after being with the company for a year.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: I serve on boards for the Berkshire Immigrant Center, Nonprofit Center of the Berkshires, Berkshire Black Economic Council and the Pittsfield Economic Revitilization Corporation. I was also a part of Mayor Tyer’s City of Pittsfield DEI task force.
ULTIMATE CAREER GOAL: Develop Elegant Stitches into a full-service design studio and manufacturing company; eventually become the president and owner of Elegant Stitches, and pass the company on to another generation.
INDIVIDUAL YOU ADMIRE MOST: I admire my father the most. He has consistently been the strongest support structure for me.
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: Bousquet lead on new design build/branding. Interior redesign/rebranding of Gateways Inn and Mission. VP of Development and Design sourcing products from several countries. Merchandise planning for showrooms across the US. Worked alongside Berkshire International Film Festival board designing galas.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Berkshire International Film Festival Advisory Board, Strong Little Souls, Hancock Shaker Village, Berkshire Benchmarks, Lenox Jazz Stroll, Berkshire Comfort Dogs, Berkshire Dogs Unleashed, Berkshire Poodles, Pittsfield Boys’ and Girls’ Club Learn to Skate and Skating Club.
ULTIMATE CAREER GOAL: To own a design agency and develop a creative mentorship program to foster creativity among the youth by giving them a platform and exposing this group to various creative industries.
INDIVIDUAL YOU ADMIRE MOST: My mom, AnnMarie Sadlowski. Director of Cardiac Rehab at BMC for 20+ years, has more fans than any celebrity; I have witnessed her saving many lives in public spaces; superwoman, supermom, superhuman.
HIDDEN/UNIQUE TALENTS: Thrifting, tag sale treasure hunter. US figure skating Gold medalist in all three disciplines of skill tests. Pop culture trivia enthusiast. Junk food + pizza aficionado.
FAVORITE BERKSHIRE PERSON/PLACE/THING: Kelly and Dan Sadlowski.
A FOUNDATION FOR SUCCESS.
The Berkshire Community College Foundation currently manages over 100 endowed and more than 50 non-endowed scholarships.
In the past 15 years the BCC Foundation has awarded in excess of $3 million in scholarships to more than 2,500 students.
The vast majority of donations to support BCC are managed by the Foundation and are therefore tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.
For more information about how you may support BCC or to discuss including BCC in your estate plan, please contact Nick Delmolino at 413.236.3070 or ndelmolino@berkshirecc.edu www.berkshirecc.edu/foundation
CARLY GAHERTY
Advisor and Outreach Coordinator, William Stickney Pittsfield Adult Learning Center, Pittsfield, MA
HOMETOWN: Pittsfield, MA
RESIDENCE: Pittsfield, MA
EDUCATION: Master of Education, American International College; BA, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts; AA Liberal Arts, Berkshire Community College
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: I take pride in ensuring that ALL young people that enter my office feel safe, supported and heard every day. A recent highlight is seeing a student overcome severe anxiety and work consistently to achieve milestones throughout the year, which culminated in them serving as a graduation speaker.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Volunteer at soup kitchens; partner with IS183 Art School of the Berkshires, connect underserved students with local resources for housing, mental health services, heating assistance, social workers, lawyers, career services, post-secondary education/training opportunities.
ULTIMATE CAREER GOAL: My ultimate career goal is to always spread kindness wherever I go.
INDIVIDUAL YOU ADMIRE MOST: Joan Evans is the individual I admire the most. Her patience, humor, kindness and wealth of knowledge has been a lifesaver for me, and I am always very grateful to be in her presence.
HIDDEN/UNIQUE TALENTS: Wandering in the woods, creating playlists, song lyric memorization, getting sidetracked during conversations, constantly creating, leading discussions on film, finding the beauty in everything, daydreaming.
FAVORITE BERKSHIRE PERSON/PLACE/THING: King Kone.
CAROLINE HOLLAND
Managing Director, Mill Town, Pittsfield, MA
HOMETOWN: Pittsfield, MA
RESIDENCE: Pittsfield, MA
EDUCATION: B.A. International Studies & Political Science, University of Richmond; Master of Arts International Conflict & Security Studies, University of Oregon
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: Executing Mill Town’s strategy on community impact. Downtown Pittsfield revitalization, Bousquet Mountain, Camp Arrow Wood, Gateways Inn, Mission Gastropub, Mill + Main, Kellogg Park, Mill Town Foundation programs, entrepreneurial mentorship, etc.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: My work in community development facilitates deep connections with many organizations, populations and affinity groups of the Berkshires. I am also a board member of Boston Symphony Orchestra, Berkshire Natural Resources Council, Hancock Shaker Village and Barrington Stage Company.
ULTIMATE CAREER GOAL: Create things of high impact, grow optimism, inspire others to lead themselves to the realization of their own goals.
INDIVIDUAL YOU ADMIRE MOST: I admire many parts of many special people in my life. A few qualities that particularly resonate are empathy, curiosity, hard work, intelligence, generosity, humor, accountability and sprezzatura.
HIDDEN/UNIQUE TALENTS: I played Division 1 and semi-professional soccer, love to build travel itineraries and can walk on my hands!
EDUCATION: Theater Arts Major, Five Towns College, Dix Hills NY; Disney College Program Spring 2010; Mohawk Trail Regional High School
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: Having work I did on costumes appear on “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” “RuPauls Drag Race All Stars,” and “The View.” Producing the first ever drag shows in Monterey, Great Barrington, Stockbridge, West Stockbridge, and Sheffield. Winning five pageant titles as the title of Miss/Mr. Berkshire Emeritus.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Board member of Berkshire Stonewall Community Coalition, a non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization composed of LGBTQ+ representatives in the Berkshires. Appointed March 2022 as Director of Entertainment for Berkshire Pride. Active member since inception in 2016.
ULTIMATE CAREER GOAL: Expand resources offered for drag/gender expression through performance, open stage events and drag boot camp classes, and restart the free community sewing lessons I did in early 2020.
INDIVIDUAL YOU ADMIRE MOST: Patti Lupone for her tenacity, her tough-as-nails attitude, and the fact that she has never been afraid to speak her mind.
HIDDEN/UNIQUE TALENTS: I can make a mean grilled cheese sandwich.
FAVORITE BERKSHIRE PERSON/PLACE/THING: Great Barrington Bagel Co. –Sara’s Cool Melt.
BCC ALUMNI
PATRICK KAVEY
Real Estate Professional, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Barnbrook Realty; Pittsfield City Councilor Ward 5
HOMETOWN: Pittsfield, MA
RESIDENCE: Pittsfield, MA
EDUCATION: B.S. Business Management, Westfield State University
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: At 26, I was one of the youngest City Councilors in Pittsfield’s history. I have worked with Taconic High School ensuring that students not going to college, can go from our vocational shops into a career at a local business with our co-op program. I am proud of our local response to the COVID-19 Pandemic.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: At the Pittsfield City Council, I chair the Public Works Subcommittee, as well as sit on the Ordinance and Rules Subcommittee and the Economic Development Subcommittee. I am also on the Traffic Commission and I help operate the Berkshire International Film Festival each June.
ULTIMATE CAREER GOAL: I plan to advocate for those who have not found their voice and help Pittsfield and this country work through our differences, find common ground and reach our full potential.
INDIVIDUAL YOU ADMIRE MOST: My mother raised my siblings and me on her own until ultimately remarrying. She went back to school, started a new career and provided us with everything we needed to lead a healthy, happy life.
HIDDEN/UNIQUE TALENTS: I’m in tune with the energetic vibrations of others.
FAVORITE BERKSHIRE PERSON/PLACE/THING: Jazz night at Mission or a Pittsfield Suns game.
EDUCATION: St Joseph Central High School, Pittsfield, MA
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: Founding Berkshire Comfort Dogs, and in less than a year, having 18 Berkshire Poodles working within the program. It has been extremely rewarding to see how many lives have been touched in such a short time.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: As founder of Berkshire Comfort Dogs, I have loved working alongside so many organizations and seeing the positive effect that our poodles have on others.
ULTIMATE CAREER GOAL: I would love to continue to grow Berkshire Comfort Dogs and see one in every school, organization and department within our community.
INDIVIDUAL YOU ADMIRE MOST: My wife, Kaitlyn. She manages to do it all. She works full time, takes care of our three children and has allowed me the freedom to pursue all of my dreams. Without her support, I couldn’t do it.
HIDDEN/UNIQUE TALENTS: Not sure how hidden, but I love to cook and haven’t ever followed a recipe. I wing it, and the majority of the time, it’s a hit.
Includes reception with heavy hors d’oeuvres and cash bar. Purchase at 413-236-2185 or www.berkshirecc.edu/40underforty.
MICHELLE LOPEZ
Executive Director, Berkshire Immigrant Center, Pittsfield, MA
HOMETOWN: Greenville, NY
RESIDENCE: Pittsfield, MA
EDUCATION: B.A. Cultural Anthropology, SUNY New Paltz; M.A. Caribbean Studies, University at Buffalo
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: So far in my three years as Executive Director of the Berkshire Immigrant Center, we have achieved 501(c)(3) status after 24 years of fiscal sponsorship. I’ve assisted in raising over $600,000 in COVID relief funds for more than 200 of the area’s most vulnerable immigrant families.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Downtown Pittsfield Spring Cleanup and Construct Inc.’s affordable housing clean-up; Advisory Board Member of the Dulye Leadership Experience; a member of 1Berkshire’s Alliance Board of Directors.
ULTIMATE CAREER GOAL: “Retire” at the age of 50 and start a philanthropic nonprofit dedicated to providing scholarships to first-generation U.S.-born students to study in their parents’ native countries.
INDIVIDUAL YOU ADMIRE MOST: My husband; he recently applied for U.S. citizenship and is the best father to our son Dante and dog Lula.
HIDDEN/UNIQUE TALENTS: I can wrap my right arm around the back of my head and in front of my chin to touch my right ear!
Computer Assisted Design Instructor, McCann Technical School, North Adams
HOMETOWN: North Adams, MA
RESIDENCE: North Adams, MA
EDUCATION: Computer Assisted Design, McCann Technical School; A.S. Engineering Technology, Berkshire Community College
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: Working with and being motivated by brilliant young people as a teacher and seeing what they can accomplish is my biggest career highlight. I’ve also enjoyed designing top secret and patented projects for the food industry, research and development, and the military with my colleagues.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: I’ve enjoyed coaching, due to the way sports mirror life, and can teach people how to handle adversity. I enjoyed having to dye my beard purple when my students reached our cancer research fundraising goal. My time with the North Adams SteepleCats and working with our community was also awesome!
ULTIMATE CAREER GOAL: My ultimate career goal is to help others succeed and have fun while doing it. While it’s fun to have success, sharing success with others is so much more enjoyable of an experience.
INDIVIDUAL YOU ADMIRE MOST: My wife Stephanie Bosley is the person I admire most. If it means that what she is doing will help someone, she will put endless effort into it. She is a brilliant, kind, caring, sassy powerhouse.
HIDDEN/UNIQUE TALENTS: My wife and I have a hidden talent for being unofficial psychologists to complete strangers.
FAVORITE BERKSHIRE PERSON/PLACE/THING: The Greylock Glen is such a beautiful place.
JUSTIN M c KENNON
Principal Scientist I, Electro Magnetic Applications, Inc., Pittsfield, MA / Lakewood, CO
HOMETOWN: Springfield, MA
RESIDENCE: Pittsfield, MA
EDUCATION: BS Electrical Engineering, UMass Dartmouth; MS Electrical Engineering, UMass Dartmouth; Professional Management, Mendoza College of Business, Notre Dame
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: Lead the design and establishment of EMA’s space lab in Pittsfield. First ever Berkshire county M2I2 grant awardee ($429K) from the state of MA. Awarded National Science Foundation grant to support EMA’s space lab and software suite.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Board of Directors at the Berkshire Innovation Center (BIC), founder of BIC BETA program, high school and college mentorship.
ULTIMATE CAREER GOAL: My career goal is to establish Berkshire County as a globally recognized hub for science and innovation, with relevance across major STEM disciplines.
INDIVIDUAL YOU ADMIRE MOST: My wife. We have two of the most incredible children and her constant support, while maintaining an amazing career of her own, is what helps get me through the day.
HIDDEN/UNIQUE TALENTS: I consider myself to be an incredible cook and hope to some day own a restaurant!
FAVORITE BERKSHIRE PERSON/PLACE/THING: Country Club of Pittsfield and my CFP family.
ERIN MILNE
Director of Assessment, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, North Adams, MA
HOMETOWN: Dalton, MA
RESIDENCE: Adams, MA
EDUCATION: M.A. with Teacher Licensure, Music Education, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH; B.A., Music History/Theory
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: At MCLA, helped launch the Center for Teaching and Learning, revise the Core Curriculum, and develop a DEI Action Plan. In non-COVID times, I am an instructor of MCLA’s Concert Choir. I’ve worked on the nationwide Grand Challenges in Assessment project and was elected to the Board of AALHE.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Served on the HVRSD School Committee since 2020 and volunteered in various other capacities for the district. Created a local guide to coronavirus vaccine registration and signed up dozens without access through Berkshire Mutual Aid. Sang in the Lenox-based Cantilena Chamber Choir.
ULTIMATE CAREER GOAL: My dream job is one where I can advance social justice through education or the arts. I also like making data accessible and useful through visualization and story-telling.
INDIVIDUAL YOU ADMIRE MOST: My mom, Cathy Grady. We’re both single moms; she’s my role model. She went through many struggles, but she always persisted with a smile. We ended up earning our masters degrees in the same week!
HIDDEN/UNIQUE TALENTS: My pandemic project was learning the ukulele!
FAVORITE BERKSHIRE PERSON/PLACE/THING: Mass MoCA.
BCC ALUMNI
MICHAEL MONGEON
Chef/Owner, KJ Nosh Catering Company, Pittsfield
HOMETOWN: Pittsfield, MA
RESIDENCE: Pittsfield, MA
EDUCATION: AA Business Administration, Berkshire Community College, Pittsfield, MA; Bachelors Business Management, University of Massachusetts, Isenberg School of Management, Amherst, MA
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: Voted Best Caterer in the Berkshire Eagle’s Readers Poll in 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021. Named Rural Intelligence’s Best Wedding Caterer in 2021. Appeared on Food Network’s “Chopped” with celebrity Chef Robert Irvine. Featured in Club & Resort Business Magazine.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: KJ Nosh & Mongeon Property Management remain invested in our neighborhood and community through volunteer work with Tyler Street Business Group, the Rental Housing Association of Berkshire County, Berkshire Tomorrows, Berkshire United Way and numerous other local organizations.
ULTIMATE CAREER GOAL: To continue to provide a quality and sustainable product with exceptional service while being able to provide for our employees and give back to our community.
INDIVIDUAL YOU ADMIRE MOST: My father. He taught me the importance of family, loyalty and work ethic. These valuable traits and never-ending support and encouragement allow me to be the successful man that I am today.
FAVORITE BERKSHIRE PERSON/PLACE/THING: Summer nights at Tanglewood.
KELAN O’BRIEN
Assistant Director for Alumni Fund Engagement, Williams College, Williamstown, MA
HOMETOWN: Pittsfield, MA
RESIDENCE: Pittsfield, MA
EDUCATION: B.A. History, Elms College; M.A. Public Administration and Policy, American University expected in 2024
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: Platforming over 100 young alumni to share their stories and experiences through Instagram takeovers; growing our alumni Instagram engagement by 92.5% and following by 126%; welcoming 700 alumni back to campus for their 5th Reunion in 2022.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Invest in Pittsfield Founding Coalition Member since 2020; Elizabeth Freeman Center Fundraising Committee Member since 2020; previous Chair of Berkshire Pride; Communications Chair of the NAACP Berkshire County Branch; and Board Member of Berkshire Coalition for Suicide Prevention.
ULTIMATE CAREER GOAL: All I want is to be in a position where I am able to take care of myself and contribute to the wellbeing and advancement of others in my community.
INDIVIDUAL YOU ADMIRE MOST: I admire the collective resistance of Palestinians to occupation and their commitment to their land, history and culture.
HIDDEN/UNIQUE TALENTS: I’ve been known to teach a tough spin class, and yes, there is a Beyoncé playlist.
FAVORITE BERKSHIRE PERSON/PLACE/THING: A bagel with butter from Juice N’ Java in Dalton.
STEPHEN MURRAY
Community Implementation Specialist, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA
HOMETOWN: Rye, New York
RESIDENCE: North Adams, MA
EDUCATION: Masters of Public Health, Boston University School of Public Health; Bachelor of Business Administration, University of Miami; Nationally Registered Paramedic
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: Overdose researcher at Boston Medical Center, focusing on the role of public safety/public health partnerships in post-overdose response teams. Recently retired as a Lieutenant/Paramedic at Northern Berkshire EMS.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Spent eight years as a first responder; Firefighter in Lenox; EMT in Pittsfield; Paramedic in North Adams. Serve on advisory boards around the state focused on overdose. Work with Berkshire Regional Planning to expand naloxone access, expand syringe services and reduce the impact of overdose.
ULTIMATE CAREER GOAL: Pursue a Doctor of Public Health; continue to work in research at Boston Medical Center, focusing on the implementation of programs and public policy development.
INDIVIDUAL YOU ADMIRE MOST: Alex Walley, one of the top overdose and addiction researchers in the world. He is also an physician specializing in HIV treatment and the medical director for MDPH BSAS.
HIDDEN/UNIQUE TALENTS: Was the lead in the school musical all four years of high school while also the vocalist for a touring metalcore band.
FAVORITE BERKSHIRE PERSON/PLACE/THING: Top of the hairpin turn over North Adams.
BEN O’SHAUGHNESSY
President/Co-owner, Sunshine Group, P.M. LLC, Pittsfield, MA
HOMETOWN: Red Hook, NY
RESIDENCE: Pittsfield, MA
EDUCATION: Master of Public Administration, Rockefeller College of Public Affairs & Policy, University at Albany; B.A. Political Science and History, University at Albany
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: I started my career in public service, which included the NYS Governor’s Excelsior Fellowship. I concurrently served in the U.S. Army Reserve with a deployment to West Africa. I apply skills learned in public service to support Berkshire County economic development by improving workforce housing.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Dulye Leadership Experience, Advisory Board Member and Workshop Facilitator; Entrepreneurship for All, Mentor; spending time with neighbors in our backyards with our children.
ULTIMATE CAREER GOAL: Find solutions to every obstacle and excuse for why we “can’t” improve existing housing or build new housing.
INDIVIDUAL YOU ADMIRE MOST: My wife Brynna, who sacrifices everything to keep our family, home and business moving forward with grace, beauty and creative energy.
HIDDEN/UNIQUE TALENTS: If you ask me for the time, I will build you a clock.
FAVORITE BERKSHIRE PERSON/PLACE/THING: Chocolate croissants at Berkshire Mountain Bakery.
EDUCATION: BA History, Political Science, and Geography, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: Assisting with launching and continuing to pursue the work of the Berkshire Blueprint 2.0. Launching and maintaining 1Berkshire’s COVID-19 Information Page throughout the pandemic. Member, Berkshire Leadership Program Class of 2018.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Co-founder, Trivia With Double Entendre, raising over $13,000 for good causes since 2015. Clerk, Coolidge Hill Foundation Board of Directors. Former Vice President of the Retired Seniors Volunteer Program Advisory Board, helping the Board develop a three-year strategic plan.
ULTIMATE CAREER GOAL: My ultimate career goal is to always be working hard at work worth doing in the company of good people.
INDIVIDUAL YOU ADMIRE MOST: My parents, who taught me the values of hard work and compassion, and who have always believed in me. Thanks, Mom and Dad!
HIDDEN/UNIQUE TALENTS: After more than two decades of pickup Ultimate, I have become adept at throwing a frisbee.
Children’s Book Author; Early Childhood Enrichment Specialist Teacher, AWE-MAZING Books, Pittsfield Public Schools, Pittsfield, MA
HOMETOWN: Pittsfield, MA
RESIDENCE: Pittsfield, MA
EDUCATION: M.Ed., Framingham State University, diploma in progress; B.A., Anna Maria College
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: Creating children’s books that uplift & inspire; Finding Brooklyn, The Universe Is Rooting for You, Stella. Author visits, including stops to London and New York City. Creating curriculum as an Enrichment Specialist, positive affirmations, nature exploration, yoga, social emotional learning, art and empathy.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Author visits in the Berkshires and beyond. Book donations and events with childhood cancer foundation, Strong Little Souls. Event fundraising for a young fan battling cancer. Collaborating with Berkshire United Way and BNRC to create Storywalks. Barrington Stage Company’s KidsAct Program.
ULTIMATE CAREER GOAL: For our children’s books to inspire a major motion picture adaptation produced by Laika Studios/Marvel Studios. To inspire others to unlock their inner superhero, connect with nature and spread love.
INDIVIDUAL YOU ADMIRE MOST: All the individuals in my family. I’m blessed to know them. I stand on the shoulders of giants and they are the kindest, most unique, wonderful and loving giants I have met.
HIDDEN/UNIQUE TALENTS: It’s not really a talent but I played basketball incessantly as a kid. So if you toss me a basketball, I may have a few tricks up my sleeve.
FAVORITE BERKSHIRE PERSON/PLACE/THING: A sunny fall adventure with my son, River and family.
JUSTIN SCADUTO
Senior Engineering Manager, Systems Engineering, Advanced Strategic Programs, General Dynamics Mission Systems, Pittsfield
HOMETOWN: Millville, MA
RESIDENCE: Pittsfield, MA
EDUCATION: B.S. Computer Science, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute; M.S. Computer Science, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute; M.B.A. University of Massachusetts at Amherst
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: I have been with General Dynamics for 17 years and have had the opportunity to work across a wide array of roles that help the defense of our nation. After graduating the Engineering Leadership Program, I have been an engineer, lead, supervisor, manager, product owner and now senior manager, to name a few.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: In 2012, I started the Soldier On Golf Tournament and was planning committee chair for three years, followed by years as a volunteer and advisor. I’ve been a judge for the IEEE STEM Research Scholarship for 10 years and I’m the current treasurer for the Williams Elementary Parent Teacher Organization.
ULTIMATE CAREER GOAL: To make a lasting positive impact in a field that matters, while continually learning and growing personally.
INDIVIDUAL YOU ADMIRE MOST: My parents, as they embody a strong work ethic balanced with a close family life.
HIDDEN/UNIQUE TALENTS: I am an avid CrossFitter, although I wouldn’t say I’m talented at it, just stubbornly diligent.
FAVORITE BERKSHIRE PERSON/PLACE/THING: Skiing at Bousquet.
COREY STALL
Federal Cybersecurity Audit Manager, Schellman , Tampa, FL
HOMETOWN: New Lebanon, NY
RESIDENCE: Pittsfield, MA
EDUCATION: B.S. Computer Science/ Physics, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute; M.S Systems Engineering, University of Southern California
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: I began my career in engineering but soon learned of the growing workforce needs in the cybersecurity field. I’m glad to have had the opportunity to help people understand best practices and requirements, and I mentor people new to the field in how to have a successful career in cybersecurity.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: I volunteer with Zion Lutheran Church, a theologically progressive and inclusive congregation. Throughout the pandemic, we were challenged to continue our mission using virtual, hybrid and drive-in events and stayed engaged and connected to the community every week without interruption.
INDIVIDUAL YOU ADMIRE MOST: The Saturn/Apollo engineers. I would love to have been a fly on the wall during the early days of rocketry and see them in action developing solutions to problems.
FAVORITE BERKSHIRE PERSON/PLACE/THING: Our local ski resorts.
KAT TOOMEY
Youth Program Specialist, MassHire Berkshire Workforce Board, Pittsfield
HOMETOWN: Chester, MA
RESIDENCE: Chester, MA
EDUCATION: B.A. Anthropology Mount Holyoke College; Certificate of Nonprofit Leadership, Wheelock College
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: I’ve worked in nonprofit agencies for seven years, focusing on positive youth development. In the past, I have worked on initiatives involving youth-adult mentoring, teenage pregnancy and substance abuse prevention, and in my current role, helping young people in the Berkshires become career-ready.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: I’m on the Board of Directors for the Berkshire Lyric Chorus, where I run our social media pages and help with marketing/advertising of chorus news and events. Each year we perform at Tanglewood. This year, I also became a Steering Committee member of 1Berkshires’ Youth Leadership Program.
ULTIMATE CAREER GOAL: I want to be a nonprofit leader. Nonprofit leaders should be treated the same as private industry CEOs, since social services and nonprofit agencies are the fabric that keep our society together.
INDIVIDUAL YOU ADMIRE MOST: The individual I admire the most is my dad. Not only has he been extremely supportive of me throughout my life, but he’s also been an important father figure to others, and it doesn’t go unnoticed.
HIDDEN/UNIQUE TALENTS: Fun fact - before my nonprofit career, I was working at my dad’s hydraulic shop as a “certified calibration technician.” I calibrated temperature and pressure gauges under 10,000 PSI.
FAVORITE BERKSHIRE PERSON/PLACE/THING: The outdoor spaces!
Building Tomorrow's Workforce
STEPHANIE VANBRAMER
Art Teacher, Crosby Elementary, Pittsfield Public Schools, Pittsfield, MA
HOMETOWN: Pittsfield, MA
RESIDENCE: Pittsfield, MA
EDUCATION: M.A. The Art of Education University; B.A., Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: Teaching has been a challenging task. Yet, all educators should step back and say: we did it and still are! I’m proud of the work my Crosby artists have created for the past five years. If anything, this has set a foundation of hope for what can truly be accomplished when creatives get creating.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Berkshire Art Center (formerly IS183 Art School)
Faculty Artist, Berkshire Art Association Board Member, Artscape’s Pittsfield Paintbox
Project Artist
ULTIMATE CAREER GOAL: As an artist and art teacher, I have a passion for arts education and continue to seek opportunities to promote and make stronger connections among art making, education and community.
INDIVIDUAL YOU ADMIRE MOST: My parents for their love and encouragement. My sisters for always having my back. All of my art teachers for their mentorships and knowing I could do more than I thought.
HIDDEN/UNIQUE TALENTS: Lego building.
FAVORITE BERKSHIRE PERSON/PLACE/THING: Berkshire Art Center, because art is for everyone!
Berkshire Health Systems Congratulates
JENNIFER VRABEL
Executive Director of Communications, Planning, and Development, Berkshire Health Systems, Pittsfield
HOMETOWN: Pittsfield, MA
RESIDENCE: Pittsfield, MA
EDUCATION: BA Williams College
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: Played an integral role in communications for the Berkshire Vaccine Collaborative, which provided more than 90,000 COVID-19 vaccines to the public. Launched LitNet’s Keator Family Scholarship for New Americans program, providing educational and financial support for immigrants seeking U.S. citizenship.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Board member, Downtown Pittsfield, Inc.; active member of Sacred Heart Church.
ULTIMATE CAREER GOAL: My goal is always to use my communication skills to help nonprofit organizations tell powerful stories, translate complex concepts into meaningful information and ultimately enrich our community.
HIDDEN/UNIQUE TALENTS: I have an uncanny ability to remember song lyrics and jingles.
FAVORITE BERKSHIRE PERSON/PLACE/THING: Visiting the Berkshire Museum with my son.
CANDACE WALL
Owner/Founder, 413 Theraworks, LLC, North Adams, MA
HOMETOWN: Adams, MA
RESIDENCE: Stamford, VT
EDUCATION: BA, Psychology, The College of Saint Rose; MA, Forensic Psychology, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: In 2021, 413 Theraworks served over 265 Berkshire residents, conducted over 3,200 counseling sessions and saw a gross income increase of 102.5% from the previous year.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: I currently serve on the Board of Northern Berkshire United Way and Hardman Community Fund through Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation. I have also participated in the Berkshire Food Project and Western Mass Food Banks in North Adams.
ULTIMATE CAREER GOAL: Continuing to build and expand a mental health practice that focuses on an employee-first model – taking care of therapists so they can focus solely on improving the lives of those they are supporting.
INDIVIDUAL YOU ADMIRE MOST: My grandmother instilled in me the importance of voluntarism at an early age. I began volunteering with her at age five and have continued since.
HIDDEN/UNIQUE TALENTS: I enjoy writing creatively and am often found scribbling poems throughout the day and night.
Communications Director, Community Access to the Arts (CATA), Great Barrington, MA
HOMETOWN: Greensboro, NC
RESIDENCE: Hudson, NY
EDUCATION: B.M. Bassoon Performance, New England Conservatory of Music
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: It is a dream to be part of an organization like CATA that is working at the intersection of social justice and artistic innovation. I feel lucky to have found a career in a mission-driven organization that nourishes my passion for the arts and where I can make a difference.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: I’ve had the honor to work with numerous local organizations, schools and social service agencies serving people with disabilities to share their perspectives and talents. They work tirelessly, along with CATA, to build a community of inclusion that sees and welcomes every person.
ULTIMATE CAREER GOAL: Art brings us together and helps us to see and understand each other. I hope to continue working with people who are committed to positive social change and making creative space for all.
INDIVIDUAL YOU ADMIRE MOST: My colleagues at CATA who bring heart, humility, perseverance and passion to their work to make a difference in our community. Their dedication to CATA’s mission of inclusion inspires me every day.
HIDDEN/UNIQUE TALENTS: Finding the gem in the $1 record bin, and knowing way too much about avant-garde and classic country music. I also play a mean bassoon.
FAVORITE BERKSHIRE PERSON/PLACE/THING: Tanglewood during the Contemporary Music Festival!
MARYROSE WILLIAMS
Assistant Professor of Nursing, Berkshire Community College, Pittsfield, MA
HOMETOWN: Pittsfield, MA
RESIDENCE: Pittsfield, MA
EDUCATION: AS Nursing, Berkshire Community College; BS Nursing, Southern New Hampshire University; MA Nursing, Southern New Hampshire University BCC ALUMNI
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: I have worked at BMC for the past 20 years in many roles, including as a staff nurse. I am an Assistant Professor/Department Chair of the ADN Program at BCC.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: I am an assistant coach of the World Series-bound Berkshire Force Lightning 12u girls softball travel team. Previously, I have coached many children in various sports and levels throughout the YMCA and Pittsfield Girls Softball.
ULTIMATE CAREER GOAL: Become exceptional in all aspects of being an Assistant Professor. I want to aid in the growth from a novice student nurse to a competent graduate nurse by teaching the necessary skills/education.
INDIVIDUAL YOU ADMIRE MOST: My father. He has been there for anything I have ever needed without any questions.
FAVORITE BERKSHIRE PERSON/PLACE/THING: The beautiful views throughout the county.
NIKO WHITE
Owner, Purple Dragon Games, Williamstown
HOMETOWN: Williamstown, MA
RESIDENCE: Williamstown, MA
EDUCATION: International Baccalaureate, St. Clare’s, Oxford; BA Philosophy, Williams College
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: Late 2000s: Contract game design and convention trips while holding other jobs. Early 2010s: Pandemonium Books and Games as senior and events manager, organizing large events (up to ~500 players) in Greater Boston. 2017: Opened Purple Dragon Games.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Pre-COVID: Events with Soldiers, Dice and Dragons, Norman Rockwell Museum, Williams College Winter Study and Adventures in Learning at WES. COVID: Sponsorship of organizations like Images Cinema, Western Mass Labor Action.
ULTIMATE CAREER GOAL: Working for myself in such a community-focused role was already my major career goal, so it’s all gravy from here.
INDIVIDUAL YOU ADMIRE MOST: David Staton, my history teacher at St. Clare’s. He had a balance of intelligence and compassion that I try to emulate, and a gift for offering feedback that was both helpful and kind.
HIDDEN/UNIQUE TALENTS: Outside of my professional skills, I am an experienced bicyclist, and I am more studied and well-read in poetry, literature and history than many folks I meet through my line of work.
FAVORITE BERKSHIRE PERSON/PLACE/THING: The woods in early fall.
Thank you for your dedication to CATA artists and to CATA’s mission of art and inclusion!
KRISTIN WINSETT
TRIO Learning Specialist and Special Programs Coordinator for SUCCESS, Berkshire Community College, Pittsfield, MA
HOMETOWN: Dalton, MA
RESIDENCE: Pittsfield, MA
EDUCATION: B.A. Biochemistry; M.S. Biomedical Sciences, Certificate in Public Health, Regis College, Weston, MA
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: As Special Programs Coordinator, I assisted with the creation of the SUCCESS Program at BCC. As the TRIO Learning Specialist, I work with students as an Academic Success Coach and tutor over 30 courses. More than 94% of the students I work with were able to successfully pass their courses.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Through BCC, I’ve had the opportunity to participate in the Berkshire Leadership Program and Amplify Women and Gender Initiative. I was also a participant in Pittsfield’s Citizen’s Academy and the Morningside Initiative.
ULTIMATE CAREER GOAL: Working as a success coach is rewarding, watching students set and achieve their academic, career and personal goals. I’m grateful for the opportunity to make obtaining a college degree a reachable goal.
INDIVIDUAL YOU ADMIRE MOST: My mom, Sharon Winsett, has been my greatest supporter throughout my life. She positively impacts those she interacts with. I love her resiliency, compassion, and that she is my best friend.
HIDDEN/UNIQUE TALENTS: I love cooking, building puzzles and am particularly good at tripping over absolutely nothing.
FAVORITE BERKSHIRE PERSON/PLACE/THING: Ozzie’s Steak & Eggs with my grandpa, George Carver.
LEONID YANTOVSKY
Assistant Vice President, Cyber Defense Manager, Berkshire Bank, Pittsfield, MA
HOMETOWN: Konstantinovka, Ukraine
RESIDENCE: Pittsfield, MA
EDUCATION: Certified Information Systems Security Professional; CompTia Security+ Certified CE; BBA UMass Amherst, Isenberg School of Management; AA Business Administration, Berkshire Community College
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: Seven years ago I took a job as an Enterprise Applications Administrator, not knowing that it would ultimately lead me to my true passion in cyber security. I’m lucky in many ways to have met and learned from lots of great people that helped along the way, many of whom I now consider friends.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: For several years I served on the Berkshire Immigrant Center Advisory Board. I am currently on the board of the Coolidge Hill Foundation, Pittsfield Economic Development Authority and Pittsfield Affirmative Action Advisory Committee. I’m also a member of the Berkshire Bank Culture Council.
ULTIMATE CAREER GOAL: To continue growing in the cyber security field. The everevolving sector presents lots of new challenges and opportunities for lifelong learning.
INDIVIDUAL YOU ADMIRE MOST: My late grandfather, Vladimir. Although he did not finish school due to The Holocaust, he always stressed the importance of education. He also taught me how to play chess and to live with integrity.
HIDDEN/UNIQUE TALENTS: Taking things apart and putting them back together in order to figure out how they work.
FAVORITE BERKSHIRE PERSON/PLACE/THING: Hanging out with friends at Thistle & Mirth.
