CIP Berkshire Lee, Massachusetts

CIP Berkshire is a specialized transition program in Lee, Massachusetts assisting young adults on the Autism Spectrum, ADHD, and other learning differences to find success in college, employment, and independent living

Welcome to the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts

The town of Lee is in the Berkshires of Massachusetts, located 112 miles from Boston and 130 from New York City. Both a top destination and place to live, the Berkshires was ranked by National Geographic for “Best-Rated Places” as the #3 in the USA. CIP Berkshire, which was founded in 1984, is CIP’s flagship location and has strong roots in the community.

1:2 STAFF-STUDENT Ratio

130 Social Activities
Annually

20-30 Hours of
Service Weekly

3.0 Cumulative GPA

91% Parent
Satisfaction Rating

90% Average Student
Attendance Rates

20 Hours Community Service Per Student

CIP Berkshire
40 Years in Operation

College Academics

Students with learning differences who choose to pursue a course of study at a local college, university or vocational program receive individualized support and direction from CIP Berkshire’s academic support team.

Meet Our Berkshire Team

CIP Berkshire has an experienced, professional staff with strong educational backgrounds and solid experience working with young adults on the autism spectrum and with ADHD and other Learning Differences.

Kate Daley

Life Skills Coach

Katie joined CIP in 2008. Her work has spanned multiple departments but she has found a home in the Life Skills department where she enjoys getting to know the many facets of the students she works with.

Matthew Kosiorek, B.A.

Program Director

Matt Kosiorek brings over a decade of experience to the role of Interim Program Director at CIP Berkshire. Prior to joining the team at CIP Berkshire, Matt held several leadership positions within CIP’s National Office.

Leo Honbarger, B.A.

Life Skills Coach

Leo helps students advance toward their goals of responsible and interdependent living.

Jeffrey Connor, B.A.

Academic Coach

Since graduating from Williams College (B.A. Mathematics, Class of 1990), Jeffrey has worked in the fields of Banking, Hospitality, and Education. He has worked at CIP for over 5 years, as a Tutor, an Academic Coach, and a Driver.

Michael McManmon, Ed.D.

Founder

Michael McManmon, Ed.D. founded the College Internship Program (CIP) in 1984. He received a B.A. in English from Mt. St. Mary’s College in Maryland, a Masters in Counseling from Shippensburg University, a Masters in Human Development from the University of Kansas (through a grant from the National Institute of Mental Health), and a Doctorate in Special Education from the University of Nevada.

Lainey Jones, B.A.

Student Advisor

Lainey has worked in the field of Autism and Learning differences for the past 13 years. Prior to working at CIP, she was a teacher's assistant and residential counselor for children and adults with Autism and severe learning differences.

Amy Rando, M.S.W, L.C.S.W.

Mental Health Clinician

Amy has been dedicated to Social Work since 2003, with diverse experience that includes several years as a medical social worker, a mental health and substance use clinician.

Michele Ramsay, Ed.D.

Regional Director of Operations - East Coast

Dr. Michele Ramsay is a highly passionate and dedicated professional supporting divergent learners as they transition into adulthood. With a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Teaching, she has dedicated over 25 years to empowering students and advocating for their educational needs.

Kara Demler, A.A.

Creative Arts Coordinator

Kara has worked in professional theater and music as a Stage Director, Teacher, Producer, Casting Assistant, and Performer for over 25 years.

Kevin Broeckling, Ed.D.

National Admissions Director

Dr. Kevin Broeckling has been a higher education administrator focusing on student services, enrollment, and leadership during his more than 20-year career. He believes that education can change lives and has enjoyed helping young people access and complete degrees in higher education.

Alex James, B.A.

Office Manager

Alex has worked in management and administration for the past decade, primarily in the performing arts industry. Alex earned her Bachelor's degree from Pace University.

Sharona Sommer, C.P.C.

Director of Learning & Development

Sharona has worked in the field of Special Education for over 25 years supporting students and families in various positions throughout her career. She previously founded and operated her own family coaching practice, where she had the privilege of working with families with neurodiverse teens and young adults to improve their relationships and reach their personal goals.

Student Life

Students at CIP Berkshire enjoy swimming, fairs, festivals, alpine slides, hiking, sports, and whale watching field trips in the spring and fall, and skiing, sledding and hockey games in the winter. Visiting museums, bowling, shopping and seeing plays and performances which happen year-round. CIP has weekly activity meetings where students are involved in choosing and planning these events.

Apartment Living

Students reside in fully furnished apartments located within a couple blocks of the CIP offices. Living with one to four apartment-mates, each student has their own bedroom and shares the bathroom(s), kitchen and living room.

Internships & Jobs

CIP Berkshire helps prepare young adults with Asperger’s, autism, ADHD and other learning differences for the world of work. From resume development to job coaching, CIP’s career department supports students while they pursue their interests.

Meet A Few Of Our Students

CIP Berkshire students come from all over and pursue their individual goals and dreams within the program. Meet a few students below:

Jane

Cole

John

VIDEO: Spotlight on Success

Hear from CIP Berkshire students and families as they share their personal journeys – including finding CIP, and experiencing success.

Play

CIP Berkshire Lee, Massachusetts

CIP Berkshire is a specialized transition program in Lee, Massachusetts assisting young adults on the Autism Spectrum, ADHD, and other learning differences to find success in college, employment, and independent living

Welcome to the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts

1:2 STAFF-STUDENT Ratio

130 Social ActivitiesAnnually

20-30 Hours ofService Weekly

3.0 Cumulative GPA

91% ParentSatisfaction Rating

90% Average StudentAttendance Rates

20 Hours Community Service Per Student

CIP Berkshire40 Years in Operation

College Academics

Meet Our Berkshire Team

Kate Daley

Life Skills Coach

Matthew Kosiorek, B.A.

Program Director

Leo Honbarger, B.A.

Life Skills Coach

Jeffrey Connor, B.A.

Academic Coach

Michael McManmon, Ed.D.

Founder

Lainey Jones, B.A.

Student Advisor

Amy Rando, M.S.W, L.C.S.W.

Mental Health Clinician

Michele Ramsay, Ed.D.

Regional Director of Operations - East Coast

Kara Demler, A.A.

Creative Arts Coordinator

Kevin Broeckling, Ed.D.

National Admissions Director

Alex James, B.A.

Office Manager

Sharona Sommer, C.P.C.

Director of Learning & Development

Student Life​

Apartment Living​

Internships & Jobs

Meet A Few Of Our Students

Jane

Cole

John

VIDEO: Spotlight on Success

Follow #CIPBerkshire

130 Social Activities
Annually

20-30 Hours of
Service Weekly

91% Parent
Satisfaction Rating

90% Average Student
Attendance Rates

CIP Berkshire
40 Years in Operation

Student Life

Apartment Living