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.

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.

Christopher J. Hopkins, M.A.

Assistant Program Director

Chris served at six very different independent secondary schools for over 30 years before joining CIP. He began his career in education as an English teacher, dorm parent, and coach, and over time has held numerous senior administrative positions including Head of School.

Mary Sokolowski, Ph.D.

National Enrollment Specialist

Before joining CIP in 2018, Mary worked for twenty years in the field of post-secondary education as an instructor and administrator. She served as adjunct faculty at several colleges and universities in the northeast.

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.

Jay Lopez, M.F.A.

Life Skills Coordinator

Jay Lopez has worked in the field of autism for two years as the life skills coordinator. He previously found success working with young adults on the autism spectrum.

Liza Bové, MSW., LCSWR., LICSW.

Clinician

Liza Bové joins the team after 26 years in the field of Social Welfare, as a psychotherapist in direct practice and directing Article 31 Community Mental Health clinics in the Hudson Valley.

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.

Leo Honbarger, B.A.

Life Skills Coach

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

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.

Dawn Smith-Korte, B.S.

Life Skills Coach

Dawn has worked at CIP for 9 years in many departments. She had worked in Social Thinking, Careers, Life Skills and has even been the van driver to BCC for a semester.

Sarah White, B.S.

Head Student Advisor

Sarah has worked in the field of autism for over five years as a Speech and Language Pathology Assistant. She previously found success working with students with Autism and learning differences.

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.

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

Kevin Broeckling, Ed.D.

National Admissions Director

Christopher J. Hopkins, M.A.

Assistant Program Director

Mary Sokolowski, Ph.D.

National Enrollment Specialist

Michele Ramsay, Ed.D.

Regional Director of Operations - East Coast

Jay Lopez, M.F.A.

Life Skills Coordinator

Liza Bové, MSW., LCSWR., LICSW.

Clinician

Lainey Jones, B.A.

Student Advisor

Leo Honbarger, B.A.

Life Skills Coach

Alex James, B.A.

Office Manager

Dawn Smith-Korte, B.S.

Life Skills Coach

Sarah White, B.S.

Head Student Advisor

Jeffrey Connor, B.A.

Academic Coach

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