CIP Berkshire is a specialized transition program in Lee, Massachusetts empowering 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’s flagship location, CIP Berkshire in Lee, Massachusetts, was founded in 1984 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 Academic & Executive Functioning Support
CIP’s comprehensive academic support program goes beyond basic services to provide a personalized, holistic approach that empowers young adults on the autism spectrum to succeed.
College-age young adults with autism, ADHD, and other learning differences who choose to pursue a course of study at a local college, university, or vocational institution 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.
Kara Demler, A.A.
Creative Arts Coordinator
Thomas Cook, B.A
Life Skills Coach
Lainey Jones, B.A.
Student Advisor
Cassie Favrot, LICSW, SAC
Social Skills Coordinator
Tina Tartaglia, M.Ed.
Career Coordinator
Johnny Bontemps, M.A.
Student Advisor
Amy Rando, M.S.W, L.C.S.W.
Mental Health Clinician
Sarah White, B.S.
Head Student Advisor
Dawn Smith-Korte, B.S.
Life Skills Coach
Judy Gerich, M.A.
Academic Coordinator
Elijah Mertinooke
Life Skills Coach
Michele Ramsay, Ed.D.
Director of Program Operations
Student Life
Students at CIP Berkshire reside year-round and 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 recreational activity meetings where students are involved in choosing and planning these social events.
Apartment Living
Students reside in fully-furnished student housing located within a couple blocks of the CIP Berkshire Center. 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.
