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.

autism transition program | berkshire community college
autism transition program | massachusetts college of liberal arts

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.

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.

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.

Matthew Palardy, M.A.

Academic Coach

Matthew Palardy has worked in higher education for 15 years and joined CIP as an Academic Coach in 2025.

Johnny Bontemps, M.A.

Student Advisor

Johnny has worked in the field of autism for nearly ten years. He joined CIP in January 2025 as a Life Skills Coach and currently serves as a Student Advisor. Previously, he provided one-on-one coaching and therapeutic support to an autistic adult in New York City.

Dan McManmon, President

President

Dan McManmon grew up in western Massachusetts, alongside four sisters, six foster brothers, and an adopted brother. His father, Michael McManmon, founded CIP in 1984 and was diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome later in life. Dan’s upbringing profoundly shaped his understanding and empathy for those with Autism, ADHD, and related learning differences.

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.

Tina Tartaglia, M.Ed.

Career Coordinator

Tina Tartaglia has worked in social work and education for over 15 years, holding roles such as school counselor, vocational counselor, youth substance use and community educator, and college dual enrollment coordinator.

Michele Ramsay, Ed.D.

Director of Program Operations

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.

Jeffrey Connor, B.A.

Student Support Specialist

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.

Jodi Drury, Ph.D.

Director of Curriculum and Training

Jodi has worked in the field of special education for over 20 years as a K-12 teacher and administrator, and as an adjunct professor at local universities and colleges.

Jamie Nicholson, M.M.

Office Manager

Jamie Nicholson spent five years working in library administration before coming to CIP in the Spring of 2026. She honed her expertise in operations while surrounded by librarians famed for their exacting precision and attention to detail.

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.