Staff Profiles

CIP Berkshire Lee, Massachusetts

CIP Berkshire has an experienced, professional staff with strong educational backgrounds and solid experience working with young adults with Asperger’s, ADHD and other Learning Differences.

Get to Know The CIP Berkshire Team

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Wesley Carter, MBA, Ed.D.

Assistant Program Director

With over a decade of experience bridging education and industry, he helps students develop the skills, credentials, and confidence needed for high-demand careers. By championing internships, mentorships, and hands-on learning, he prepares students to move successfully from the classroom into the workforce.

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.

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.

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.

Andrea Della Monica, B.A.

Student Support Specialist

Andrea Della Monica has worked within the field of human services for the past decade, most recently with children and young adults on the autism spectrum.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Judy Gerich, M.A.

Academic Coordinator

Judy Gerich has been the Academic Coordinator at CIP Berkshire since 2016. She began working for CIP in 2012, first as a Career Coordinator, and then as an Admissions Coordinator. She earned all of her degrees at the University of Buffalo (UB).

Ellie Grenier, B.A.

Career Coach

Ellie started working for CIP Berkshire in August of 2025, but has worked in education since 2024 as a Special Education Paraprofessional.

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.

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.

Thomas Cook, B.A

Life Skills Coach

Thomas worked in education in various capacities, primarily with individuals who have Learning Differences. They were an original Peer mentor at their college in a Support program for students with ASD.

Elijah Mertinooke

Life Skills Coach

Eli has previously worked in the field of special education as a paraprofessional, supporting students with a variety of diverse needs.

Cassie Favrot, LICSW, SAC

Social Skills Coordinator

Prior to starting at CIP Berkshire in 2025, Cassie worked in the field of education for over 10 years across a variety of K-12 settings and roles.

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.

Kati Hopkins, MEd.

Student Advisor

Kati has worked in the Special Education field for almost 15 years. Throughout the years, Kati has held various roles within the field, working both in public schools and private settings.

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.

Learn More About CIP Staff

We understand the unique strengths and challenges that each student can possess. Learn more about our diverse and experienced staff across all CIP locations.

VIDEO: Spotlight on Success

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

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