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

Jenna Knauss, M.S.

Program Director

Jenna Knauss has worked in the field of clinical psychology and program administration for the past ten years. She has been an adjunct instructor at both the graduate and undergraduate college level and held administrative roles in both the outpatient and residential setting.

Matthew Kosiorek, B.A.

Assistant Program Director

Matt Kosiorek brings over a decade of experience to the role of Assistant Program Director at CIP Berkshire. Prior to joining the team at CIP Berkshire, Matt held several leadership positions within CIP’s National Office including managing summer programs and conducting development work for new CIP locations under CIP’s Founder, Dr. Michael McManmon.

Charles D. Houff, L.M.H.C.

Head Therapist

Charles came to the College Internship Program in 1997. He has over 25 years of experience as a therapist and Clinical Director in residential programs, providing individual and group therapy for adolescents and young adults with learning disabilities and emotional difficulties. His private practice has included family therapy, and clinical supervision of other therapists.

Kati Hopkins, M.Ed.

Life Skills Coach

Kati is originally from the Albany, NY area. She graduated with a Bachelors of Science in Dietetics from the State University of New York at Oneonta. Kati went on to receive her Master’s Degree in Education at Sage Graduate School.

Katherine Grigg, M.P.C.

Life Skills Coach

Katherine has worked with students with learning differences for several years as a life skills coach and wilderness therapy field instructor. As a life skills coach as CIP, Kate helps students reach their goals of independent living through on-going apartment upkeep, menu planning and cooking support.

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.

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.

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).

Rebecca Benedict, BSW

Job Coach

Rebecca has worked in the field of social work for the past four years. She has worked with diverse populations such as children and adolescents in residential settings, to coordinating in home services for the Elderly, and has worked for the Department of Developmental Services teaching life skills to young adults.

Sarah White, B.S.

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 in developing goals and objectives and creating strategies for overall progress.

Arianna Drummy, B.A.

Student Advisor

Arianna Drummy has worked in the field of human services for over three years as a registered behavior technician and mentor with students on the autism spectrum. She previously found success working for Momentum Behavioral Health Services providing applied behavior analysis therapy to students in a home, school, and clinical setting.

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. She is the Founder and Artistic Director of the popular Berkshire Children’s Theater (since 2004) and has taught “Kidsact” classes for Barrington Stage Company.

Rocky A. Young, B.A.

Career Coordinator

Rocky graduated from the University of Connecticut in 2000 with a desire to pursue a career in the legal field. After obtaining a position as an alternative education instructor with the Academy of Wheeler Clinic, he quickly realized he had a passion for helping students with learning differences overcome obstacles...

Stephanie Giardina, M.S.W.

Student Advisor

Stephanie has worked in the field of social work for 6 years. Previously, she has worked in the Berkshire Community as an Intensive Care Coordinator, Child Protective Service Case Manager, and has interned as an on-site Crisis Clinician.

Brenda Brown, M.S.W.

Social Skills Coordinator

Brenda has worked in the field of social work and education, supporting students on the Autism Spectrum and with learning differences for 25 years. She previously worked as a special education teacher and clinician, which brings a well rounded therapeutic and educational experience to her role as the Social Skills Coordinator at Berkshire CIP campus.

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.

Spotlight on Success

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

Call +1 (877) 566-9247 or fill our our online inquiry form to request assistance in finding a CIP location.

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About CIP

We’ve been helping young adults on the autism spectrum and with learning differences find success in college, employment, and independent living since 1984.

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