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 including managing summer programs and conducting development work for new CIP locations under CIP’s Founder, Dr. Michael McManmon.

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 and worked in New York City for five years prior to moving to the Berkshires.

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.

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).

Lynn Racicot, B.S.W.

Career Coordinator

Lynn joins the CIP team as the Career Coordinator with over 35 years of experience, working with students and families. She has worked in the area of human services and education in a variety of community based, residential and educational settings

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.

Antonio Riello

Student Advisor

Tony has been working with teenagers and young adults since 2005. He has experience as a high school business teacher and in an alternative education classroom. Following his role as a teacher Tony transitioned into residential programming.

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.

Stephanie Giardina, M.S.W.

Social Skills Coordinator

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.

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.

Staff Profiles

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

Matthew Kosiorek, B.A.

Program Director

Alex James, B.A.

Office Manager

Kati Hopkins, M.Ed.

Life Skills Coach

Kate Daley

Life Skills Coach

Dawn Smith-Korte, B.S.

Life Skills Coach

Judy Gerich, M.A.

Academic Coordinator

Lynn Racicot, B.S.W.

Career Coordinator

Sarah White, B.S.

Student Advisor

Antonio Riello

Student Advisor

Kara Demler, A.A.

Creative Arts Coordinator

Stephanie Giardina, M.S.W.

Social Skills Coordinator

Brenda Brown, M.S.W.

Spotlight on Success

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