Dawn Smith-Korte, B.S.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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
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.
Matthew Palardy has worked in higher education for 15 years and joined CIP as an Academic Coach in 2025.
Kati Hopkins, MEd.
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.
