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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.