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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.