Nonprofits are the bedrock of civil society. They touch every aspect of our lives. Think about it……You were probably born in a nonprofit hospital, educated in a nonprofit school, went to a nonprofit camp and enjoyed nonprofit parks, museums, and theaters. You might have attended a nonprofit university or church, sought help from a nonprofit human service organization, visited a nonprofit library or hiked on land conserved by a nonprofit.
Nonprofit organizations care for the most
These 22 judges from both the corporate and nonprofit sectors carefully ranked their choices from among 50 nominations, culminating in a virtual meeting to finalize 7 honorees. We thank them for their time and integrity.
vulnerable and make our lives better. That’s why we value the sector and want to recognize and honor the people doing nonprofit work. Once a year, the Nonprofit Center of the Berkshires does just that. We’ll gather on May 20th to pay tribute to the “Third Sector,” and 7 individuals for their outstanding contributions to their organizations and to our community. Keep reading to learn more about these nonprofit rockstars.
– Liana Toscanini/Founder, Nonprofit Center of the Berkshires
JUDGES TOP ROW (Left to right): McCaela Donovan/Nonprofit Center of the Berkshires, Liana Toscanini (facilitator)/Nonprofit Center of the Berkshires, Jennifer Shumsky/Greylock Federal Credit Union, Briana Booker/BCC student SECOND ROW (l to r): MacKenzie Kern/Berkshire Pride, Maggie Buchwald/ Mahaiwe & NPC Board Member, Rachel Heisler/Williams College Museum of Art, Anne Singleton/Williamstown Community Chest THIRD ROW (l to r): Kevin Pink/1Berkshire, Liliana Atanacio/Milltown Foundation & Latinas413, Tom Sharpe/Mungy, Tiffany Thibodeau/Grant Consultant FOURTH ROW (l to r): Mike Wynn/Greylock Glen, Kyle Sullivan/Brown & Brown Insurance, Zorelly Cepeda Derieux/Williams College, André Lynch/MCLA FIFTH ROW (l to r): Pastor Joel Bergeland/Zion Lutheran Church, Dennis Iodice/Berkshire Mountain Bakery. Missing from Zoom photo: Samantha Anderson/Essential-Wholeness, Elizabeth Kern/Monument Mountain High School Student, Angela Jennette Hutchins/Berkshire Bank, Rich Rowe/Dalton CRA, Eric Singer/MagnetWorks.
2025 BERKSHIRE NONPROFIT AWARD NOMINEES and HONOREES
BOARD LEADERSHIP
Cynthia Farr Brown, Former Board President and Vice President, Berkshire County Historical Society
Toni Buckley, Board Treasurer and Past President of the Board, WAM Theatre
Linda G. Conway, Board of Directors, 18 Degrees
Lori Kays, Board Chair, Berkshire County Head Start
Benjamin Lamb, Board President, Northern Berkshire Community Coalition
Teresa O’Brient, President of the Board of Directors, Berkshire Waldorf High School
Mark Rosengren, Board member, Construct
Mike Zippel, Board Chair, Berkshire Art Center
UNSUNG HERO
Laura Baran, Sr. Director of CBDS and Employment Services, BFAIR
Chris Ciepiela, Youth & Wellness Guide, Berkshire HorseWorks, Inc.
Pat Gormally, Board Member, Pittsfield Community Television
Elizabeth Heller, Board Member, Berkshire Coalition for Suicide Prevention (BCSP)
YOUTH LEADERSHIP
Rachael Bentz, Program Manager, Skills Counselor & Digital Art Instructor, Arts in Recovery for Youth (AIRY)
Sadiya Quetti-Goodson, Photographer/Alum, Rites of Passage and Empowerment Program
Autumn Higa, Volunteer and Board
Committee Member, The People’s Pantry
Emily Keiper, Student, Miss Hall’s School
Isabella Penna-Ward, Board of Directors, Clerk, Roots Rising
Max Sweeney, Arts Education Intern, Berkshire Art Center
Harper Treschuk - College Intern/Staff Member, Greenagers
ROCK STAR
Veronica Bone, Community & In-School Program Manager, Berkshire Pulse
Natalia DeRuzzio, Patient Services Manager, Volunteers in Medicine
The Nonprofit Center of the Berkshires was founded in 2016 to help nonprofits connect, learn and grow. NPC connects nonprofits to resources and volunteers, just like YOU! For information on volunteering, board service, and our Giving Back guide, call (413) 441-9542 or visit https://npcberkshires.org/volunteer/.
Dan Hudson, Executive Director, Images Cinema
Rania Markham, Founder and Executive Director, Families Like Ours
Maria Rundle, Executive Director, Flying Cloud Institute
Arlene Tolopko, Publisher, The Otis Observer
Barbara Viniar, Immediate Past President, Temple Anshe Amunim Nicki Wilson, President, Board of Directors, Triplex Cinema
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT
C. Jeffrey Cook, Past President, Berkshire Business Roundtable (and many others)
Kate Maguire, Artistic Director, CEO, Berkshire Theatre Group
NPC Board of Directors:
Emily Schiavoni, Chair
Brian Berkel, Treasurer Cass Santos-China, Secretary Samantha Anderson Kim Baker
John Perreault, Executive Director, Berkshire Humane Society
Jane Winn, Executive Director, Berkshire Environmental Action Team (BEAT)
Laura Jordahl, Former Board Member and Site Supervisor for Designer Showhouse, Construct Center for Affordable Housing
Sean J. McCusker, Vice President for Exhibitions, Berkshire Art Association
Jack Wolfe, Bike Mechanic, Northern Berkshire Community Coalition
Cynthia Farr Brown
Maggie Buchwald
Kevin Fleming
Hari Kumar
Tom Sharpe
CONGRATULATIONS
Founder Liana Toscanini (right) and Associate Director McCaela Donovan
Cynthia Farr Brown
Berkshire County Historical Society Demonstrates Prudent Use of Assets
Through Cindy’s leadership and strategic planning focused on mission, she helped build a sustainable financial model. She spent time mentoring a new executive director, securing grants, and establishing a retirement plan for employees. Through hiring, reorganization and increased outreach, the organization now has healthy financial reserves and stability, robust programming and a presence in the community.
Provides Oversight
to Advance Effectiveness and Sustainability
Cindy did the unglamorous but necessary work of rebuilding, establishing processes and governance, compliance, financial oversight and regulations. She attended most events and led weekly tours, allowing her to be closely engaged and knowledgeable about the programs and audience.
Ensures Compliance While Advancing the Mission
During her time, Cindy revised and updated a multitude of handbooks, policy documents, and code of ethics. She led the board in updating its Bylaws, helped research and adopt an employee retirement plan and a health plan for the executive director. These initiatives have helped attract and retain staff and grantors, advancing the mission for all.
Service on Committees/Task Forces/Special Assignments
Cindy served on 5 different committees, obtained multiple restoration and municipal grants, helped developed a strategic plan and drafted job descriptions. Herself a historian, she presents public programs, and is working with the city of Pittsfield to identify space for collections storage and programming. Cindy has gone above and beyond and her diligence has led to excellence.
“Cindy spearheaded many organizational changes to make BCHS stronger and compliant, but most importantly she puts people at the center of her work and leads by example.”
—Valerie Anderson, board colleague
Melissa Canavan
Executive Director/ Berkshire Immigrant Center
Guiding Strategic Growth to Meet Community Needs
Melissa excels at listening, learning and then setting a thoughtful strategy into play. She created a road map for her staff and board to enhance services, foster community ties and awareness of and within the immigrant community, bolster financial growth and prioritize the BIC team. Her insight has allowed for substantial growth in a short period of time.
Elevating the Mission
Putting humanity at the center of her work, Melissa has focused on the people, both board and staff, along with the community BIC serves. The daughter of Mexican immigrants, she doesn’t choose to center her own lived experience, but rather uplift and share the stories of others.
Nurture and Inspire Staff, Board, Donors, and Community Partners
Melissa makes herself accessible to donors, community leaders, staff, board and volunteers. She is empathetic and works hard to make the time to say ‘yes.’ Her staff and board feel heard by her and appreciated. She encourages them to give time to their lives outside of work and refill their cups.
Creative or Innovative Strategies to Overcome Obstacles
Melissa understands that burnout and turnover is a challenge. Strengthening client services and supporting the mission is only possible through staff retention. She encourages staff to care for themselves outside of work and during the work day. She leads by example, in prioritizing her own care as well.
“Staff and Board feel heard by Melissa. Melissa understands that prioritizing her team is about supporting the mission, strengthening client services and improving staff retention. Good morale pays off, and connecting those dots has been one of her most impactful acts of leadership.”
—Sheryl Lechner, co-worker
EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP HONOREE
Lauren Smith Fairview Hospital
Positive Impact on Organization
Lauren is a passionate advocate for connecting South County to healthcare. She has championed multiple partnerships, and sponsored many organizations in their efforts to raise awareness and funds. She heads a small office that makes a significant impact.
Personal Attributes Contributing to Achievement
Beyond her kindness and approachability, Lauren is determined and focused. She is a proactive community member. These traits drive her to help other nonprofits while driving Fairview Hospital’s important agenda forward.
Commitment and Dedication to Organization/Mission
Lauren is well known in the community, not only representing Fairview, but using her platform to impact a multitude of organizations. She has been doing her work for 31 years, is well known amongst a multitude of nonprofits and has partnered with hundreds of organizations in that time. Partnerships have included Community Health Programs, Berkshire Public Health Alliance, Berkshire South Regional Community Center, Chambers of Commerce, Festival Latino and more. She ensures that Fairview sponsors multiple community organizations, aiding in their effort to raise awareness and funds, and in turn also continues to raise funds for Fairview itself.
Going “Above and Beyond” the Job
Lauren doesn’t sit behind her desk. She goes out into the community to participate in initiatives, causes and events. She physically supports and attends community events, being an active participant, and not just a sponsor. Lauren has one part time colleague, and oversees fundraising on top of spearheading the Fairview annual gala and golf classic.
“Beyond her kindness and approachability, Lauren is determined, really, tenacious—these traits drive her to connect individuals, non-profits and businesses to Fairview Hospital and its highquality, compassionate care.”
—Dawn
Stanyon, Nominator
Chris Ciepiela
Berkshire Horseworks, Inc
Importance of Role Within Organization
Chris is highly adept at organization, communication and assessing nonverbal cues. She is vested in the success and well-being of every child, client and equine living or visiting the ranch. When discipline is needed, she does so creatively, with humor, equity and with a strength-based approach.
Personal and Professional Qualities
Dependable, mature and a problem solver, Chris approaches all her tasks with spunk, perspicacity and enthusiasm. She lives the mission - transforming lives through the powerful interaction with the horses. Chris is creative, energetic and is referred to as the “magic sauce” which helps render the ranch an exciting and safe place in nature to learn and build friendships.
Worthiness of Work and Attitude
Chris comes to work each day with a joyful demeanor and never complains, regardless of how menial the task may seem. She goes out of her way to be available to solve any crisis, talk through strategies, and keep the horses clean and in good health. She truly cares about the whole organization - people and horses alike.
Recognition: Internal vs. Public People are always appreciative of Chris’ work and tell her so, but she is very modest and would never toot her own horn. She deserves to be recognized by the community as an example of how to be an invaluable hero behind the scenes.
“Chris is someone who you want in your life in whatever capacity you can. She is kind, levelheaded, inspiring , thoughtful and just an amazing human being.”
—Hayley Sumner, Executive Director
Rachael Bentz (they/them)
AIRY (Arts in Recovery for Youth)
Impact on Organization and the Community
Rachael has undergone extensive training to become a skills counselor in AIRY groups. They teach skills and art projects, but also speak candidly about how the skills can be applied to get well, from their own lived experience. They have helped over 100 families to recover, and group members consistently remark feeling safe and supported by Rachael.
Demonstrates Passion and Commitment to
Chosen Cause
With a unique and lived perspective, Rachael shows up for the organization. They spend hours volunteering on panels, conferences and community events. They’re always available to answer questions and initiate collaborations with other organizations to make AIRY the success that it is today.
Makes a Difference in the Community
Rachael models self care despite continuing personal hardships, and has been with the AIRY organization for 8 years. They go the extra mile to help others and is a peer mentor and role model for other youth in the county. Their creativity, leadership and resilience are remarkable.
Shows Young People Can Make a Difference
Through AIRY, Rachael heard stories like their own and realized they were not alone. They practiced skills before teaching them. Using their own digital art, they helped create a film addressing issues of bullying, homophobia and body image, which won a youth film award. Rachael has impacted many lives.
“Rachael is an amazing, thoughtful and determined young person who keeps our AIRY program strong and successful. It is an honor to know them”
—Marney Schorr, Founder & Executive Director
Pamela Conroy Breslin
Literacy Network
Annual Volunteer Hours: 400 Volunteer Activities
Pamela is both a LitNet tutor and board member, chairing the education committee. She revised LitNet’s Tutor Manual, she interviews all prospects for LitNet’s Keator Scholarship, helping people on their path to citizenship, and she serves as a citizenship tutor. She provides mock interviews to help people before they meet with Homeland Security, and she tutors those who wish to improve their English or attain academic goals.
Impact on Organization
Pamela gives her time, talent and experience to this small (but mighty) organization. She leans in to do the work with joy and passion for providing education and access to the immigrant community. She not only has a wealth of experience and information, but is a great source of wisdom. She is truly a rock to the many programs and practices of LitNet.
Impact on Those Served
LitNet’s mission is to ‘transform lives’, and Pamela takes that to heart. Pamela has been the guiding force behind the Keator Scholarship for New Americans. She is the face they start the process with and is the face they see at the end. Since 2019, LitNet has welcomed 49 new Americans from this process and Pamela has been on the journey with each and every one of them.
Pamela brings so much integrity and commitment to all of the hats she wears at LitNetall in a volunteer capacity. It is inspiring!”
—Leigh Doherty, Executive Director
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SAMYA ROSE STUMO YOUTH LEADERSHIP HONOREE
Jane Winn
Berkshire Environmental Action Team (BEAT) Widespread and Ongoing ommunity Influence
Jane’s career has been dedicated to upholding environmental laws, pushing for improved regulation, and training community members to be the ‘eyes and ears’ of environmentalism in the Berkshires. She advocates for community involvement in infrastructure projects and engages community members of all ages in appreciation for the natural world. She has led BEAT through legal battles, regulatory interventions and social movement building to prioritize environmental justice. Individual’s Exceptional Accomplishments
In 2014, Jane allied with other activists to fight the Northeast Energy Direct pipeline, which was considered an “unwinnable” battle. Jane presented to hundreds of community groups across the region and helped stop the pipeline altogether. Jane has reported, sued and sometimes shut down polluting facilities across the Northeast. She founded the Northeast Wildlife Trackers group, the Berkshire Natural History Conference and has been instrumental in surveying storm pipe drains and road-stream crossings, leading to improved infrastructure, allowing for wildlife passing and reduced flooding. Commitment to Highest Values
Jane believes “an educated and engaged public is the environment’s best defense.” She trains community members to take action and doesn’t presume what they want or need. She prioritizes accessibility, racial justice and class justice throughout her work, making all of BEAT’s programming free and by donation only. When BEAT purchased a former church building, Jane insisted building materials removed were to be deconstructed, and reused or recycled - not thrown away.
Exhibits Long-Term Courage and Perseverance
Many of Jane’s environmental fights have spanned lengthy timelines throughout her over 30-year career. Jane is steadfast in her efforts, leading river cleanup efforts along the Housatonic River, halting the Kinder Morgan/Tennessee Gas Pipeline, engaging in difficult conversations with fossil fuel plant owners and municipal offices, and more each year.
Jane demonstrates her values in the way she describes her staff - always uplifting their accomplishments and never taking credit herself. She is committed to stances based on a strong foundation of science and is unafraid to speak out in defense of nature!”
—Brittany Ebeling, nominator and colleague
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT
HONOREE
An achievement to celebrate
NBT is proud to honor the accomplishments of those who make a di erence. Congratulations on the much-deserved recognition of your hard work, talent, and discipline.
With gratitude for the extraordinary contributions made by our Berkshire community leaders.
Renaissance Investment Group, LLC is proud to celebrate the people and organizations who make the Berkshires a special place to live and work. Congratulations to the Nonprofit Center of the Berkshires 2025 honorees!
Investment Management Financial Counseling Planning For Future Generations
Let’s get in touch! Schedule a meeting with one of our experienced advisors | 413-445-2481 | 45 Walker St, Lenox MA | RIGLLC.COM
It’s The People
On behalf of all the folks at October Mountain Financial Advisors, congratulations to the 14 honorees receiving the
For the work you do, the commitment and focus you offer, you are peerless in the way you give your time, talent and resources to those in need. Collectively, you demonstrate the meaning of sharing and giving for a greater good. This award recognizes the qualities you possess that make each of you an investment in our humanity.
Thank you to our BERKSHIRE LEGISLATORS for your advocacy and support!
Senator Paul Mark Representative Leigh Davis
Representative John Barrett, III Representative Tricia Farley-Bouvier
NONPROFIT CENTER OF THE BERKSHIRES BUSINESS SUPPORTERS
(as of May 2025)
Abbie von Schlegell, CFRE
James Abruzzo
Acrisure (Toole Insurance)
Adams Community Bank
Adelson & Co. PC
Adirondack Payroll
Antil Creative
Berkshire Bank
Berkshire Net Results
BizTech Associates
Brown & Brown Insurance Services
Canna Provisions
Cathy Crosky
Convivo
CORE 401(k) Program
Berkshire Payments, LLC
Dawn Loves Social
Dulye & Co.
Essential-Wholeness
Gemini Creative
Generon International
GrantStation
Greylock Federal Credit Union
Harlow Nonprofit Consulting
Huht
Interim Executive Solutions
Interprint
Killeen Arace & Quinn, PC
Kwik Print
Lamar Advertising Lee Bank
Liz Albert Strategic Fundraising
Maggie Goldsmith
Magnetworks
MassDevelopment
MassHire
Molari, Inc.
The More than Giving Co.
Nash Insights
NBT Bank
Mountain Magnolia Marketing
October Mountain Financial Advisors
Organization, Ink.
OsteoStrong Great Barrington
Paper Crane Associates
Prosper Nonprofit Advisors
Raymond James
Roger Magnus Research
Shire Video
The Berkshire Eagle
The Berkshire Edge
The Killoe Group
Tiffany Thibodeau Consulting
TL Phillips Consulting
Warrior Trading Wheeler & Taylor Insurance
The Wright Collective
Thank you for everything you do to uplift our community! YOU WARM OUR HEARTS, LET US WARM YOURS
THE NONPROFIT CENTER AND YOU!
Wondering how you can help? We have some tools for you!
Check out our Giving Back guide online at npcberkshires. org. The directory of nonprofi ts is organized by category (arts, education, youth etc.) to match your interests. Profiles of nonprofi ts provide information on ways to help.
Thinking about serving on a board but don’t have much experience? Watch our “Intro to Board Service” videos on YouTube!
Then check out our board matching service, Get on Board! More information at npcberkshires.org/join-a-board/
HUHT celebrates the 2025 Berkshire Nonprofit Award honorees with a gift of a free one-day mobile sauna & cold plunge rental. Whether it’s team recovery, a community day, or a fundraiser boost— we’ll bring the heat so you can keep inspiring change.
NONPROFIT MEMBERS
(as of May 2025)
1Berkshire
18 Degrees
Adams Theater Presents
AdLib
AIRY (Arts in Recovery for Youth)
Albany Berkshire Ballet
Aston Magna
Austen Riggs Center
AYJ Fund
Barrington Stage Company
Baseball in the Berkshires, Inc.
Becket Arts Center of The Hilltowns
Becket Athenaeum
BerkShares
Berkshire Agricultural Ventures
Berkshire AHEC, Inc.
Berkshire Art Association
Berkshire Art Center
Berkshire Art Museum
Berkshire Athenaeum
Berkshire Bach Society
Berkshire Bird Observatory
Berkshire Black Economic Council
Berkshire Botanical Garden
Berkshire Bounty
Berkshire Busk
Berkshire Center for Justice
Berkshire Children’s Chorus
Berkshire Choral International
Berkshire Coalition for Suicide Prevention
Berkshire Community Action Council
Berkshire Community Diaper Project
Berkshire Community Land Trust
Berkshire Community Radio Alliance
Berkshire Concert Choir
Berkshire County Arc
Berkshire County Historical Society
Berkshire County Kids’ Place & Violence Prevention Center
Berkshire Education & Correction Services
Berkshire Environmental Action Team
Berkshire Family YMCA
Berkshire Farm Sanctuary
Berkshire Film & Media Collaborative
Berkshire Food Project
Berkshire Grown
Berkshire Health Systems
Berkshire Horseworks
Berkshire Humane Society
Berkshire Immigrant Center
Berkshire Innovation Center
Berkshire International Film Festival
Berkshire Museum
Berkshire Music School
Berkshire Natural Resources Council
Berkshire Nursing Families
Berkshire Opera Festival
Berkshire Place
Berkshire Pond Hockey Classic
Berkshire Pulse
Berkshire Regional Planning Commission
Berkshire Scenic Railway Museum
Berkshire South Regional Community Center
Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation
Berkshire United Way
Berkshires Jazz
BFAIR
Bidwell House Museum
Black Rock Foundation
Blue Rider Stables
BRIDGE
Camp Happy Place
Canine Link, Inc.
Center for Peace Through Culture
Central Berkshire Habitat for Humanity
Chesterwood
Child Care of the Berkshires
Choices Mentoring Initiative
Community Access to the Arts
Community Development Corporation of South Berkshire
NPC processes 300 requests for advice and resources annually
NONPROFIT CENTER OF THE BERKSHIRES
Helping nonprofits connect, learn & grow
OVERVIEW OF THE BERKSHIRE NONPROFIT SECTOR
The nonprofit sector is one of the county’s largest economic engines, employing a quarter of the workforce, and annually contributing over 2 billion dollars in revenue.
1200 nonprofits compete for funding and other resources in a demographically and geographically trifurcated county. Communication is difficult and staying on top of this vibrant sector is a real challenge. Understanding the nonprofit landscape is especially challenging for those new to the area. The Nonprofit Center of the Berkshires is the go-to resource for information and connections, serving as an umbrella organization to facilitate collaboration, communication, advocacy, volunteerism, and the sharing of resources.
ABOUT NPC
The Nonprofit Center of the Berkshires was founded in 2016. A support and infrastructure organization, NPC serves all of Berkshire County. A “small but mighty” nonprofit that has become an indispensable asset to the community, NPC currently operates with two full-time staff and a 10-member Board of Directors. NPC also engages advisors, pro bono consultants and volunteers in its work. The Nonprofit Center of the Berkshires is an award-winning organization with a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, gold star rating from Candid, and Top-Rated status from GreatNonProfits.org.
MISSION
NPC provides fiscal sponsorship to fledgling organizations
The mission of the Nonprofit Center of the Berkshires is to facilitate growth for charitable organizations through shared resources, affordable services, and creative collaboration s. NPC serves as the county’s clearinghouse for nonprofit information and resources, the premiere provider of professional development, and a source of support for nonprofit leaders and community members looking to get more involved.
PROGRAMS
The NPC helps nonprofits connect, learn & grow, through two dozen programs. Its most popular programs include the Berkshire Nonprofit Awards, the Giving Back guide, its nonprofit Resource Directory, and workshops. Its greatest value is in connecting nonprofits to resources including pro bono consultants, strategic planning facilitators, experts, businesses that serve nonprofits, job, grant, and education opportunities, and other nonprofits. The NPC is also growing its advocacy efforts. One of its largest roles is promoting volunteerism through training, publications, referrals, fairs and a board matching service.
