Berkshire County Arc Hires Clinical Director

11:36AM / Friday, June 21, 2019Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Christopher Peltier has been named clinical director of the Berkshire County Arc, a new position that oversees the behavioral and nursing staff for BCArc programs that serve more than 1,000 individuals throughout the Berkshire and Hampden counties.

Most recently he worked for 10 years at the Amherst Public Schools as a behavior analyst and autism specialist. He grew up in Williamstown, Mass., and attended Mt. Greylock Regional High School.

"Our priority is making sure the people we serve have meaningful and happy lives," said Kenneth Singer, president and CEO of BCArc. "Chris has the experience, expertise, and the passion we look for in our employees. The BCArc community – particularly the individuals we serve -- are fortunate to have him join our team and lead the nursing and behavioral programs."

Peltier will oversee all clinical services that include supporting more than 40 residential programs and several day programs. Before his Amherst position, he worked as the director of Family Support and Children's Services for the United Arc of Franklin & Hampshire Counties; served as the clinical coordinator for Mentor Clinical Care in Northampton, Mass.; and was residential coordinator for Meridian Associates in Belchertown, Mass.

He has served on several statewide boards, including Massachusetts Families Organizing for Change, Uniting Families for Change (board president), DDS Statewide Family Support Council Advocates for Autism – Massachusetts, and DDS Regional Advisory Board (president).

Peltier received his Undergraduate degree from Gordon College in Wenham, Mass., a master's degree from Duke University in Durham, N.C., and did his post-graduate work at the University of Massachusetts. He is nationally board certified as a behavior analyst and is licensed in the state of Massachusetts as an applied behavior analyst. He also is a certified special education teacher.

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New Camp Is Safe Place for Children Suffering Loss to Addiction

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
06:26AM / Saturday, December 27, 2025

Last year's Happy Campers courtesy of Max Tabakin.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A new camp is offering a safe place for children who have lost a parent or guardian to addiction.

Director Gayle Saks founded the nonprofit "Camp Happy Place" last year. The first camp was held in June with 14 children.

Saks is a licensed drug and alcohol counselor who works at the Brien Center. One of her final projects when studying was how to involve youth, and a camp came to mind. Camp had been her "happy place" growing up, and it became her dream to open her own.

"I keep a bucket list in my wallet, and it's right on here on this list, and I cross off things that I've accomplished," she said. "But it is the one thing on here that I knew I had to do."

The overnight co-ed camp is held at a summer camp in Winsted, Conn., where Saks spent her summers as a child. It is four nights and five days and completely free. Transportation is included as are many of the items needed for camping. The camp takes up to 30 children.

"I really don't think there's any place that exists specifically for this population. I think it's important to know, we've said this, but that it is not a therapeutic camp," Saks said.

She said the focus is on fun for the children, though they are able to talk to any of the volunteer and trained staff. The staff all have experience in social work, addiction and counseling, and working with children.

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