BCC's Director of Academic Advising Wins Award

11:07AM / Tuesday, January 14, 2025Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Community College (BCC) announced that Director of Academic Advising and Coaching Lyndsay Isham-Morton is the winner of the Region 1 Excellence in Advising – Advising Administrator Award from NACADA: The Global Community for Academic Advising.

Isham-Morton will be recognized at a conference in April.

According to a press release, NACADA is the leading association globally for the advancement of student success through excellence in academic advising in higher education. NACADA provides its members with opportunities for professional development and personal growth.

As director of academic advising and coaching, a position she has held at BCC since 2021, Isham-Morton has overseen the unification of advising and coaching into one integrated team. She led this work, which is aligned with BCC's strategic plan, to support students, especially those from historically marginalized communities. She has also spearheaded innovation through the creation of advising learning outcomes, and she led the implementation of an online navigation system that streamlines advising processes and helps the College react quickly to student needs.

"Lyndsay exemplifies the qualities of a compassionate and dedicated leader who fosters strong relationships with her team, faculty, staff and students,” said Vice President of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management Adam Klepetar.

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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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