Berkshire County Arc Hires New Risk Management Specialist

11:42AM / Friday, June 20, 2025Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Amber Steele has been hired as Berkshire County Arc's (BCArc) Risk Management Specialist.

This is a new position at the Agency that will focus on the health, safety, and well-being of individuals with disabilities who BCArc supports, and BCArc staff. The position will support all the programs across the Agency by looking at potential risk, identifying trends and patterns, and recommending solutions. The position reports directly to the CEO.

Steele has worked at BCArc previously for several years, her most recent position as Director of Brain Injury Services. Three years ago she left BCArc to explore other opportunities.

"She will be a huge asset to this Agency, and is an incredible fit for this new position," said Maryann Hyatt, BCArc's CEO. "Her experience and knowledge of this Agency will provide a new support system around risk management for all of us."

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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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