The Brien Center Appoints New CBHC Division Director

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Brien Center announced the appointment of Lindsay Morin Ciepiela, LICSW, as the organization's new Community Behavioral Health Center (CBHC) Division Director. 
 
Lindsay joins The Brien Center with experience in behavioral health program development and leadership. Most recently, she served as Vice President of Outpatient Services at the Center for Human Development (CHD), where she worked for many years. In that role, she led the successful implementation of CHD's CBHC program, which included mobile crisis intervention and crisis stabilization services. She also played a key role in launching six behavioral health urgent care centers, significantly expanding access to critical mental health services across the region.
 
A Pittsfield resident, Lindsay, is looking forward to serving the community she calls home. She brings not only a wealth of professional experience, but also a deep personal commitment to the region.
 
"We are excited to welcome Lindsay to The Brien Center," said Diana L. Knaebe, President and CEO. "Her expertise in crisis services, program implementation, and outpatient leadership will strengthen our CBHC model and expand access to timely, community-based behavioral health care. Lindsay's local roots and dedication to this community make her an ideal fit for this role."
 
Lindsay shared her enthusiasm for the new position.
 
"I am grateful for the opportunity to join The Brien Center and contribute to an organization so deeply committed to behavioral health,"she said. "I look forward to sharing what I've learned throughout my career and learning from my new colleagues as we work together to serve Berkshire County."
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Pittsfield Extends Interim School Superintendent Contract

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Interim Superintendent Latifah Phillips' employment has been extended to 2027

Last week, the School Committee approved an employment contract that runs through June 30, 2027.  Phillips was originally appointed to a one-year position that began on July 1 and runs through the end of the fiscal year in June 2026. 

"You didn't ask me simply to endure challenges or struggle to prove myself. Instead, you believe in me, you've given me the space to grow, the encouragement to stretch, and the expectation that I can truly soar," she said earlier in last Wednesday's meeting when addressing outgoing School Committee members. 

"You question, you poke, you prod, but not to tear anything down, but to make our work stronger, grounded in honesty, integrity, and hope. You've entrusted me with meaningful responsibility and welcomed me into the heart of this community. Serving you and leading our public schools has been, thus far, a joyful, renewing chapter in my life, and I want to thank you for this opportunity." 

Chair William Cameron reported that the extended contract includes a 3 percent cost-of-living increase in the second year and more specific guidelines for dismissal or disciplinary action. 

Phillips was selected out of two other applicants for the position in May. Former Superintendent Joseph Curtis retired at the end of the school year after more than 30 years with the district. 

The committee also approved an employment contract with Assistant Superintendent for CTE and Student Support Tammy Gage that runs through June 30, 2031. Cameron reported that there is an adjustment to the contract's first-year salary to account for new "substantive" responsibilities, and the last three years of the contract's pay are open to negotiation. 

The middle school restructuring, which was given the green light later that night, and the proposal to rebuild and consolidate Crosby Elementary School and Conte Community School on West Street, have been immediate action items in Phillips' tenure. 

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