Brien Center Promotes Adult Community Clinical Supports Division Director

07:57AM / Friday, August 01, 2025Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Brien Center for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services announced the promotion of Meri-Ellen Morgans, MSW, to Division Director of the Adult Community Clinical Supports (ACCS) Program.

With more than 30 years of experience in clinical social work and mental health administration, Morgans brings leadership, expertise, and compassion to this role.

As Division Director, Morgans oversees an array of recovery-focused programs designed to support adults with significant mental health challenges across Berkshire County. She leads multidisciplinary teams, guides clinical best practices, and ensures compliance with state standards while fostering collaboration with partners, including the Department of Mental Health and Berkshire Medical Center.

"Meri-Ellen has long been a pillar of our clinical team," said Paul Hickling, Senior Vice President, Service Operations at the Brien Center. "Her promotion reflects her deep commitment to client-centered care, staff development, and the mission of our agency."

In addition to her full-time leadership responsibilities, Morgans serves as a Medical Social Worker (per diem) with HospiceCare of the Berkshires, where she provides end-of-life information and grief support, including leading holiday bereavement groups for families navigating loss.

Morgans is also a long-time Adjunct Field Instructor, having mentored social work interns from institutions such as SUNY Albany, Boston College, Simmons College, Smith College, Westfield State University, Boston University, and the University of New England.

Morgans previously held roles at the Brien Center, including Assistant Division Director, Program Director, Program Manager, and Program Supervisor. She also served as Interim Division Director of Community Services, where she oversaw multiple clinical programs and helped prepare the agency for key regulatory reviews.

She holds a Master of Social Work from Adelphi University and a Bachelor of Science from Pace University.

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Pittsfield Committee Recommends Scanlon for City Audit

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
04:30AM / Thursday, August 06, 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass.— After the bid for a new auditing company came back over 30 percent higher, Pittsfield will stick with Scanlon and Associates.

On Tuesday, the Auditing Services Evaluation Committee voted to advance Scanlon to the City Council for an independent audit. CliftonLarsonAllen also responded to the bid, but came in costing $120,000 more.

"I have to go with saving money for the city. I mean, the discrepancy is too much of a difference," committee member Karen Kalinowsky said.

"The city could have use for that difference over the next three years."

This process was prompted by Rule 40 of the council rules and the City Charter, where in any year the City Council votes to hold a procurement process for an independent certified public accountant or firm to audit Pittsfield's books and accounts, the city must, through its Finance Committee with the assistance of the purchasing department, solicit requests for proposals or invitations for bids before June 1.

The council in March recommended that the purchasing agent draft a request for proposals and put it out to bid.

Ward 1 Councilor Kenneth Warren, who has been vocally in favor of the independent audit for years, said the city doesn't have to follow a bidding process for the professional service, "We are doing this so the public knows that we're being professional, and a looking for other options, looking at what the best options are, and comparing them based on what they can offer and what the cost is."

Board member Kathy Amuso said both CLA and Scanlon have equitable reviews with high recommendations. Especially considering the budget crisis Pittsfield is in, she moved to recommend Scanlon to the full council.

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