MOLARI Employment & HealthCare Services Welcomes Staffing Coordinator

08:09AM / Thursday, October 29, 2026Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Guin Griswold, Director of Employment Services of MOLARI Employment and HealthCare Services, announced that Ava Barenski has joined MOLARI as a Staffing Coordinator in its Employment Services division.

In this role, Barenski works with job seekers and local businesses to make connections between candidates' skills, strengths, and career goals and employers' needs.

A Berkshire County native, Barenski earned a B.S. in Psychology from Framingham State University. She brings her interest in understanding people and building relationships to her work with candidates.

"MOLARI's ‘Putting People First' commitment is something I keep in mind during every interview and interaction with the individuals who come through our doors. My background in psychology has reinforced how important it is for people to feel heard, respected, and understood, regardless of their past experiences or current circumstances," said Barenski.

"Ava's kindness, professionalism, and interest in human resources stood out to me. She brings a thoughtful, relationship focused approach to staffing, taking the time to understand candidates and make connections that can benefit both job seekers and local employers," Griswold said. "Her background in psychology adds a valuable perspective to our team and supports MOLARI's commitment to putting people first."

Barenski looks forward to continuing to learn about Berkshire County's industries, resources, and the people and businesses that contribute to the local economy.

"Ava is a quick learner with a natural ability to connect with candidates, understand their strengths, and match them with the right opportunities," Nicole Lewis, Senior Staffing Manager, said. "Her personable approach and relationship building skills make her a great addition to MOLARI's Employment Services team."

Since 1983, MOLARI Employment & HealthCare Services has been a trusted local partner, providing staffing solutions and home care services that support individuals, families and businesses throughout Berkshire County.

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Pittsfield Holiday Inn Closure Continues; Layoffs Reported

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
05:24AM / Thursday, October 29, 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — More than a month after the Holiday Inn & Suites abruptly closed its doors, reports have emerged of employee layoffs.

The hotel has been closed since Sept. 25, when the last of its three elevators broke down. The 101 Restaurant & Bar, located inside the hotel, has also been a casualty of the closure, temporarily shutting its doors while repairs are underway.

Now, The Berkshire Eagle reports that 20 hotel employees across all departments have been laid off and it remains unknown when the hotel will reopen amidst ongoing issues with the building. The Holiday Inn & Suites declined to comment to iBerkshires' inquiries.

According to The Eagle, hotel facilities manager Pete Leidt said approximately five employees remain on staff and expressed hope that those who were laid off could return when the hotel reopens.

When the elevator stopped working, emergency medical technicians and firefighters assisted more than half a dozen people with mobility disabilities down the stairs, Building Commissioner Rian Dowd previously told iBerkshires.

"So with the no working elevators, we shut the building down," she said.

The central downtown, 12-story hotel has nearly 180 guest rooms. Massachusetts requires public multi-level buildings and facilities to have elevator access.

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