PITTSFIELD, MA — Berkshire Community College (BCC) announces the addition of seven faculty and staff members, four promotions, and four title changes.
New Faculty and Staff
Jacob Barnett joins BCC as Assistant Professor of Biology. He comes to BCC from UMass Amherst, where he completed a PhD in organismic and evolutionary biology in December 2023 after studying wild tomato plants for his dissertation. Previously, he worked as a middle and high school biology teacher in the Boston suburbs for six years. Barnett also holds a master of education degree in science education from Lesley University and a bachelor of science degree in biological sciences from Cornell University. His hobbies include running, hiking and growing tomatoes in his garden.
Destinee Branch joins BCC as Accountant I. She oversees the accounts payable process, ensuring the timely payment of the College's bills. Originally from the western United States, Destinee previously worked as the office manager at Karl Malone Ford and Chevrolet before relocating to the Berkshires to live with family in Williamstown. She will soon be relocating to Adams with her boyfriend into their first house together. Once settled, they plan to adopt a dog. In Destinee's spare time, she enjoys reading, particularly romance and thriller/mystery books, as well as traveling and exploring new places. Her dream travel destinations are Italy and Greece.
Meghan Donnelly joins BCC as Essential Needs Coordinator – Community/Outreach Counselor. She earned a master's degree in school counseling from Westfield State University and a bachelor of arts degree in Spanish and English from Elms College. Prior to joining BCC, she worked as a school counselor with the Pittsfield Public Schools. Previously, she was a Spanish teacher, a volunteer with AmeriCorps and a college affordability advisor for high school seniors. Donnelly volunteered with the Notre Dame Mission Volunteers International, where she worked as a Family Gardens Project Manager. In her spare time, she enjoys biking, kayaking and reading.
Jack Golden joins BCC as Assistant Professor of Theatre. He holds a master of fine arts in theatre (scenic design) from the University of Maryland, College Park. Previously, he was an adjunct professor at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia and at Ramapo College of New Jersey in Mawah. Golden's work has been seen off and off-off Broadway as well as on tour and at regional theatre companies. Most recently, Golden is designing the set for “Spells of the Sea,” a musical, which will open at the Family Theatre at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC this fall. Along with his own work, he regularly assists nationally and internationally known designers at some of the most acclaimed regional theatre companies in the country, including Arena Stage, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, The Huntington, Alliance Theatre, Hartford Stage, Baltimore Center Stage, Studio Theatre and many others. In his spare time, he enjoys hiking through the fall foliage in Vermont with his fiancé Jamaica and their faithful pup companion, Mia.
Tsz Fun Hung joins BCC as Assistant Professor of Mathematics. Prior to joining BCC full-time, he served as an adjunct instructor at the University at Buffalo and as a visiting assistant professor at Fort Lewis College. Hung earned his PhD in mathematics from University at Buffalo, as well as a master's degree in philosophy and bachelor of science degree in mathematics from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology.
Kathryn Lally joins BCC as Assistant Professor of Human Services. She holds a master of social work degree and a master of public health degree from the George Warren Brown School of Social Work at Washington University, and a bachelor's degree in psychology from Clark University. Previously, Lally was Clinical Assistant Professor in St. Ambrose University's social work program. She was also a teaching assistant in the psychology program at Washington University. Her non-teaching experience includes work with the Moline Police Department through the Center for Youth and Family Solutions and several roles at the Yale Child Study Center.
Denise Reid joins BCC as Director of Grants Development and Administration. She comes to BCC from Framingham State University, where she managed over $23 million in grants, ensuring accurate budget analysis, monitoring and reporting. Reid has extensive experience in the education sector and a strong track record in securing competitive grants. Currently, she is pursuing an MBA in accounting. Reid lives in Hudson, Massachusetts with her husband, two children and their incredibly spoiled cat Seamus. She enjoys sustainable gardening, landscaping with native plants, the Berkshires, and traveling to Iceland and the UK. She is a proud first-generation college graduate and currently serves as a board member for the Hudson Land Trust.
Promotions
Jillian Albano is now Associate Professor – Nursing. She was previously Assistant Professor – Nursing. She has been with BCC since November 2020.
Jennifer Charbonneau is now Associate Professor – Nursing. She was previously Assistant Professor – Nursing. She has been with BCC since August 2020.
Erin Seagrave is now Executive Director of Academic Operations, Planning and Assessment. She was previously Director of Academic Operations. She has been with BCC since July 2022.
Gabriela Sheehan is now Director of TRIO. Previously, she was Paraprofessional Cohort Mentor, a position she held since December 2022.
Ann Stevens is now Assistant Director of Human Resources. Previously, she was HR Operations and Benefits Manager. She has been with BCC since 2020.
Title Changes
Sarah Burdick now an Academic/Career Counselor. She was previously Special Programs Coordinator - Academic SUCCESS/Career Coach. She has been with BCC since October 2022.
Cheryl Mirer is now Academic Counselor. She was previously Special Programs Coordinator – Academic SUCCESS Coach. She has been with BCC since February 2022.
Eric Nystrom is now Academic Counselor. He was previously Special Program Coordinator – Academic SUCCESS Coach. He has been with BCC since September 2021.
Addie VanDeurzen is now CTE Linkage and Concurrent Enrollment Coordinator. She was previously Special Programs Coordinator – CTE Linkage Coordinator. She has been with BCC since October 2013.