About
Board of Directors
Phillip Weichel, President
Phillip has over 30 years of leadership positions in organizations such as The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and the Arthritis Foundation and is now the Senior Director of Advancement at the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration.
Phillip holds his Master’s degree in Social Work from Boston University. His exuberance, experience, and commitment to making Camp Happy Place a success make him the ideal choice to guide our efforts.
He currently lives in Portland, Oregon with his husband Bob.
Ryan O’Connell, Treasurer
Ryan is a respected and enduring presence in Boston’s South Shore recovery community where he has dedicated his time and expertise to making a meaningful difference.
His determination to achieve his long-term recovery is the same quality that’s been put to good use in running his own business.
Jessi Caritey, Secretary
Jessi is a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor and has been in recovery for over 19 years. She has changed and impacted hundreds of lives in her native Pittsfield with her compassion, patience, and knowledge.
Her lived experience will add so much to Camp Happy Place and it’s an honor to have her on our team.
Caleb Harmon
Caleb has extensive experience working on behalf of youth and families first as an Adoption Caseworker for the Pennsylvania Department of Children, Youth and Families and most recently as a Family Engagement Worker at Morningside Elementary School in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. He will soon begin a new position as a Case Specialist in the juvenile court in the Massachusetts trial system.
Amanda Wass
Amanda, originally from New Jersey, moved to The Berkshires in 2012 to pursue her life in recovery. In 2014 her only child, Benjamin, was born. Benjamin tragically lost his father in May of 2022, so her heart is deeply connected to the mission of Camp Happy Place.
Amanda is currently a licensed registered nurse working towards a career in the field of mental health and is pursuing her future as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. Her passion is helping others that struggle with mental health and addiction. She believes that everyone deserves peace, love, & happiness.
Jake Harte
Jake’s personal journey has been profoundly influenced by the loss of his mother to suicide after a long battle with prescription drug and alcohol addiction. He is an impeccable role model to his two younger sisters and to the students he impacts as a high school math teacher in The Berkshires. This experience drives his commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of young people, both in the classroom and beyond.