About

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 Connecticut with his husband Bob.

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 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 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 then as a Family Engagement Worker at Morningside Elementary School in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. He is currently a Case Specialist in the juvenile court in the Massachusetts trial system. Caleb and his husband Brendan live in Pittsfield, Massachusetts.

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’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.

Nikki has spent the last 20 years as an Educator and Dean of Students in Pittsfield and Lee Public Schools in the Berkshires. She works with high-risk middle and high school students and families to help connect with community resources. Her role as an educator also provides being able to work one-on-one with students who struggle with addiction, loss, and mental health challenges. She is highly trusted and respected by her students and peers alike.

Holly lost her older brother after he lost his battle with addiction when she was 18. This tragedy is what drove her desire to work with youth. She has worked in various roles within the public school system in Berkshire County and is currently the Assistant Principal at Morris Elementary School in Lenox, Ma.

Holly prioritizes building strong relationships with students and their families. She believes in the power of relationships and in teaching to the “whole child,” meeting both student academic and social and emotional needs. Holly believes that all children can learn and be successful with a strong support network and guidance. She strives to build a positive school culture and environment that promotes equity and inclusion among all students, especially those struggling.

Holly grew up in Pittsfield, Massachusetts where she currently lives with her husband and their two middle school daughters.