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.

Autumn is a licensed clinical social worker and certified addictions specialist who cares for those affected by mental health and substance use disorders. She is currently employed at Berkshire Medical Centers on the inpatient Substance Use Disorder team. She is a passionate and vocal voice for vulnerable populations and works to ensure equal access to compassionate, obtainable care. Each day she strives to carry the hope for those who struggle to hold it themselves.

Autumn is a native of Pittsfield, Massachusetts and has two grown children, two granddaughters and a grandson on the way.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Soleil, a lifelong resident of Pittsfield, Massachusetts, has worked with children in many different settings over the years as a nanny, camp counselor, nursery worker, and through her church’s youth programs. She started going to summer camp in the Berkshires at nine years old and later became a counselor there. Whether she was helping in the kitchen, watching little ones, or leading activities, she has always loved being part of something that helps kids learn, grow, and have fun. Now, her son Blaise is carrying on that passion as one of Camp Happy Place’s very first campers!

Soleil navigates being a single mother to three boys with patience and grace and we are so lucky that she will be part of the Camp Happy Place Family.