Elder Services Hires New Community Services Director

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Elder Services of Berkshire County, Inc. (Elder Services) announced the recent hiring of Kayla Brown-Wood as the Agency's Community Services Director.
 
In her new role, Kayla will be responsible for Elder Services' federal programs. These include the Home and Community Based Programs (Information and Referral, Volunteers, Options Counseling and Family Caregivers) as well as the Long Term Care Ombudsman Program, Planning and Development and the Nutrition and Food Service departments. 
 
She will also oversee the Agency's outreach activities and marketing efforts.    
 
Kayla, who resides in Adams, worked at BFAIR for the past eight years, most recently as the Director of Day Services with responsibility for the community based day habilitation and employment programs funded by the Department of Developmental Services, Mass Rehab Commission and MassHealth.
 
She earned a Bachelor's Degree from Fitchburg State University and is currently pursuing an MBA in healthcare administration from Franklin Pierce University.
 
Elder Services Executive Director Christopher McLaughlin commented, "We are very pleased that Kayla has joined our team. We believe her leadership qualities, experience and passion for community-based services will serve her well in her new role and look forward to her making significant contributions at our Agency."
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Beverly Gans Marks 60 Years & Counting in the Pittsfield Schools

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Pittsfield Public Schools recognized Beverly Gans for her 60 years of service with the district with a lunch and crystal plaque on Friday. Gans will mark 40 years as secretary to principal at Taconic High School in June.
 
"It's been a wonderful experience, and I wouldn't trade it … I've seen generations go through,"  she said. "I've seen kids go through, I've seen their kids go through, I've seen their grandkids go through … it's just been a wonderful life for me to have this,"
 
Her former students will come back to the school surprised to see the secretary they connected with years prior. 
 
The students, staff, and administration are what make this school great, she said. 
 
"I bleed green and gold," Grans said. Last year on her 77th birthday, the faculty bought her green and gold Nike sneakers that she wears every Friday. 
 
She has become a pillar of the district over the last six decades, so much so that even district leaders look up to her. 
 
"Most people come to me for anything and everything, even in the district. I mean, there's so many new people. I mean, most of the secretaries today, I don't even know them," Gans said. 
 
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