Construct Staff
Clara Bell Clara started at Construct under the Green Thumb Program, a senior employment program, 20 years ago. She has worked hard all her life and will turn 93 years old this August. A long-time resident of Great Barrington, Clara has been with us through many changes, including the move of our offices from 144 Main St. to 41 Mahaiwe Street. She brings wisdom and sparkle to our offices.
Cara Davis Cara started at Construct in 1989 with a vision for a transitional shelter program for persons who were homeless. Together, with the Board, staff and volunteers, this program has evolved into a combination of services and shelter for homeless families and individuals. Most recently, Construct’s has grown beyond shelter and services to include affordable housing development as a significant part of the answer to HUD’s mandate to end homelessness in 10 years. She is also a minister with the United Church of Christ and lives in Great Barrington with her wonderful dog Zela. Herb Eichstedt Patient and dedicated, Herb comes in at the crack of dawn every day to clean our offices and the shelters. Together with volunteers from the community he maintains the grounds spring, summer and fall. We call him the Energizer Bunny because he doesn't stop looking for dirt or something to paint from the moment he arrives in the morning to the time he leaves at noon each day. He has lived in the area for 72 years and worked for Construct for the last 12 years. June Hailer June started at Construct many years ago as a Vista volunteer in December 1992. After her stint was up, she stayed on as volunteer housing specialist and advocate for persons with disabilities. June has a Masters Degree in Special Education and has also been a pre-GED and GED teacher for 11 years at Construct, as well as at the shelters in Pittsfield. June has an enormous heart and is generous with the time she gives anyone needing assistance. She is a seriously professional teacher. Lisa Henriques Lisa maintains our data base, assists the Director with all other administrative details, leases up our permanent housing units and oversees the maintenance at all of our buildings. Lisa has a lovely sense of humor that livens our offices and a beautiful golden retriever named Austin who is allowed to visit us on Thursdays. She has two children, a daughter who just graduated from Mass Art in Boston and her son Willie who lives with her in Monterey. Michael Houlihan Michael believes in extending a helpful hand to those in need. Coming from an academic career, he has always placed great importance on the “affective domain.” He is generous and compassionate, and has been with Construct for 9 years where he deploys expertise garnered from his dealing with many areas of human services which has always been his calling. Nancy King Nancy began as a front desk volunteer at Construct five years ago. She is an advocate for some of our clients with special needs, as well as a food stamp advocate. She meets with families to begin the grueling application process for the food stamp program, advocating on their behalf until they clear all barriers and can indeed access help with food. Nancy and her husband, Richard, have also served two years as WALK Co-Chairs, raising more than $65,000 for direct assistance out to our neighbors in need. Vickie Lea Vickie wears two hats at Construct. One is as our GED, Pre-GED teacher, and one as volunteer. As volunteer, Vickie is often found foraging through the refrigerators to find whatever there is that is about to go by, and whips it into a surprise casserole, yummy bread pudding or fancy frittata. As teacher, she brings many years experience in teaching, with a specialty in loving kindness. Her students respond well to her gentle way of holding them accountable to their educational goals, and rarely miss a class. Alice Leason, Volunteer/ Front Desk Reception Alice joined Construct spring of 2006. She is the new "Keeper of the "Redbook" which is where we maintain a list of "affordable" rental properties in the area. She has also taken over the weekly grocery shopping for the shelter, we are blessed to have Alice helping out. Karen Lewis Karen was one of the first hired for our shelter when it opened in 1999. She has recently completed the human services program at Berkshire Community College, and holds a MA degree in psychology from Brandeis University and a BA in linguistics from Columbia University. She likes to write and has worked for local magazines when she is not managing the shelter at Construct. She patiently hears both resident and staff issues, and very capably facilitates resident meetings and manages clients cases. Ed Locke, Maintenance Man Ed joined us in November of 2007, and has taken on the daunting task of keeping Construct's buildings and grounds running smoothly. He is the former Superintendent of the Oak 'N Spruce par 9 golf course in South Lee. He and his lovely wife of 27 years, Fran live in Housatonic. Beverly Parette Beverly is a retired social worker living all the way out in Tolland. She comes to South County every Monday morning to help us at the front desk. When she is not hiking in the mountains or reading, Beverly loves to volunteer, not only at Construct but also at the Children’s Health Program and as the coordinator of the People’s Pantry. She is a fierce advocate for persons in need and has a most generous heart.
Alice Wohl Alice is a retired editor, with some background in social work. She joined us in the fall of 2005 to help with the front desk and she helps Lisa with correspondence. She is a great asset to Construct.
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