PITTSFIELD, MA — Berkshire Community College (BCC) announces the addition of six new
faculty and staff members and 10 promotions.
New faculty/staff
Moira Buhr joins BCC as the Coordinator of Financial Aid. Born in Germany, she lived in Tokyo,
Japan for several years with her family. She came to the United States when she was
13 and now lives in Hillsdale, New York with family and animals. Buhr earned her master's
degree in teaching from the State University at Albany, NY and worked at Simon's Rock
College in Great Barrington for 20 years, starting in the admissions office and then
moving on to the registrar's office. For the last eight years, she worked in the financial
aid office, overseeing all financial aid operations. Buhr arrives with a wealth of
experience in the higher education sector. In her free time, she enjoys swimming,
playing golf, reading and learning new things.
Michael Cotrone joins BCC as an Assistant Professor of Biology. A native of Long Island, New York,
he holds a B.S. in Adolescent Education and an M.S. in Biology from Long Island University.
Outside the classroom, Cotrone enjoys growing vegetables, walking in the woods, and
exploring the Hudson Valley and Berkshires with his partner Andrea and their dog Kona.
Betsy Gamrat joins BCC as an Assistant Professor of Computer Science. She was a Professor and
Program Coordinator for Computer Science at Nashua Community College for six years.
Previously, she worked for over 20 years as a web developer specializing in full-stack
development and content management, as well as teaching at Nashua Community College
in Nashua, New Hampshire as an adjunct when possible. Her hobbies include reading,
riding and fixing bicycles.
Meghan MacBain joins BCC as the Director of Compliance and Advocacy. She grew up in the Berkshires
and began her academic journey with classes at BCC. She has over 25 years of experience
leading human rights, gender equity and behavioral change programs across West and
East Africa and South and Southeast Asia, working with organizations like Winrock
International, BBC Media Action, Anti-Slavery International, Oxfam and Search for
Common Ground. Her work has focused on creating safe, inclusive systems and advocating
for the rights of marginalized populations. MacBain holds a master's degree in ethnology
and conflict resolution, with a focus on culture and conflict. In her free time, she
enjoys yoga, reading, long walks with her dogs in the mountains and going to the movies
with her family.
Sadia Mansoor joins BCC as an Assistant Professor of Business. She earned her Ph.D. in Economics
from Clark University, Massachusetts, in August 2025. Her academic training and research
are rooted in applied microeconomics and econometrics, with a focus on comparative
economic systems, urban development, and welfare economics. Mansoor is passionate
about making economics accessible and engaging, and she strives to create a learning
environment that fosters critical thinking through real-world applications. Her research
draws on historical and contemporary data and maps, with a particular focus on the
effectiveness of public policies. Beyond academia, Mansoor is deeply committed to
civic engagement and community organizing, particularly regarding the impact of economic
policies on marginalized communities. She has experience working with nonprofits advocating
for social and economic justice. In her personal time, she enjoys watching documentaries
on biology and physics and actively participates in initiatives that promote equity
and social justice.
Alexia Trainor joins BCC as Assistant Professor of Culinary Arts. Trainor has spent many years bringing
together a love of cooking and a love of teaching. For 13 years at Berkshire Arts
and Technology Public Charter School (BART), she not only taught acting, improvisation,
and play production, but she also built a thriving theatre program, inspiring students
both on stage and in the classroom. Before that, she spent eight years as Sous Chef
at the Lenox Club, honing professional culinary skills. Now, as Assistant Professor
of Culinary Arts, she is excited to help students sharpen their skills, explore their
creativity and discover the joy of the kitchen.
Promotions
Linden Crane is now Associate Professor of Biology. They had been an Assistant Professor of Biology
for the Science and Business Division and joined BCC in January 2022.
Katherine Elliot is now Assistant Professor of Nursing. She had been Adjunct Faculty for the Nursing,
Health and Wellness Division since she joined BCC in May 2022.
Kate Fletcher is now Associate Professor of Nursing. She had been Assistant Professor of Nursing
for the Nursing, Health and Wellness Division and joined BCC in January 2023.
Tina Hale is now Associate Professor of Nursing. She had been Assistant Professor of Nursing
for the Nursing, Health and Wellness Division and joined BCC in September 2022.
Crystal Kruszyna is now Associate Professor of Nursing. She had been Assistant Professor of Nursing
for the Nursing, Health and Wellness Division and joined BCC in November 2020.
Rae Langsdale is now the Administrative Assistant I for Osher Lifelong Learning (OLLI). She had
been the Clerk III for OLLI. She joined BCC in September 2019
Amanda Lardizabal is now an Associate Professor of Biology. She had been an Assistant Professor of
Biology for the Science and Business Division and joined BCC in September 2021.
Liesl Schwabe is now Assistant Professor of English. She had been the Coordinator of Writing Across
the Curriculum since she joined BCC in August 2022.
Kathryn Sondrini is now Assistant Professor of Nursing. She had been Adjunct Faculty for the Nursing,
Health and Wellness division since she joined BCC in December 2024.
Erica Telle is now Assistant Professor of Biology. She had been Adjunct Faculty for the Science
and Business Division in Biology since she joined BCC in May 2024.
Kimberly VanDeusen is now Associate Professor of Nursing. She had been Assistant Professor of Nursing
for the Nursing, Health and Wellness Division and joined BCC in December 2020.
