BHS Appoints Two Community Leaders to Board of Trustees

04:00PM / Wednesday, May 07, 2025Print Story | Email Story

Ashley Benson and Matthew Lauro

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Health Systems (BHS) announced the election of Ashley Benson, MSW, LICSW, and Matthew Lauro of Mountain One Bank to the BHS Board of Trustees.

"We are excited to welcome Ashley and Matthew to the BHS Board of Trustees," said President and CEO Darlene Rodowicz. "They are recognized leaders in our community, and BHS will be lucky to benefit from their perspectives as we continue working to advance health and wellness for everyone in the region."

Ashley P. Benson, MSW, LICSW:

Ashley Benson is the founder and owner of Optimal Healing, LLC, and is a Psychotherapist, consultant and clinical supervisor. A Berkshire Mountain native and dedicated mental health professional with over two decades of experience in social work and clinical practice, she founded her practice in 2019 to provide holistic health resources to the community and formally established Optimal Healing in 2022. She specializes in trauma-focused care and the treatment of children, adolescents and families.

She earned her undergraduate degree from Berkshire Community College and the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, followed by a Master’s in Social Work from Smith College. Committed to continuous learning and leadership in the field, she holds two post-graduate certifications: Advanced Clinical Social Work Supervision from Smith College School for Social Work and Advanced Practice with Children & Adolescents from Springfield College.

Matthew Lauro:

Lauro is Senior Vice President and Western Massachusetts Commercial Team Leader for MountainOne Bank. He is responsible for managing existing portfolio risk, loan growth and a team of Commercial Bankers.

Matthew is active in the community as a Board Member for Berkshire Education and Correction in Pittsfield, former National Council Member of the Avon Old Farms School for Boys in Avon, Conn. and former trustee of the Pittsfield Affordable Housing Trust.

He received his Bachelor of Science in Business Management from the Lally School of Business Management at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY.

Departing the BHS Board of Trustees are Timothy Burke, Barton Raser and John Loiodice, MD, who provided exceptional leadership and service to Berkshire Health Systems for many years.

"On behalf of BHS, I offer my deepest appreciation to Tim, Bart and John for their commitment to furthering our mission and their invaluable contributions in support of our community," said Rodowicz.

Tags: BHS, BMC,

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Allendale Pines North Affordable Manufactured Homes Sell Fast

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
05:17PM / Saturday, August 22, 2026

Developer Teton Management cut the ribbon on the first six hopes in the manufactured housing community earlier this year.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Just a few months after Allendale Pines North cut the ribbon on its first six homes in the new manufactured home community, units in the planned development are selling fast with both first and second phases all but sold out.

For several years, Teton Management Corp. has been planning to expand its existing Allendale Pines Mobile Community with the development of 22 planned manufactured housing units. The new development has its own entrance at 395 Cheshire Road.

The need for attainable housing has never been higher, Teton President George Whaling said.

"And where we sought the opportunity to help with that demand is, we can get folks into a home at Allendale Pines North for essentially a couple of $100 less than what it would cost for someone to rent a three-bedroom of the same quality," he said.

The corporation took over Allendale Pines, now referred to as Allendale Pines South, about 6 1/2 years ago, Whaling said.

Since then, the corporation has invested $1,000,001 in infrastructure improvements, including replacing all water and sewer lines, paving the community and installing the infrastructure needed for 10 additional units, he said.

Additionally, it has been working to clean up and improve the community, which was lacking during previous ownership, said Jason Nocher, owner of Nocher Realty, which has been hired to help sell the units.

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