Brien Center Promotes Adult Community Clinical Supports Division Director

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Brien Center for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services announced the promotion of Meri-Ellen Morgans, MSW, to Division Director of the Adult Community Clinical Supports (ACCS) Program. 
 
With more than 30 years of experience in clinical social work and mental health administration, Morgans brings leadership, expertise, and compassion to this role.
 
As Division Director, Morgans oversees an array of recovery-focused programs designed to support adults with significant mental health challenges across Berkshire County. She leads multidisciplinary teams, guides clinical best practices, and ensures compliance with state standards while fostering collaboration with partners, including the Department of Mental Health and Berkshire Medical Center.
 
"Meri-Ellen has long been a pillar of our clinical team," said Paul Hickling, Senior Vice President, Service Operations at the Brien Center. "Her promotion reflects her deep commitment to client-centered care, staff development, and the mission of our agency."
 
In addition to her full-time leadership responsibilities, Morgans serves as a Medical Social Worker (per diem) with HospiceCare of the Berkshires, where she provides end-of-life information and grief support, including leading holiday bereavement groups for families navigating loss.
 
Morgans is also a long-time Adjunct Field Instructor, having mentored social work interns from institutions such as SUNY Albany, Boston College, Simmons College, Smith College, Westfield State University, Boston University, and the University of New England.
 
Morgans previously held roles at the Brien Center, including Assistant Division Director, Program Director, Program Manager, and Program Supervisor. She also served as Interim Division Director of Community Services, where she oversaw multiple clinical programs and helped prepare the agency for key regulatory reviews.
 
She holds a Master of Social Work from Adelphi University and a Bachelor of Science from Pace University.
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Pittsfield Holiday Inn Temporarily Closes

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass.— The Holiday Inn & Suites is temporarily shut down, and 101 Restaurant & Bar has closed its doors until further notice. 

The hotel has been closed since Sept. 25, after its last working elevator of three broke down.  The Berkshire Eagle reported that guests were forced to evacuate because an elevator broke down. 

On Wednesday, 101 Restaurant & Bar posted on Facebook that they would close until further notice due to circumstances beyond their control and the closure of the Holiday Inn. 

"We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding. We thank you and our staff for your patience. We look forward to welcoming you back as soon as we are able," the owners wrote. 

The central downtown, 12-story hotel has nearly 180 guest rooms.  Massachusetts requires public multi-level buildings and facilities to have elevator access. 

The Holiday Inn recently demolished its crumbling parking garage and is replacing it with a smaller one.  The building at 1 West Street was constructed in 1972; it was formerly known as the Crowne Plaza. 

101 Restaurant opened five years ago within the hotel.  It is owned by John and Tucker McNinch, who formerly operated the Olde Heritage Tavern in Lenox. 

Signs on the hotel's entrance explain that the doors are temporarily locked.  Anyone with questions is encouraged to call (413) 499-2000. 

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