Brien Center Hires Ethics and Compliance Officer

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Brien Center for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services announced the appointment of Dr. Bella Mironovna Guner as Ethics and Compliance Officer, a key leadership position supporting the agency's mission to deliver high-quality, community-based behavioral health and addiction services throughout Berkshire County.
 
Guner brings to the role over 20 years of experience spanning child welfare, developmental psychology, and higher education. Her career began in the nonprofit sector, where she dedicated 15 years to improving outcomes for children and families, rising through the ranks from direct care staff to clinician and ultimately to Director of Quality Improvement.
 
She holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Brandeis University, a Master's degree in Developmental Psychology from Johns Hopkins University, and a Doctorate in Developmental Psychology from the University of Maryland, College Park. Her unique blend of academic training and real-world application enables her to bring a systems-oriented perspective to the complex work of ethics and compliance in behavioral health.
 
Prior to joining the Brien Center, Dr. Guner served as Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Associate Professor of Psychology at Maria College, where she led curriculum development and institutional planning. She also served as adjunct faculty in the graduate psychology program at The College of Saint Rose.
 
In her new position, Dr. Guner is responsible for guiding the agency's efforts in regulatory compliance, ethical standards, and internal accountability. Her work supports the Brien Center's commitment to delivering equitable, person-centered, and trauma-informed care across all service lines.
 
"Dr. Guner's extensive experience and thoughtful, systemic approach make her a tremendous asset to the Brien Center and the broader Berkshire community," said Diana Knaebe, President and CEO at the Brien Center. "We are honored to welcome her to our leadership team."
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Hinsdale OKs Police Department Audit After Fatal Shooting

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

HINSDALE, Mass. — The town has approved $25,000 for an administrative review of the police department, more than two months after police fatally shot 27-year-old Biagio Kauvil during a mental health crisis. 

Town Administrator Robert Graves said the shooting on Jan. 7 is not the only focus of the audit, and it will be several months before the Select Board receives a final report. 

During a special town meeting on March 11, an article appropriating $25,000 from free cash for an independent consultant to conduct a professional evaluation and audit of the Town's Police Department was approved. The audit includes a review of the department's policies, protocols, operations, and procedures, and concludes with a written report. 

"The Berkshire County District Attorney's Office and Massachusetts State Police are investigating the shooting, and we await their conclusions.  As we look to move forward, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, our insurance company (MIIA/Cabot Risk), and our legal counsel have recommended that the town hire an independent law enforcement consultant or firm to conduct a comprehensive administrative review of our police operation," Graves wrote in an email to iBerkshires on Friday. 

"This event is not their focus; they will assess the overall operation. We want a written assessment of our police operation's strengths and weaknesses to help Hinsdale make future changes and improvements." 

He said after completing the procurement process and signing a contract with a reputable consultant or business, it will most likely be several months before the Select Board receives the final report. 

"Still, it will help the town and police department move forward," Graves wrote. 

Last weekend, family and friends of Kauvil stood in Park Square asking for justice. A flier for the standout reads "Biagio was killed by police while experiencing a mental health crisis. Now, over seven weeks later, authorities have not yet provided any updates.

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