HOUSATONIC, Mass. — Berkshire Pulse, South County's dance and creative arts education center located in the heart of Housatonic, announced the addition of three new staff and board members.

 

Joan Coombs - Board President - Joan (she/her) has over 40 years of nonprofit leadership experience in executive positions at metropolitan nonprofits, development positions at local and national levels, and volunteer chairs of national and community level boards, committees, and initiatives. Joan capped a 27-year career at Planned Parenthood affiliates in NYC, Boston, and Philadelphia, where she served as President/CEO, by serving as senior vice president at Planned Parenthood Federation of America. Prior to Planned Parenthood, Joan served as a professional in higher education administration at Syracuse, Boston, and Brandeis Universities.

 

Joan joined the Berkshire Pulse Board of Directors on July 1 as President, stepping into the position previously held by Gail Gelmuth for the past 2.5 years. In her new role, Joan will build upon her experience as a long-time Pulse student, supporter, and governance consultant to lead the organization during an exciting time of growth and expansion.

 

Allegra Chin - Senior Development Manager - Allegra Chin (they/them) joined Pulse on July 8 in the role of Senior Development Manager. Working alongside Pulse's Executive Director, Founder/Artistic Director, and Board of Directors, they will be responsible for supporting Pulse's capital campaign for its future home at 410 Park Street (Housatonic), expanding giving and donor engagement, and sustaining grant funding for Pulse's school and community programs.

 

Allegra was born and raised in the Berkshires and has spent the past 6 years working with cultural organizations that they loved as a child. After earning their engineering degree at the University of Hartford, they decided to take some time to explore a few alternate life paths. This brought them to their first development job with the Berkshire Museum and they've since spent time at Hancock Shaker Village and Barrington Stage Company. As a musician themself, they are invested in supporting the thriving arts community here in Berkshire County.

 

Jaimee Christiant - Community and School Programs Manager- Pulse is thrilled to welcome Jaimee (she/her) back to the team. For over 25 years, Jaimee—a proud Litchfield County native—has worn many hats at Pulse: from dancer, front desk team member, and translator, to now our dedicated Community & School Programs Manager, she has been deeply involved in the rhythm of Berkshire Pulse since its early beginnings. In her position, Jaimee will oversee Pulse's numerous In-School, Afterschool, and Community Outreach programs, bringing Pulse's high-quality dance and creative arts education programs to schools and community groups throughout the Berkshires. Pulse's school and community programs reach over 600 youth and adults each year, with programs such as Dance for the Special Child, Moving Life Stories, African-rooted Dance, as well as a residency program with the Pittsfield Boys & Girls Club. 

 

She holds a Master's degree in Hispanic Languages and Literature and has spent her adult life engaged in grassroots organizing and arts advocacy within the local Hispanic community. Passionate about cultural connection and community empowerment, she is thrilled to bring her experiences back to Pulse and looks forward to engaging with the rich and diverse Berkshire County population. In her spare time at home, Jaimee takes on more gardening projects than she could ever possibly finish.