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Cultivating Community at BHMA: A Note from Our Residential Director

I was presented with the opportunity to assume the role of Residential Director at BHMA in February 2024. My professional background prior to my tenure at BHMA involved engaging with a diverse range of individuals, which included children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders, individuals grappling with mental health issues, and those experiencing developmental delays. Additionally, I gained valuable insights into residential care during my tenure as a case worker. I hold a bachelor's degree in psychology from Framingham State University and I am currently pursuing a master's degree in Behavior Analysis.


Meg Callahan, Residential Director

Through both my academic and professional journeys, I have discovered my passion for this field and my commitment to BHMA. Upon my arrival, I was pleased to find that the residential staff shared my enthusiasm and dedication, which facilitated a seamless transition into my new position. In my capacity as Residential Director, I am responsible for planning activities for the residents and collaborating with various partners, including UMass Amherst Best Buddies, the Boltwood Project, Body Shop, and the Mount Holyoke College pool. My role involves supporting both staff and residents as we foster independence in essential life skills, social interactions, and problem-solving abilities. The residential team excels in helping residents develop their independence in areas such as laundry, cooking, and promoting social skills. The Residential team takes pride and focus in facilitating our residents with as many independent skills as possible through their natural interactions. Residential life at BHMA comes with a lot of learning but also a lot of fun. We don’t let a birthday go by without proper celebration.



Our larger activities are typically scheduled for weekends, and I strive to align these events with the interests and preferences of the residents. This year, our excursions have included visits to Six Flags, Salem, Sturbridge Village, Graffiti Park, local concerts, botanical gardens, the Bridge of Flowers, Lupa and Southwick Zoo, various local festivals, dances, state parks, and waterfalls, with even more exciting activities planned for the remainder of the year!

          

The residents of Berkshire Hills Music Academy have engaged in a variety of activities this fall, showcasing their passion for music and performance, including activities that extend to other interests such as animals and educational experiences. As the season transitioned into a pleasant autumn, our first destination was Lupa Zoo, situated just eight miles from the academy. This visit provided an opportunity to observe and learn about an array of fascinating animals, including zebras, giraffes, lemurs, and many others. The zoo features enclosures that allow for interactive experiences, such as feeding opportunities in the deer enclosure. Residents have the option to engage closely with the animals or maintain a respectful distance while observing species like bison and antelope. The residents thoroughly enjoy the chance to explore the outdoors while appreciating the beauty of these remarkable creatures.

  


Our recent excursion to Graffiti Park in Quincy, Massachusetts, has quickly become a favored day trip among the residential students. This location, also referred to as the Quincy Quarries Reservation, is historically significant as it marks the birthplace of a large-scale granite quarrying in the United States. The granite extracted from this site played a crucial role in the construction of the Bunker Hill Monument. Today, the quarry is no longer operational and has evolved into a favored destination for rock climbing and picnicking. The residents take great pleasure in strolling through the area, taking in the vibrant graffiti art that adorns various stone surfaces. During their last visit, they even had the opportunity to contribute their own artistic expressions to the collection. It is evident that our residents have a strong affinity for leisurely walks and breathtaking views.

 


The holiday season at BHMA represents a particularly bustling and vibrant time of the year, marked by a series of engaging events. The festivities commence with Halloween, during which we host our annual residential Halloween party alongside a trip to Salem. This year, the residential staff made exceptional efforts to transform our Great Room into a festive space, adorned with decorations that set the mood for the occasion. Residents were greeted by eerie streamers as they showcased their creative Halloween costumes to their peers. The atmosphere was filled with a variety of Halloween-themed activities, including face painting, dancing, and games like Twister, all accompanied by lively music. Following the party, the residents embarked on their much-anticipated excursion to Salem, where they had the chance to visit haunted houses and museums steeped in ghostly lore. The ambiance in Salem during this time is both spirited and haunting, with streets adorned in Halloween decorations and a diverse array of individuals embracing the spirit of the season. The residents eagerly anticipate this trip as soon as autumn arrives, making it a highlight of their fall experience.



The mild and pleasant weather in November allowed for additional fall activities. Recently, residents had the opportunity to visit Old Sturbridge Village, the largest outdoor history museum in the Northeast. This museum recreates a rural New England town from the early 19th century, featuring 40 historic structures such as homes, working farms, meetinghouses, a school, a country store, and water-powered mills, all situated along the Quinebaug River. Students and staff enjoyed a self-guided tour to explore the village. The students enjoyed being able to walk through the towns and see the interpretations that the staff of Old Sturbridge Village showed and taught the residents about.


Entering our winter season at BHMA the residents had the chance to go to the local farm called McCray’s Farm. McCray’s decorates the farm with 400,000 hand-strung bulbs that decorate and light up the farm transforming it into a beautiful light stroll. Our residents love being outside, walking and enjoying the ambiance that the lights create. The residents also went to Bright Nights where they have 750,000 light scenes that showcase festive scenes, iconic characters and gardens.


At BHMA, every participant brings their unique talents and energy to our residential community. Together, we are creating a space that celebrates individuality while promoting collaboration and mutual support. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished so far and am looking forward to what lies ahead.


Thank you to our amazing staff, families, and participants for being such an integral part of this journey.

 

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