staff
Joan Burkhard, Executive Director of Riverbrook
"From these incredible women we learn, the value of honesty, open emotion&deep caring. Their lifestyle is marked by sharing, consideration and collective concern for one another."
Residence, is an experienced clinician and administrator. She holds dual Masters Degrees - one in Special Education with an emphasis on Learning Disabilities and the second, a degree in Social Work from Adelphi University.
Joan served as the Administrator of Special Education for the Berkshire Hills Regional School District in Stockbridge. She worked in the area of early intervention with infants and toddlers, and is an experienced group worker. Joan has been the executive director at Riverbrook Residence for the past 30 years. This continuity enhances the stability of the program encouraging residents to learn and grow from a stable and emotionally solid base.
Joan was recently honored as part of the Stockbridge Women's Project as someone who has made a difference in her community and served as a local role model. In 2002 she was the recipient of the Milestone Award, presented by Community Access to the Arts. She is a recipient of the Women's Venture Fund of NYC's Highest Leaf Award.
Heather Murphy, Program Director
Heather holds a Masters Degree in Human Service Administration from Antioch New England. Heather brings her experience in the field of human services to the position of Program Director. Heather has been dedicated to Riverbrook Residence since 1992 providing services ranging from direct care, to Weekend Supervisor, to Day Program Coordinator. These skills allow Heather to lead the organization from first hand knowledge of the residents, the work and the agency.
Eunice Ross, Residential Manager
Eunice has devoted 15 years of her gentle and patient care to the women of Riverbrook. Her unflagging integrity has guided her leadership of the Evening Program. She is Riverbrook's representative on the Human Rights Committee, and as a Human Rights Officer she safeguards the women's rights through advocacy, educating the women about their rights, and staff training .
Our Fine Staff
The staff at Riverbrook is an impressive group of people. Many have made long term commitments to the care of the women who live here. For example, Kim Gennari is approaching her 13th anniversary and is much appreciated for her unfailing commitment to the Special Olympics, from swimming to golf to downhill skiing and weekly trips to the horse stables. Having a stable staffing environment enhances the sense of family Riverbrook residents enjoy. The long term devotion of our Riverbrook staff contributes to our strong sense community.
Riverbrook becomes family, not only for the residents, but also for the staff. Riverbrook is home to all of us.