Our Staff
Dr. Thomas Taaffe
Executive Director
Pronouns: he/him
Tom brings a personal understanding and commitment to the ways arts and culture are vital to community well being, and over 30 years experience working with the complexities of fundraising, program development and nonprofit management. Before joining us at The Brick House Tom worked with Partners in Health, ARISE for Social Justice, The Pioneer Valley Asthma Coalition and as a public health consultant to the City of Northampton. In addition to his public health work, Tom has a PhD in anthropology from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst and a professional background in theater, music and graphic arts. Prior to moving to Western Massachusetts, he co-founded and led several organizations, including an arts council and a musician’s coalition.
Contact: (413) 800-2039
ttaaffe@brickhousecommunity.org
Hannah Bertrand
Youth Programs Director
Pronouns: she/they
Hannah started her Brick House journey as the Youth Programs Coordinator and has transitioned to the role of Youth Programs Director in January. They have experience in multiple mental health and community-building roles, including facilitating prevention and early intervention groups. Hannah is passionate about youth work, especially regarding the importance of free third spaces and Positive Youth Development. She is committed to utilizing her skills and training to uplift and empower youth to make the best decisions for themselves. When not working in youth development, you can find Hannah walking with their partner in the woods or at home snuggled up with their cats.
Contact: (413) 432-9522 hbertrand@brickhousecommunity.org
Stacey Langknecht
Parent & Family Services Director
Pronouns: she/her
Stacey has done work with individuals and families for the past several years, and has facilitated groups as well. She feels strongly that community is an important part of healing and for maintaining good health overall – physical, emotional and mental. Stacey lives in our community with her 2 cats, and feels lucky to have the opportunity to contribute to the overall well-being of our families. In addition to her work at The Brick House, she is the Family Engagement Coordinator for the Gill-Montague Regional School District, and co-chairs the Parent Education Workgroup under the Communities that Cares Coalition.
Contact: (413) 800-2496 slangknecht@brickhousecommunity.org
Crystal Garrity
Project Amp Coordinator
Pronouns: she/her
Crystal comes to the Brick House with experience in a variety of youth-focused settings, including afterschool programming, residential care, art camps, and schools. Crystal is fiercely dedicated to youth activism and helping young people come into their power. She believes that all youth deserve the freedom to explore their interests and identities with safe adults who care about them. When she is not living out her dream career at the Brick House, she enjoys reading fiction novels, watching bad tv, thrifting for funky decor, and letting her friends cook her delicious meals.
Rowan Lupinwood
Youth Programs Specialist
Pronouns: they/them
Rowan graduated from GCC in June with a degree in Human Services. They joined us at the Brick House as an AmeriCorps service member, then joined our staff in July 2024. Rowan has volunteered with Community Action for over four years and hopes to work in case management among LGBTQ+ youth populations. In their free time they enjoy reading, playing video games, hiking, and spending time with their cat, Ollie.
Contact: rlupinwood@brickhousecommunity.org
Kaia Jackson
Community Arts & Engagement Coordinator
Pronouns: they/them
Kaia is a healing-centered creator, space holder and story weaver. Prior to joining the BH, Kaia served as a youth counselor, healing arts facilitator and community educator. Kaia draws upon direct work with children, young adults and families navigating lived experiences of trauma, disability, and marginalization. They are committed to holding space for healing of historically silenced experiences in intergenerational community spaces. Kaia loves facilitating workshops on disability justice, community care, and restorative practices. They happen to have an extensive puppet collection that is just waiting for the right moment to emerge, and never fails to have something to say.
Contact: kjackson@brickhousecommunity.org
Marguerite Serkin
Business Manager
Pronouns: she/her
Margie brings two decades of experience in financial administration to her role as Business Manager at the Brick House. Margie has worked with non-profits in Western Massachusetts and Vermont, including the Academy of Music Theatre, Stone Soup Café, the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts, and the Amherst Survival Center. A long-time advocate for individual rights and inclusion, Margie finds work in community engagement and social justice to be a positive and affirming application of her skills. She has two grown children and makes her home in Southern Vermont, living in the family home on the land where she was raised.
Contact:
mserkin@brickhousecommunity.org
Jose Olvera-A.guilera
Parent & Families Programs Coordinator
Pronouns: he/him
Prior to joining the Brickhouse Jose worked in the housing industry having helped multiple families transition to better living conditions all across massachusetts. Jose’s passion is helping run a wrestling program for youth in which he tries to instill discipline, humility and mental strength through fun games, positive reinforcement and providing a safe space for individual growth. Jose immigrated from Mexico at a young age and has lived the majority of his life in Franklin County. He is committed and eager to give back to the community that has given him so much.
Our Board
