We Welcome BIC's New Board Members!
BIC is excited to welcome two new members to the BIC Board: Susan Puddester and Erin Seagrave, who bring valuable experience and passion to our mission!
Susan Puddester grew up in Vermont, graduated from the University of Vermont with a degree in Social Work. She worked as a Geriatric Social Worker, in Nursing homes, Adult Day Care and Home Health. She returned to New England in 2011, after spending 32 years in Maryland with her husband Fred, raising their two children. Immediately after arriving in Williamstown she became involved with Higher Ground, an organization established to assist 325 residents of the Spruces Mobile Home Park move through the process of re-establishing themselves after the disaster. In addition to Higher Ground, Susan has been involved in several local boards and Town committees, including Williamstown Community Chest, Louison House, the Fund for Williamtown, Williamstown Council on Aging, Williamtown Planning Board and as a member of the Williamstown Comprehensive Plan Committee.
Susan is currently working with two immigrant families from Afghanistan, who have immigrated to the area. The highlight of this relationship for her, has been to have been present at the birth of three babies. Susan is thrilled to be joining the BIC Board, as the care and treatment of immigrants is a priority for her and her husband.
Erin Seagrave is thrilled to join the Board of the Berkshire Immigrant Center to influence change for individuals and families in Western Massachusetts.
Originally from Northeast Arkansas, Erin spent her childhood meeting people from all over the world through the International Student Center on the Arkansas State University (ASU) campus, contributing to an appreciation and curiosity for other countries and cultures. She attended ASU after high school, too, earning her B.A. and M.A. in Sociology, an Ed.S. in Community College Administration, and an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership. More recently, she earned several certifications to teach English as a Foreign Language. Erin has worked for twenty years in higher education institutions with a focus on student success and creating a culture of inclusion and belonging within the academic community. In addition to joining the Berkshire Immigrant Center Board, she has also recently joined the Board of Berkshire HorseWorks. Erin currently lives in Pittsfield with her husband, Alan, and works at Berkshire Community College.