Intern Spotlight: Ella Gaffey

Katrina Cardillo • April 21, 2026

Intern Spotlight: Ella Gaffey

What made you interested in this internship with BFAIR?

I thought it would be beneficial to gain some real-world experience working in a professional setting and being able to put the skills I have learned over the past three years in my shop to use was an added bonus! Also, being able to contribute just a little bit to BFAIR's mission truly means a lot to me.

What is something new you’ve learned or a skill you’ve developed during your internship?

Overall, during my time at BFAIR, I have learned the importance of effective communication, not only between employees and customers, but also from employee to employee. Along with that, I have observed different managing styles that I will use when I hopefully take on a managing position in the future.

What has been your favorite part of the internship so far?

So far, my favorite part of this internship has been meeting and becoming close with my co-workers. Some of my favorite parts of my day involve seeing and talking to my co-workers when I see them!

What advice would you give to other students who are thinking about applying for an internship at BFAIR?

The best piece of advice I can give to someone who is thinking about applying for any internship is to go into every day with a positive attitude and a smile on your face! This is the perfect way to start your day and truly can change the days that the people around you are having!

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Sponsor logos for the Western MA Caring Force Rally

The Caring Force Returns to Westfield for Third Annual Rally Advocating for Fair Wages and Human Services Funding

By Katrina Cardillo • August 19, 2026

300+ workers, individuals served, and advocates to gather at Westfield State University, joined by Western MA legislators

BFAIR Names Theresa Denette, MBA, as Chief Operating Officer

By Katrina Cardillo • August 18, 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contacts: Katrina Cardillo Senior Director of Marketing & PR BFAIR 771 South Church Street North Adams, MA 01247 413.664.9382 kcardillo@bfair.org www.bfair.org BFAIR Names Theresa Denette, MBA, as Chief Operating Officer Tues. Aug. 18, 2026 (North Adams, MA) — BFAIR announced today that Theresa Denette, MBA, has been named the organization's permanent Chief Operating Officer (COO), following her tenure in the role on an interim basis since earlier this year. The appointment reflects Denette's proven leadership and the confidence BFAIR's board and executive team have in her ability to guide the organization's operations going forward. Denette has spent nearly 25 years with BFAIR, steadily advancing from Assistant Program Director to a series of senior leadership roles spanning Day Services, Quality Assurance, Clinical Services, and agency-wide Operations. Throughout her career, she has been a driving force behind program growth, operational quality, and organizational innovation. "Theresa has proven, time and again, that she is the right person for this role," said Randall Kinnas, Chief Executive Officer. "Her deep institutional knowledge, steady leadership, and genuine dedication to the individuals and families we serve have already made a real impact across our organization. I'm confident that with Theresa in this position permanently, BFAIR is exceptionally well-positioned for continued growth and excellence in the years ahead." Denette holds a Bachelor of Arts in Social Science from Westfield State College, an MBA from Southern New Hampshire University, and a Graduate Certificate in Human Resources from Fitchburg State University. She serves as President of the Board of Directors for the Northern Berkshire Community Coalition and is a member of the McCann Business Technology Advisory Board. She lives in Clarksburg with her husband and children. ###