October 9, 2024
Thank you, City of Pittsfield, for providing critical funding during Covid! Read about our partnership here:
https://www.cityofpittsfield.org/government/pediatric_development_center.php
June 14, 2024
Pediatric Development Center Announces Executive Director Transition
Berkshire— Maureen O’Connell Atwood, Executive Director of the Pediatric Development Center (PDC) for the past 40 years, and an original founding member of the organization, will be retiring this month, leaving the organization in a strong position for continued growth.
As a Pediatric Occupational Therapist, O’Connell Atwood oversaw many changes throughout her tenure, as children’s needs and community circumstances changed. In the early eighties, the medical advances in saving premature babies meant that early intervention therapists were needed to do follow up after lengthy hospital stays. The nineties were a decade of cocaine exposure for many infants requiring follow up for possible long-term effects. The steady increase of children diagnosed with autism over the past twenty years has greatly expanded the need for early intervention providers, while the more recent number of substance exposed newborns from the opioid epidemic has required new knowledge and successful community collaborations. With each decade the challenges faced by young families have been met by the experienced and competent staff of the Pediatric Development Center under her creative direction.
The transition to new leadership has been led by Kristine Hazard of Katalyst Inc., former CEO of the Berkshire United Way, and the PDC Board Search Committee. The Search Committee has hired Kate Tucci of Housatonic as PDC’s new Executive Director. Tucci’s 20-year career has been dedicated to improving the lives of children and families. Prior to joining the Pediatric Development Center, she served as the Director of Education at Berkshire South Regional Community Center, where she spearheaded initiatives to enhance educational programs and community outreach efforts. Her tenure at Mass Audubon as the Statewide Director of Camps, Youth & Family Programs further solidified her reputation as a dynamic leader in Massachusetts, committed to fostering growth and development in diverse settings.
In announcing the transition of leadership, PDC Board President Rebecca Brien, stated “I’d like to recognize Maureen for her many years of successful leadership, while welcoming Kate Tucci as incoming Executive Director. Our Board anticipates continued clinical excellence on behalf of the young children PDC serves, and sustained growth as an essential community resource”.
For more information, visit PDC’s website at www.pediatricdevelopmentcenter.org or call their offices at 413-499-4537.