We spoke with Tyler about her and Chris’ long involvement with CATA and why CATA matters so deeply to them.

How did you first get involved with CATA?

We were introduced to Community Access to the Arts twenty years ago through my childhood friend Janet Reich Elsbach (a CATA faculty artist who leads the CATA Writers’ Workshop). We wanted to find a supportive community where our daughter Lily, who has special needs, could thrive—and where our growing family could find a sense of belonging. 

Fast forward to today, CATA is such an important part of our lives. Every week, Lily is drumming, singing, and expressing herself. CATA is helping Lily have such a full life. It’s what we had always hoped for her. 

Having CATA as a resource for our family has been such a gift. And it’s been a privilege to give back in so many ways. Over the years, I’ve served on CATA’s board and helped plan the annual Gala several times.

“Every week, Lily is drumming, singing, and expressing herself. CATA’s helping Lily have such a full life.”

How have you seen CATA making a difference in our community?

CATA’s impact really does ripple out and make our community better. As a parent of a young adult with special needs, I know how isolating that journey can feel. CATA is a vital hub where friends, parents, siblings, and caregivers come together to connect, share resources, and celebrate our loved ones. The friendships I formed through CATA twenty years ago are still strong today, and those friends remain trusted resources for me. In turn, I’ve been able to support other families navigating similar paths. We learn from each other as we move through different life stages together. 

My friends throughout the community benefit, too. Everyone I bring to the Annual Performance has a life-changing experience. Watching others discover and connect with the talents of CATA artists reveals how deeply this work matters. 

Hou (Blue Q) poses with his sculpture in a CATA art exhibit.

Why is CATA’s work so vital right now?

CATA is an essential part of the Berkshires. This is a community of support and inclusion that just doesn’t exist everywhere. Wherever we go in the Berkshires, we run into people who are part of CATA and it makes us feel more connected to each other. It’s really beautiful.

Why do you choose to give to CATA—and why do you hope others will, too?

We couldn’t imagine our lives without CATA, and we want to give back in any way we can. We’re especially proud to support the CATA Gala & Annual Performance every year. CATA relies on donations from people and businesses across our community to do their work. We want to keep CATA going for years to come. Giving to CATA is a great way to make a difference for people and families right here where we live.

Join Tyler and Chris Weld — make a gift to support artists with disabilities:
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Week after week, young CATA artists are building important skills like communication, collaboration, and problem-solving—all while painting, dancing, making music, and having fun.

One of the most meaningful moments of the year comes in May, when children and teens from our school programs are invited to attend a special Dress Rehearsal preview of our Annual Performance—just for them. For many students, this is more than an exciting field trip. It’s a turning point—a moment when they begin to see what’s possible.

“This performance is a powerful experience for hundreds of young people with disabilities,” says Jeff Gagnon, CATA Program Director. “Children and teens get to see adult artists with disabilities on stage and in leadership roles, and they start to imagine their own futures in a new way.”

In the weeks leading up to the performance, CATA artists visit special education and traditional classrooms as Ambassadors to share what it’s like to be a performer. Those visits spark conversations that break down stereotypes and build connections—helping all students feel more comfortable, included, and excited for the theatrical experience.

“It’s really meaningful for students to see a person like me who is an artist and also disabled,” says Asa, a CATA Artist Ambassador. “It means a lot to me that I can give them something to look forward to.”

“The impact of this program ripples out, benefiting so many,” Jeff says. “Adult CATA artists are stepping into leadership roles as Ambassadors, and students get inspired about their futures.”

When a child discovers their creative voice—when they see themselves as an artist, a performer, a leader—that transformation ripples out to classmates, teachers, families, and beyond.

“For my students to see someone with a disability as a leader, they know that they can lead, too,” says a special education teacher from Pittsfield Public Schools. “That’s huge for our kids.”

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“Over 100 CATA artists are coming together to create a bold, beautiful, and wholly original performance,” says Kelly Galvin, CATA Program Director and director of the annual performance. “The Ripple Effect will be a one-of-a-kind experience where accessibility and artistry are intertwined, and where each artist is celebrated.”

“This is more than a performance—it’s a powerful celebration of inclusion where every artist shines,” says Margaret Keller, CATA Executive Director. “You’ll see CATA artists bring this ripple effect to life on stage through their performances and their creativity in key backstage roles. Every detail you’ll see, hear, and feel is shaped by CATA artists’ imaginations.”

This year, CATA launched new pilot programs where artists with disabilities could dive into new interests, build skills, and shine in a performance that’s more immersive and inclusive than ever.

In our Costumes & Set Design program, CATA artists are working with faculty and guest artists (including designers from Broadway!) to transform their ideas into stunning stage designs that center the sensory and accessibility needs of the performers.

In our Making a Soundtrack program, CATA musicians are composing an original score using adaptive instruments and technology. They’ll perform their score live on stage to accompany an animated film by CATA artists. (You can listen to some of their compositions on CATA’s digital exhibit guide!)

In our Choreographer’s Lab pilot program, CATA dancers are developing work rooted in their embodied experience as artists with disabilities — crafting unforgettable pieces that will ripple throughout the performance.

“I’ve been dancing for a really long time but I’ve never had the chance to choreograph before,” says Katherine, a CATA artist in our Choreographer’s Lab. “I’m really happy. It makes me feel included in every way.”

“Katherine loves dance and she has always wanted to try choreography,” says Mary, Katherine’s mother. “To see her dream become reality has been breathtaking.”

Join us for the CATA Gala & Annual Performance “The Ripple Effect” on May 9 & 10! Click here for tickets and more information.

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CATA has dramatically grown and deepened programs serving people with disabilities in recent years, with an innovative, community-based model rooted in strong partnerships with disability agencies, day-habilitation programs, residences, and schools. CATA currently provides more than 3,000 arts workshops annually for 1,300 children, teens, and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, autism, and brain injuries.

“We are thrilled to welcome three outstanding new staff members to CATA’s team, along with three new leaders to our Board,” says Margaret Keller, CATA’s Executive Director. “Their experience, talent, and passion will help advance CATA’s mission to nurture and celebrate the artistry of people with disabilities as we grow as an organization.”

New CATA Staff Appointments:

Camille Roos (she/her) is a multimedia artist using paint and installation to convey the relationship between our bodies and the habitats they belong to. She has worked as an educator at Flying Deer Nature Center, Mountainside Treatment Center, and the Montessori School; and has participated in artist residency programs at Prisma Estúdio in Lisbon, Portugal and Babayan Culture House in Cappadocia, Turkey. Camille holds a Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts from Goddard College with additional certifications as an Usui Reiki Master, Professional End of Life Doula, and Wilderness Instructor. In her new role as CATA Resident Faculty Artist, Camille will lead arts workshops in CATA’s Great Barrington studio, as well as at disability agencies that CATA partners with across the Berkshires and in Columbia County, NY.

Alex James (she/her) comes to CATA with a background in administration and management, having previously worked with the neurodivergent population as well as in the performing arts. Alex has a degree in Theatre Arts from Pace University, and worked in theatre management in New York City for years before relocating to the Berkshires. Since then, she has worked as the Company Manager for Berkshire Theatre Group and as the Office Manager for CIP Berkshire. Alex is thrilled to bring her skills to the team at CATA as the Program Coordinator for Agency & School Partners.

Karen Advocaat (she/her) has over 20 years of administrative and operations experience at nonprofit organizations in higher education, environmental education/conservation, and senior living. Her positions prior to joining CATA included being the Office Manager at Berkshire Place and, before that, the Associate Director of Finance and Administration at Bard College at Simon’s Rock. She loves thinking through processes, organizing almost anything, and creating systems. In her free time, Karen enjoys gardening, birding, being in nature, and baking. 

New CATA Board Appointments:

Meg Mortimer (she/her) spent the last four decades as a talent representative for actors and creators—many of whom have been nominated for or received major awards including Oscars, Emmys, Tonys, Golden Globes, and Grammys. Her deep insight into what nurtures and sustains an artist’s creativity makes her a natural fit for involvement with CATA. Meg’s beloved brother Jeff lived with mental illness for most of his life, and she witnessed firsthand how the arts brought him joy and confidence. In high school and college, Meg volunteered in elementary schools serving children facing physical, emotional, and financial challenges, helping to introduce the arts into their daily lives. A graduate of Syracuse University, Meg now resides with her husband, David Lloyd, in New York City and Spencertown, New York.

David Poppick (he/him) moved from New York to Williamstown in 2022 with his wife Libbie to enjoy the Berkshires as he has since the 1960s. They have three adult children. He retired from his 43-year legal career in 2023, with 30 years at a national law firm representing primarily corporations for employment advice and litigation, while also performing pro bono work for non-profit organizations and as a mediator for the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. In 2015, the law firm granted him a two-year sabbatical to serve as a Peace Corps volunteer in the country of Georgia where he worked at a center for people with disabilities and gave trainings to students and adults about financial literacy, employment skills and human rights, including some collaborations with lawyers about U.S. Supreme Court decisions and federal laws. A strong proponent of community volunteer work, in addition to CATA, David is on the Board of Images Cinema in Williamstown and the Board of a Maine summer residency program for writers, artists and musicians. He previously served on the School Board and two related School Foundations in his prior hometown.  

David Rosenthal (he/him) is a native of New Jersey who credits his lifelong appreciation for community and culture to early influences including Bruce Springsteen and the enduring spirit of the E Street Nation. After several years of travel, he earned his B.A. from Connecticut College in 1978. He began his professional career in New York City as a Risk Management Consultant with St. Paul Fire & Marine Insurance Company, where he also completed his ALCM and ARM professional designations. He later served as Risk Manager for The Edison Companies before founding tsmit limited, inc. in 1991. The firm, an independent global consulting practice, continues to operate today from his home in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, where he has lived part- or full-time since the late 1980s. Introduced to CATA more than two decades ago by a college friend, he was deeply moved by the organization’s inclusive mission. With the encouragement of his late wife, Martha, and in her memory, his support for CATA has continued to grow. His prior board service includes the Maroons Soccer Club, the Jamboree Scholarship Board, WordXWord, the Country Club of Pittsfield, Berkshire Grown, and the New York State Restaurant Association Services Board.

About Community Access to the Arts (CATA):

Community Access to the Arts is a nonprofit dedicated to nurturing and celebrating the creativity of people with developmental and intellectual disabilities, brain injuries, and autism. CATA engages 1,300 people with disabilities across 16 towns and cities in Berkshire County, MA and Columbia County, NY. Through dynamic arts programs, CATA artists with disabilities are empowered to discover new talents and express their unique perspectives. CATA shares their vibrant work in public performances, art exhibits, and poetry readings— collaborating with major cultural institutions including the Clark Art Institute, The Mount, and Shakespeare & Company to shine a light on the remarkable creative abilities of people with disabilities. Learn more at CATAarts.org.

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“CATA Players wanted to explore the many ways Shakespeare used masks in his plays,” explains CATA Resident Theater Faculty Caroline Calkins. “They chose their roles and we spent weeks digging into the rich emotions within the text.” 

Sam Pelletz (Oakdale Residence) and Tyler Baronas (Oak Lodge) had the audience in stitches with their hilarious portrayals of Orlando and Rosalind in As You Like It; Sialia Baizel (Leander House) brought a hush over the crowd as the spooky ghost of Hermione in The Winter’s Tale; and Kiera Nicholls charmed as Beatrice in Much Ado about Nothing.

The new Shakespeare Sharing is one of several innovative pilots at CATA, designed to deepen and expand opportunities for artists with disabilities. “This initiative reflects a bold and exciting vision that is at the heart of CATA’s strategic plan,” says Margaret Keller, CATA Executive Director. “People with disabilities are hungry for more opportunities to delve into their talents. We’re excited to pilot new performance programs to give CATA artists the chance to more fully explore an art form they love and give them new platforms  to share their talents with the community.”

As always, accessibility was at the core of the performance. CATA artists used  an adaptive “Feeding In” technique, receiving prompts for their lines so they  can dive into their characters and connect with the audience without having to focus on memorization. CATA actors rehearse every week using this technique, where they explore the meaning and emotion of their lines to bring their characters to life. For the audience, CATA provided a wide range of accessibility tools, including ASL interpretation, open captions, fidget spinners, Braille and large print programs.

Thank you to our CATA supporters who make our work possible. Without your generosity, these life-changing opportunities would not be possible.

Photos by Christina Lane.

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“This exhibit brings color and light to our lives just when we need it most,” one guest shared. “We look forward to it every year!”

Imaginative sculptures by CATA artists with disabilities.

CATA artists from disability agencies and residences across the Berkshires (including BFAIR, Cadmus, Blue Q, Stanton Home, Leander House, and BCArc) traded hugs, fist bumps, and big smiles as they shared their art with family and friends. Eleven-year-old Elijah from Hoosac Valley Middle School celebrated his first art show with his family!

Elijah celebrates his first art show with his family. 

CATA artists in our “Making an Art Show” workshop helped curate the exhibit. At the opening reception, they chatted with guests about their vision for the show.

CATA artists Eric (Oakdale Residence) and Cathy (Stanton Home) helped curate the exhibit and spoke with visitors about the artwork.

Lisa Metcalf (BCArc Nu-Opps Brain Injury Program) spoke with guests about her process for her mixed-media piece, Trapped Florals. This year, artists in CATA’s “Making a Soundtrack” workshop composed original music inspired by several of the paintings, including Lisa’s. You can listen to the music right now on CATA’s digital exhibit guide.

CATA artist Lisa (BCArc Nu-Opps Brain Injury Program) with her peice, Trapped Florals. “I put a lot of love into my paintings.”

CATA artists earn a 50% commission on each sale of their work. For CATA artists — as for any artist — selling a work of art brings a powerful sense of accomplishment and pride. 

Sam (BCArc Transitions) with his fabulous flower sculpture.

One woman took home a stunning sculpture of a sunflower as a housewarming gift for a friend. Another claimed a painting for herself: “The composition is fascinating to me, and the blue color fills me with hope.” By the end of the afternoon, a third of the exhibit had sold!

Scroll through the photos below for more great moments from our opening!

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We spoke with John about his and Katie’s long involvement with CATA, including his board service, and why CATA matters so deeply to them—now more than ever.

How did you first get involved with CATA?

I was introduced to Community Access to the Arts in the late ’90s, helping to create a short documentary film about CATA’s work. As someone with a loved one with developmental disabilities, I’ve seen how often people are underestimated, even marginalized, and not given opportunities to fully express who they are. CATA stood out for how clearly it recognizes and invests in people’s creativity, interests, and agency.

What stands out to you about CATA’s approach?

CATA doesn’t just make space for people with disabilities, it holds them at the center. The programs are rooted in artistic excellence and genuine care, and that combination is powerful. At its core, CATA is built on trust and relationships—with artists with disabilities and their families, with partners, with donors, and with the whole community. What CATA is doing in our community is so exciting. It’s an honor to be part of it.

How have you seen the impact of CATA ripple out into the community?

While CATA’s work centers people with disabilities, we all benefit. We get to know people who we might see in everyday circumstances— in the neighborhood, around town—but who we otherwise wouldn’t know. When we go to a CATA performance or exhibit, you discover that someone you pass on the street is also an artist, a dancer, actor, poet, or comedian. CATA makes those connections possible.

Why is CATA’s work vital right now?

CATA helps us move past assumptions to see people more fully. It shifts our relationships with each other, across the entire community. The sense of belonging CATA is building is essential right now. CATA is changing the paradigm—bringing people together and strengthening our community.

Why do you choose to give to CATA—and why do you hope others will, too?

As donors, trust matters. Katie and I need to know that an organization reflects our values and has strong fiscal stewardship. CATA checks every box. It’s deeply trusted by the individuals and families it serves, and that trust is well earned. CATA has shown that it can stay true to its mission even in moments of uncertainty in our world—responding to challenges with clarity, care, and financial responsibility. Katie and I know that when we give, our support is making a real difference in people’s lives. By supporting CATA, you are helping build a more inclusive, connected community.

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“Art & Tea provides a space for us to meet other parents and know we are not alone in both the struggles and the joys of being special needs parents. This program really helps drive away the feeling of aloneness. It’s such a gift of grace!”—Art & Tea Parent

For local families of young children with special needs, CATA’s new Art & Tea program has become a lifeline. Every month at CATA, families are finding a much-needed chance to connect, exchange resources, and feel seen and supported— all while enjoying fun arts activities together.

On the second Saturday of each month, CATA’s art studios transform into a creative playland for young children with disabilities. Children and their siblings dance to favorite tunes, play theater games with new friends, and create accessible art projects together. CATA’s professional faculty artists lead the activities, with adult CATA artists with disabilities serving as paid Ambassador faculty assistants.

CATA Faculty Pam Levin and CATA artist & Ambassador Eric Schumann lead children in theater and dance games.

“We’ve heard from many families of young children with special needs that they often feel isolated—that they crave opportunities to have fun together and meet others who understand their experiences,” says Margaret Keller, CATA Executive Director. “We launched Art & Tea to help fill that need—and the response has been incredible.”

Thanks to a partnership with Families Like Ours (FLO), a local nonprofit led by Rania Markham, CATA is reaching more local families and learning about their needs. “Many families with young children with special needs have few spaces where they can truly relax and know they are understood and supported,” says Rania. “That’s the goal of Art & Tea—to provide them that space.”

A key to the success of this program: Listening. “We talk regularly with families and tailor the program to meet their needs,” says Kara Smith, CATA Program Director. “We want families to know that this is their space. They will always be met with support and acceptance.”

Behind the Scenes at Art & Tea

On a recent Saturday, a group of children and their siblings work with watercolors and clay in CATA’s visual arts studio. One boy paints a mask with adaptive brushes. Parents and caregivers sip tea and get to know one another. Two moms with autistic teenagers discuss high school options; others share challenges they faced finding community as homeschoolers.

A new child, Kaylea, has come with her two siblings, and they are all excited to play together. “Art and dance are the ways that Kaylea relates to the world,” says her mother. “We’re so grateful to have this opportunity for her to thrive and have fun with her siblings.”

“The laughter, creativity, and connections that come out of Art & Tea gatherings are beautiful reminders of why this work matters so deeply,” says Rania. “I am so grateful for our partnership with CATA. Together, we’re creating experiences of joy and belonging that stay with families long after the party ends.”

Learn more about our upcoming Art & Tea programs on our Events Page. To register, contact Rania Markham at Rania@FamiliesLikeOursInc.com. Drop in’s are okay, too!

Thank you to the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation “South County Better Together” Fund and Resident Leadership Engagement Grant for their generous support.

Thank you also to our local partner ExtraSpecialTeas in Great Barrington, who provides refreshments for this monthly program!

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