PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 17, 2025
Contact: Jennifer Abbott, info@extraspecialteas.org, 413.645.3247
ExtraSpecialTeas Announces New Executive Director
GREAT BARRINGTON/HOUSATONIC — ExtraSpecialTeas, a non-profit that provides vocational services to special needs adults through two teahouse locations, 2 Elm Street in Great Barrington and 226 Pleasant Street in Housatonic, announced the appointment of Jennifer Abbott to Executive Director, effective June 1, 2025. Jennifer succeeds the nonprofits co-founder, Cherri Sanes, who has semi-retired after ten years of service. ExtraSpecialTeas, founded in 2015, supports, trains, and empowers young adults with diverse learning differences, such as autism, Down syndrome and sight/hearing impairment, to learn, work and thrive in the Berkshires.
Jennifer brings 40+ years of experience in the human services field to the role. Prior to joining ExtraSpecialTeas, she served as a Teaching Assistant, Vocational Instructor, Day Program Supervisor, and a Transition Advisor throughout her career at Department of Developmental Services in Connecticut. Jennifer has the ability to see the big picture and pay attention to all the little details with a deep commitment to ExtraSpecialTeas’ mission and people. Jennifer served for the past 9 years as Assistant Executive Director, Programs Coordinator and Transition Coordinator.
“ExtraSpecialTeas is such a unique place! I have in invested a lot of time helping to make it what it is today. It is important to me to continue making it a place that stands out and a place that people want to come to. My goal for our organization is to continue what we are currently doing and more…a bigger presence in the community and beyond…getting our products on the shelves of more local stores. One of the things that I have always wanted to see is participants opening the shops independently with no assistance. My goal for myself is to always be a little bit better than the day before." said Jennifer.
The Board of Directors is confident that Jennifer is the ideal leader to guide ExtraSpecialTeas through its next chapter of growth and impact. They will focus on expanding programs, increasing fundraising, and strengthening community partnerships.
"Cherri’s passion and dedication as Executive Director are big shoes to fill, but Jennifer has been with us for 9 years with an intimate involvement in all facets of the organization. Cherri will continue to inject her magnetic energy into the teahouses at least half days going forward, so the combination should offer a seamless transition that guides ExtraSpecialTeas into a new era,” said Scott Sanes, Chairman of the Board.
About ExtraSpecialTeas:
ExtraSpecialTeas is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Our vocational day program is supported in part by the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services, grants from foundations, and contributions from committed donors. For more information, please visit www.extraspecialteas.org. Follow ExtraSpecialTeas on Facebook, Instagram and Bluesky @extraspecialteas.
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