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BS in human development and early education (Pre-K-2nd grade) from Lesley University

Patty Codwise

Nursery School Teacher

BA and MA in English, philosophy and letters from St. Louis University

As the director of the Riggs Theatre, Kevin Coleman’s job is to collaborate with patients to create full theatrical productions for public performances twice a year, in the Fall (classical, modern or contemporary dramas and comedies) and the Spring (Shakespeare). Additionally, there are periods and workshops for training (Stage Combat, Clown, Voice, Dance) and play readings. Rehearsals are in the evenings and are always open for non-participating patients to attend, and the performances are public ticketed events. Patients rehearse and perform with local actors from the larger Berkshire community. No previous experience or background in theatre is necessary. Production elements, (lights, set, sound and costumes) and working with professional designers from Shakespeare & Company are part of Riggs theatre experience. Artistic exploration, collaboration and celebration are at the heart of this theatre program in the Activities department at the Lavendar Door.

Mr. Coleman has worked professionally in the theatre for over 40 years, acting, directing and teaching. He has worked in NY and around the country, as well as Australia, the UK, and an upcoming Festival in Israel. He has worked in professional and community theatre settings, university graduate and undergraduate programs, and has created professional development workshops for teachers, teaching artists, and directors.

Back when Mr. Coleman’s sons were in school, he coached baseball. Currently, he is lovingly landscaping and renovating a 200 year old house.

Professional Affiliations/Organizational Memberships

Founding Member, Board of Trustees, and Director of Education at Shakespeare & Company, Lenox, MA

Project Director, National Endowment for the Arts

Project Director, National Endowment for the Humanities

(2009) Distinguished Theatre Artist Award, MA Alliance for Arts Education

Two-time Tony Award nominee, Theatre Educator

Producing director for documentary film, 

Kevin Coleman

Theatre Director

Counseling Certificate from the Gestalt Institute of the Berkshires

Jill Gibbons, a professional fiber artist and printmaker, is the fiber arts instructor in the Activities Program at the Austen Riggs Center. She manages the fiber arts studio, a vibrant and colorful space where students can learn the skills of weaving, basketry, sewing, knitting, embroidery, dyeing, surface design, and jewelry-making.

Ms. Gibbons, who worked in family services and human development for more than 30 years, believes that through creativity, the act of making things with our own hands, we are able to facilitate growth, awareness, and healing.

Jill Gibbons is the fiber arts instructor at the Austen Riggs Center.

Jill Gibbons

Fiber Arts Instructor

Jim Markham is the woodworking instructor at the Austen Riggs Center.

Jim Markham

Woodworking Instructor

Michael McCarthy is the Lavender Door Manager

ceramics instructor in the Activities Program at the Austen Riggs Center.

Michael McCarthy

Lavender Door Manager/Ceramics Instructor

MFA in Studio Art from the University of South Florida

BFA in Fine Arts from Ringling College of Art & Design

Chalice Mitchell is the visual arts instructor in the Activities Program at the Austen Riggs Center.

With degrees from theory-based programs, having studied oil painting in the western tradition and ink painting in Japan, Mx. Mitchell can offer students a wide range of art practices. They support and encourage students in freely expressing themselves, learning technical skills, visualizing ideas, or just having fun and creating.

Mx. Mitchell has exhibited nationally and internationally, including shows in Tokyo, London, New York, Moscow, Athens, Wellington, and Vancouver. Their work is owned by collectors across the world and they have attended residencies in Japan, Italy, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Martha Boschen Porter Fund, Art Resource Trust Fund, Mass Cultural Council, Assets for Artists at MASS MoCA, College Art Association

Figure painting, portraiture, ink painting, marble carving, experimental animation

Chalice Mitchell

Visual Arts Instructor

Jen Morse is the greenhouse instructor in the Activities Program at the Austen Riggs Center.

Jen Morse

Greenhouse Instructor

BA in interdisciplinary studies from Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA)

MEd from the Lynch School of Education and Human Development at Boston College

Sarah Muil, MEd, is the Austen Riggs Nursery School director.

Prior to coming to Riggs, Mrs. Muil worked as an Education Supervisor at Head Start, ensuring the quality of the curriculum and teaching. Over the past 20 years, she has served as a teacher in a number of preschool programs, including the Lenox Children’s Center, Berkshire Country Day School, and Williams College Children’s Center.

Director (I and II) as well as a Lead Teacher credentials through the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care

Certificate in Social Justice and Leadership from the Lynch School of Education and Human Development at Boston College

Sarah Muil, MEd is the Austen Riggs Center Nursery School Director.

Sarah Muil, MEd

Nursery School Director

Emma Ryan is the lead nursery school teacher at the Austen Riggs Center.

Lead Teacher Certification from the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care

Emma Ryan standing in front of the Austen Riggs Nursery School

Emma Ryan

Lead Nursery School Teacher

Meet the Austen Riggs staff of therapists, nurses, administrators, and other healthcare professionals who work as a team on behalf of our patients. 

Staff Directory of Therapists and Teams | Austen Riggs

For more information on our residential treatment programs, or answers to any questions, please feel free to contact us. 

Meet Our Team

Activities Staff

Patty Codwise

Kevin G. Coleman

Jill Gibbons

Jim Markham

Michael McCarthy

Chalice Mitchell, MFA

Jen Morse

Sarah Muil, MEd

Emma Ryan

Contact Us for More

For more information on our residential treatment programs, or answers to any questions, please feel free to contact us.

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