Page 12 - BusinessWest June 12, 2023

Michelle Theroux
Executive Director, Berkshire Hills Music Academy
Michelle Theroux was a member of BusinessWest’s first class of 40 Under Forty honorees. That
was back in 2007, for those who don’t know the history of this program.
At that time, she was executive director of Child and Family Services of Pioneer Valley, and as she talked with BusinessWest on that occa- sion, she noted that her background
in dance — she began studying tap, jazz, and ballet at age 5; added dance instruction when she was just 16; and later toured nationally in a jazz-based children’s show — helped her generate the skills, including discipline, drive, and “balance,” needed to effectively lead a nonprofit.
In her 40 Under Forty picture, her ballet shoes are prominently displayed.
In her profile piece, she noted, “now, dance is sort of my balancing piece. It evens out stress. Still, in my life, sleep is optional.”
Sixteen years later, as she was being interviewed as a finalist for the Alumni Achievement Award — the first time she has achieved that honor — the shoes were not visible, but the arts are still a big part of her life, person-
ally and professionally. And between her day job, the arts, and her consider- able work within the community, sleep ... well, that remains optional.
Indeed, she still dances and teaches dance, and that day job, one she has held for the past decade, is executive director of the Berkshire Hills Music Academy. The South Hadley-based facility is a unique, college-like pro-
gram for young adults with intellec-
Michelle Theroux was one of the inaugural 40 Under Forty honorees in 2007 (bottom), and has made some significant impacts since.
Theroux >> Continued on page 50
CONGRATULATIONS
to 40 Under Forty Alumni Achievement Award finalist
Michelle Theroux, Chair, Mercy Medical Center Board of Directors.
Thank you, Michelle, for your commitment to our patients, colleagues, and community!
TrinityHealthOfNE.org
12 JUNE 12, 2023
<< FEATURE >>
BusinessWest