Melissa Stevens joins Coldwell Banker Community Realtors
NORTHAMPTON — Coldwell Banker Community Realtors has announced that Melissa Stevens has joined its team of local real estate experts. A resident of the Hilltowns since 2010, Stevens will serve clients across Franklin and Hampshire Counties, operating out of the brokers’ Shelburne Falls and Northampton offices.
Stevens joins the brokerage with a uniquely versatile professional background, including experience in elementary education, nonprofit fundraising and executive support.
Beyond her professional career, Stevens is well-known in the local conservation community. As a licensed wildlife rehabilitator and board member for the Wildlife Rehabilitators Association of Massachusetts, she brings a unique understanding of land stewardship and native species protection to the residential market.
“I am thrilled to join a brokerage that shares my deep commitment to our local community,” Stevens said. “My goal is to provide my neighbors with a real estate experience grounded in integrity and clarity, helping them find homes that support their lives and our shared environment for the long term.”
Stevens specializes in residential sales, with a focus on first-time homebuyers and land-based properties. She can be reached at 910-431-2202 or via email at melissa.stevens@cbcommunityrealtors.com.
Greenfield Cooperative Bank to host ‘Coffee & Conversation’ event on March 26
GREENFIELD — Greenfield Cooperative Bank invites community members to stop by its South Hadley branch located at 487 Newton St. for a Coffee & Conversation on Thursday, March 26, from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. The event offers residents a chance to connect with branch staff, enjoy a cup of coffee and meet the team serving the South Hadley community.
Attendees will have the opportunity to meet Branch Manager Joanna Czarniecka and Assistant Branch Manager Jimmy Rosario. Czarniecka joined Greenfield Cooperative Bank with more than nine years of local banking experience and holds a bachelor’s degree in architecture from University of Massachusetts Amherst. Rosario brings nine years of banking experience and holds a degree in criminal justice from Springfield Technical Community College.
The event is open to the public and designed as a casual way for customers and neighbors to get to know the staff and learn more about the services available at the branch. During the event, attendees may also enter a drawing for a gift basket. The drawing is open to customers and non-customers age 18 and over. Visit the South Hadley branch for full details.
Danielle LaTaille joins The Salvation Army
LONGMEADOW — Danielle LaTaille, of Longmeadow, has joined The Salvation Army Massachusetts Division as the western Massachusetts regional social services manager. In her new role, LaTaille will provide guidance and regional coordination to corps case managers and officers across western Massachusetts, including in Athol, Fitchburg, Greenfield, Holyoke, Pittsfield, Springfield and Worcester.
A lifelong western Massachusetts resident, LaTaille has been with The Salvation Army since 2009, working directly with individuals and families facing economic hardship. She has overseen seasonal programs including Coats for Kids, Toy for Joy and Adopt-a-Family, while also leading teams that deliver year-round social services addressing food insecurity, homelessness, underemployment and limited access to benefits.
“I have worked for The Salvation Army for over 16 years, and I still have friends and family question what exactly we do,” said LaTaille. “By expanding our reach across western Massachusetts, I hope to show community members that The Salvation Army is not just a seasonal presence, but a reliable community partner providing help and hope 365 days a year.”
LaTaille holds a master’s degree in psychiatric rehabilitation and substance abuse counseling from Springfield College and a bachelor’s degree in biology and sociology from Elms College. For more information, visit salvationarmyma.org.
PV Squared Solar represents local cooperative at National Renewable Energy Conference
GREENFIELD — PV Squared Solar, a worker-owned solar cooperative headquartered in Greenfield, is celebrating the role women play in building the future of renewable energy, including the leadership of Kate Carter, the company’s Team Manager and a Greenfield resident.
Carter recently represented PV Squared at the 2026 Principals Conference Retreat hosted by the Amicus Solar Cooperative in Puerto Rico, where solar leaders from across North America gathered to collaborate on strengthening locally owned solar companies and advancing industry best practices. Carter’s participation in the retreat reflects both PV Squared’s involvement in the cooperative network and the growing leadership of women in the renewable energy sector.
“Solar is not just about technology,” said Carter. “It’s about people, collaboration and shared values. Representing PV Squared at a national gathering of solar leaders was an opportunity to learn, exchange ideas and bring that knowledge back to the communities we serve.”
While the solar and construction fields are historically male-dominated, women at PV Squared now lead in every department, from system design to installation. Founded in 2002, the 100% worker-owned cooperative utilizes a model that fosters mentorship and long-term career pathways.
Brittany Hathaway, co-owner of PV Squared and co-chair of the Greenfield Business Association Board of Directors alongside Carter, said the collaboration reflects the supportive leadership culture within the company and the broader Valley community.
“It’s an honor to work alongside Kate, both at PV Squared and in our shared work with the Greenfield Business Association,” Hathaway said. “I’m incredibly proud of the many talented and empowered women helping shape the future of clean energy and local business across the Valley.”
Leaders at PV Squared say Women’s History Month is both a moment to recognize progress and an opportunity to continue building pathways for women in the clean energy economy.
“As the solar industry grows, it’s important that the workforce building that infrastructure reflects the communities it serves,” Carter said. “Creating opportunities for women in the trades strengthens both the industry and the communities we work in.”