CIP Berkeley Berkeley, California

CIP Berkeley is a specialized transition program in the Bay Area of California assisting young adults on the Autism Spectrum, ADHD, and other learning differences to find success in college, employment, and independent living

Welcome to Berkeley, a Diverse and Eclectic City with Strong Local Roots

Established in 2007, CIP Berkeley is a leading autism transition program located in Northern California’s progressive East Bay. Situated in the vibrant community of Berkeley, with its population of 120,000, our program thrives in an inclusive and diverse environment. Nestled amidst rolling hills and the scenic San Francisco Bay, Berkeley offers a supportive backdrop for young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) as they navigate the transition to independent living.

Our program is designed to empower individuals with ASD to develop essential life skills and achieve personal growth. With an array of recreational and community-based activities available, students have ample opportunities to explore their interests and engage with the local community. Discover how CIP Berkeley can support your journey towards independence in a welcoming and enriching environment.

1:2 STAFF-STUDENT Ratio

130 Social Activities
Annually

20-30 Hours of
Service Weekly

3.5 Cumulative GPA

9/10 Family
Satisfaction Rating

95% Average Student
Attendance Rates

20 Hours Community Service Per Student

CIP BERKELEY
17 YEARS IN OPERATION

College Academic Support

At CIP Berkeley, we provide comprehensive support for students with autism at local 2-year, 4-year, and university options, ensuring they have access to the resources they need to succeed academically. Our program specializes in college autism support, offering tailored assistance to enhance executive functioning and academic coaching.

Students have the opportunity to pursue degrees in a wide range of fields, including Social Work, Computer Information Systems, Multimedia and Design, Criminal Justice, Culinary Arts, Early Childhood Education, Animal Care, Engineering, and Fine Arts. With our dedicated support team, students with autism can thrive academically and achieve their educational goals.

Meet Our CIP Berkeley Team

At CIP Berkeley, our team consists of experienced professionals with robust educational backgrounds and extensive expertise in supporting young adults with Asperger’s, ADHD, and other Learning Differences. With a steadfast commitment to our students’ success, our dedicated staff members bring a wealth of knowledge and compassionate understanding to their roles, ensuring that each individual receives the personalized support and guidance needed to thrive.

Sharona Sommer, C.P.C.

Director of Learning & Development

Sharona has worked in the field of Special Education for over 25 years supporting students and families in various positions throughout her career. She previously founded and operated her own family coaching practice, where she had the privilege of working with families with neurodiverse teens and young adults to improve their relationships and reach their personal goals.

Domonique Ousborn, B. S.

Career Coordinator

Domonique has worked in the field of Education for 10 years in public elementary, secondary, and higher education settings as an AmeriCorps volunteer, Special education teaching assistant, Therapeutic Support Specialist and Student Support Coordinator.

Norell Montgomery, M.A.

Academic Coordinator

Norell Montgomery has worked in the field of education and development for 8 years as a teacher and coordinator.

Lindsey Anderson

Office Manager

Lindsey is the Office Manager of CIP Berkeley. She is passionate about team building, compliance, and creating and maintaining healthy happy work rapports. She has a very collaborative mindset and has helped grow companies from start ups to full scale operations.

Michael McManmon, Ed.D.

Founder

Michael McManmon, Ed.D. founded the College Internship Program (CIP) in 1984. He received a B.A. in English from Mt. St. Mary’s College in Maryland, a Masters in Counseling from Shippensburg University, a Masters in Human Development from the University of Kansas (through a grant from the National Institute of Mental Health), and a Doctorate in Special Education from the University of Nevada.

Mia Kirkendoll, B.A.

Student Advisor

Mia has worked in the field of education since 2018. She previously found success working with young students as an English teacher in South Korea.

Dan McManmon, President

President

Dan McManmon grew up in western Massachusetts, alongside four sisters, six foster brothers, and an adopted brother. His father, Michael McManmon, founded CIP in 1984 and was diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome later in life. Dan’s upbringing profoundly shaped his understanding and empathy for those with Autism, ADHD, and related learning differences.

Aaron PenKruger

Academic Coach

Aaron has worked in the field of special education since 2015 as an instructional aid, paraeducator, and substitute teacher. He has previously found success in assisting students with disabilities to find a path through the education system that suits their needs.

Anna Bernick B.A.

Academic Coach

Anna has worked in the field of disability since 2014. First as an intern for Mayor's Office on Disability in San Francisco and doing disability rights work at University of California Berkeley.

Syncerity Reason, A.A.

Social Skills Coach

She emerges as a compassionate and insightful social skills coach for adults on the autism spectrum.

Bri Shaffer-Eldridge, B.A.

Academic Coach

Bri has worked in the field of academic support for three years as a Peer Academic Coach and has now transitioned into an Academic Coach role.

Antoinette Grant, M.A.

Student Advisor

Antoinette has worked in the field of education trauma and other complex learning differences for more than a decade, as a counselor, tutor and clinician. She found success in supporting and working with young adults who are pursuing higher education.

Ralston Gracie, B.S.

Wellness Coach

Ralston Gracie has worked in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu his whole life, as an instructor for 15 years, and in caregiving for six months as a client care specialist, assisting mostly dementia and hospice patients.

Sara Moreno, AA

Life Skills Coach

Sara Moreno (she/they) has worked in the field of Life Skills since 2023 as a Life Skills Coach. They previously found success working in Animal Care/Services. As a Life Skills Coach at CIP, Sara helps students learn executive function skills such as cooking,

Michael Noel, M.Ed.

Regional Director of Operations - West Coast

Michael has earned a M.Ed. in Psycho-Educational Processes from Temple University in Philadelphia, PA where he was born and raised. When he’s not at one of our CIP centers, you can find him enjoying the beach, hiking, and maybe even going on an extreme adventure.

Jessica Stewart, M.Ed.

Program Director

Jessica Stewart is a seasoned education and youth leadership professional passionate about empowering students to unlock their full potential. With over 25 years of experience in educational Leadership, Jessica's dedication to modern teaching methods and creating nurturing environments has made her a respected figure in education circles.

CIP Berkeley Student Life

Berkeley boasts a moderate climate, an exceptional park system, and unparalleled access to both the ocean and mountains, making it an ideal city for outdoor recreation enthusiasts. Situated in the heart of downtown Berkeley, CIP offers convenient access to all the East Bay has to offer, from vibrant cultural attractions to stunning natural landscapes.

Supported Apartment Living

At CIP, students enjoy the comfort of fully-furnished apartments conveniently located just a couple of blocks from our offices and classrooms. Designed to promote independence, each student resides with one apartment-mate, providing a supportive environment for autism independent living.

With private bedrooms and shared amenities including bathrooms, kitchens, and living rooms, students have the opportunity to develop essential life skills while enjoying a sense of autonomy. Explore how CIP fosters independence and empowers students to thrive in their living arrangements.

Internship, Job, and Career Readiness Support

Each student’s interests are explored and developed through volunteering, internships and job placements. Student internships and jobs have included places like Alta Bates Hospital, The Oakland Zoo, The YMCA, Berkeley Public Library, and The Animal Rescue Foundation; just to name a few.

CIP Berkeley helps prepare young adults on the autism spectrum, with ADHD, and other learning differences for the world of work. From resume development to job coaching, CIP’s career department supports students while they pursue their interests.

Meet a Few CIP Berkeley Students

CIP Berkeley students come from all over and pursue their individual goals and dreams within the program. Meet a few students below:

Jonathan

Alex

Tristin

VIDEO: Spotlight on Success

Hear from CIP Berkeley students and families share their personal journey, finding CIP, and experiencing success.

Call +1 (877) 566-9247 or fill our our online inquiry form to request assistance in finding a CIP location.

Follow #CIPBerkeley

CIP is a recognized and approved vendor of the California Regional Centers

Department of Developmental Services web page: www.dds.ca.gov
Department of Developmental Services telephone number: (916) 654-1987

Locations

Programs

About CIP

We’ve been helping young adults on the autism spectrum and with learning differences find success in college, employment, and independent living since 1984.

Learn more about one of the world’s most comprehensive programs for young adults with learning differences

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