Staff Profiles

Pilar Page has worked in the field of education and administration for nearly a decade as an advisor, career coach, licensed counselor and as a director of student services. She provided access, advocacy and support for students with learning differences, ensured institution compliance with federal and state laws, developed curriculum to ensure quality programming, and also facilitated counseling sessions, workshops and professional development training for students and staff. Pilar started her work at CIP in March 2017, as an assistant program director and was later promoted to program director in 2018.

Jeff joined CIP in October 2016 after a decade spent working in public elementary, secondary, and higher education settings, as well as for a post-secondary transition consultant. During those years, Jeff mostly taught in science and special education classrooms. His proudest professional accomplishment came while working on an interdisciplinary team that developed a public high school’s first-ever life skills program.

Elaine has worked in the field of Office Administration for over 12 years serving as a Refugee Support Officer & Family Caseworker for a local government organization in the U.K. In her role, she helped individuals and families access housing, healthcare & education while additionally running a tight ship as an administrative officer and service coordinator.

Sylvia Wenninger has worked in the field of psychotherapy since 2006, and has been a clinician at CIP Berkeley since 2016. She previously found success inspiring young adults with mental health challenges at Girls, Inc. and Fred Finch Youth Center.

Daniele is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has been working with the children and families of the East Bay for over 20 years.She received her Master’s from the University of Chicago and worked at the University of Chicago Hospital’s Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Daniele attended the University of Santa Cruz for undergraduate school and received a BA in Community Studies.

Mike has more than twenty years of experience in the education field, joining CIP in 2013 as the Social Skills Coordinator.

Linda has worked in the field of education for a decade as a teacher, counselor, and administrator. She has worked with students of all ages, and believes wholeheartedly in the effectiveness of individualized education. In her current role as Interim Head Student Advisor, Linda oversees student goal development and progression. Linda collaborates with the CIP Berkeley team and students' families and external support members to deliver effective programming for all students.

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. She provides individuals with a design plan that will help them achieved their overall aim in view.

Justin Reid has been working to help students from high school to college for over a decade with his background as basketball coach, mentor, academic supervisor, and behavioral specialist. He has an expertise in creating successful plans and solutions for students that balance their individual sport, personal and academic goals while ensuring they don’t lose focus on their mental health and well-being.

Sarah Hennessy has worked in the field of Special Education for over six years as an emotional/social skills tutor and Special Educator. She previously found success working towards student's goals, both big and small, by focusing on students' strengths and interests. Sarah loves to support students in discovering what tools they need to be successful.

Nicholas Hughes has worked in the field of education for four years as a student support staff, counselor, and academic support provider. Nicholas also worked in employment services for 1 year as an education and employment specialist. He has found success working with young people in the field of education to help reach academic goals.

Gemma has worked in the field of higher education, where she supported young adults with learning differences, for over five years as a Summer Bridge Intern, Academic Coach Intern and as a Paraeducator. She previously found success supporting young adults with skills that include goal setting, time management, and navigating their academic progress in their higher education studies.

Nicole has worked in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and complex learning differences for three years. She previously found success implementing treatment plans developed by a board certified behavior analyst which focused on skills such as communication, behavior, and social skills.

Paulette Tran has worked in the field of social/emotional learning and youth development for over a decade. She also has a strong background in cooking, athletics, and relationship building. Currently, she is impacting the CIP community by broadening the scope, supporting the students in being leaders of their own learning, and creating change.

Shaza has worked in commercial banking and retail management for five years. Growing up with a younger sibling with autism, she has made it her goal and aspiration to give back, cater to, and profusely advocate for those with ASD.

Bill has worked in the field of education for thirteen years, primarily as an English literature and composition instructor at the community college level. For the last few years, he has been involved in special education as an ABA therapist and as a life skills instructor for young adults on the spectrum and with various learning disabilities.

Elke is a health enthusiast and passionate about all things wellness. She is currently going to school working towards a degree in nutrition. She has a strong background in athletics and is an ACE certified personal trainer.

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. He has been successful at teaching kids martial arts, exercising discipline, and utilizing meditation.