Staff Profiles

Pilar Page has worked in the field of education and administration for over a decade as an advisor, career coach, licensed counselor and as a director of student services. Her experiences include providing access, advocacy and support for students with learning differences, ensuring institution compliance with federal and state laws, developing curriculum to ensure quality programming, and also facilitating counseling sessions, workshops and professional development for students and staff. Pilar started her work at CIP as the Assistant Program Director and was later promoted to Program Director.

Kristin Lamb has worked in the field of Autism and Learning Differences for 13 years as a Special Education teacher, Admissions Director, Executive Function Coach and Educational Therapist. As an Assistant Director at CIP, Kristin helps to keep the foundation of the Berkeley Center running smoothly while focusing on supporting the young men and women at CIP by recognizing their strengths and pursuing their passions in a supportive and collaborative environment. She has found success developing international travel programs for high school students with Autism by creating diverse curriculum to teach executive function, social skills and independent living skills in preparation for travel.

Jay has worked in human resources and office management for several years. Most recently finding success working in the hospitality industry at the PlumpJack Group. Jay enjoys building professional relationships, streamlining systems and creating a comfortable and efficient environment for all.

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. Among other things, Jeff taught in classrooms and worked on special education teams. One of his favorite projects was working on an interdisciplinary team that developed a public high school’s first-ever life skills program.

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.

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.

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. As a woman on the autism spectrum herself, she has previously found success working with the disability community at UC Berkeley as a member of the ASUC Disabled Students Committee, advocating for other students with disabilities by contributing to campaigns to provide safe spaces for them.

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.

After 6 years as an HR professional, Claire Ngoon left the industry to pursue her passion to help people surpass their own expectations and discovering their own inner power to thrive. Since 2017, Claire has coached students between the ages of 8 - 70 years old on developing stress management skills, self confidence, and a growth mindset to overcome personal obstacles and become comfortable with uncertainty and change. Among her students include individuals on the spectrum, entrepreneurs, and busy moms.

Coleen has worked in the field of education for 10 years in various roles including an Americorps volunteer, Teacher’s Assistant, and elementary School Counselor. She previously found success working with college students with learning differences as a graduate student. Coleen has earned a master’s degree in School Counseling from the University of Arizona in Tucson, Arizona.

Eli Fujita has worked in the advising and student services field for four years. They previously worked with a job training and high school diploma program as a teacher and career counselor, and they have also worked in several summer camps with children and adults of many ages and abilities.

Gemma has worked in the field of higher education for over five years as a Summer Bridge Intern, and as an Academic Coach Intern, where she supported first-generation young adults, and young adults with learning differences. She also worked as a Paraeducator, working with middle schoolers, who had various learning differences. 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.

Katie has worked in the field of education and student support services for 3 years at Cal State East Bay in Transfer Student Programs, working with Transfer Students from Community Colleges around the country. Her work with other college students ignited a passion for Student Services and Advising, which she carries with her everyday to support and help students of CIP achieve their own goals and dreams.As a Student Support Specialist at CIP, Katie helps CIP students achieve new levels of independence and academic success by helping each student advocate for their areas of needed support, assisting with a setting plan to achieve the goals set by the student, as well as helping each student manage their own finances, establishing a budget for each student, and, if needed, helping each student manage their own healthcare.

Elaine has worked in the field of social work and 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 services while additionally running a tight ship as an administrative officer and service coordinator.

Ivianna has worked in the field of Special Education for 2 years as an Educational Specialist. She previously found success working with/for in education as a tutor and focuses on student success in education and their academics. As a Life Skills Coach at CIP, Ivianna helps student develop skills and expand their tool kit as they transition into adulthood by/through focuses on social and emotional growth and real life experiences.

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.

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.