CIP Long Beach Long Beach, California

Kelly is passionate about working within community and education. Previously, she spent time as a youth mentor, where she honed her skills in empathetic listening and conflict resolution. Kelly earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Asian American and Asian Diaspora Studies at the University of California, Berkeley. Her prior experiences as a university peer coach allowed her to assist young adults with goal setting, self management, and self-advocacy in a higher education setting. She deeply enjoyed supporting different age groups of learners to achieve their goals using creative problem solving.

Julie has worked in the community of adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities for over 20 years. Julie has worked in many areas of support services for adults with disabilities including supported employment, sensory integration, independent living and advocacy services. Most recently, Julie served as Work Program Director for SustainAbility Recycling in Colorado, an innovative supported employment program that includes on the job training with service to the community.

Amber has worked in the field of education for over two years as an Academic Success Coach and Program Assistant. Amber previously found success working to support young adults as an Academic Success Coach in higher education pursuits by creating individualized plans for students and working with the individual to align their academic goals. In addition, Amber worked as a Program Fellow supporting first-generation students by offering a college access program that will help them and their families in making the pursuit and attainment of a college degree an obtainable goal.

Evelin is new to the CIP family but has worked with the ASD community for three years as a ABA technician. As an Academic Coach at CIP, Evelin helps students meet their academic goals and needs throughout their college journey. Whether it be meeting an assignment deadline, advocating for any special accommodations, or simply getting as organized as can be to be a successful student.

Gabrielle Maldonado has worked in the field of education for 6+ years as a teacher, adjunct professor, advisor, and other supportive positions in the realm of academia. She previously found success working with young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders and/or Learning Differences by incorporating the arts, personal uniqueness, and authenticity with student’s general scope of themselves and the world. Her overall goal is to see young adults develop into inspiring, self reliant individuals who use their special way of thinking to better themselves and the community.

I have been working with students for a decade. My professional experience includes working at Long Beach City College as mentor for Project RISE and an achievement coach for Promise Pathways. I have earned a Bachelor’s in Child Development at CSU Dominguez Hills and love this major.

Samantha has worked as a facilitator and a therapist in the field of Autism and ADHD for over seven years and is a registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist. She previously found success in private practice where she worked collaboratively with clients while utilizing culturally sensitive and evidenced-based interventions.

Lyndsey has worked within the Education and Human Services fields for 5 years as a substitute teacher and school counseling intern. She is currently pursuing her M.A. in Educational Counseling with hopes to serve young adults through postsecondary transitions.

Alex came to CIP during the fall of 2013 as a student at the age of 18. Prior to CIP Alex attended high school at Village Glen. One of the things that drew Alex and his family in to choosing CIP was the program offered career counseling, internship coaching, and self-care skills including cooking.

Vernadine De Jesus has worked in the field of Psychology as a former Program Coordinator at a non-profit organization working with transitional-aged homeless youth, and now as a Student Support Specialist for CIP Long Beach. She previously found success working with young adults in need of advocacy as well as any mental health resources and support.

Bree joined CIP in 2017 as an academic coach. Bree has held different titles within CIP such as student support specialist and interim career coordinator. During her time as an academic coach and student support specialist, Bree found success working with students on their executive functioning skills in Academics, Careers, and Life Skills.

Isabel begins her career in the health and human services field with CIP Long Beach as a Student Support Specialist. Prior to this role, she worked as an intern and gained experience by shadowing, observing and contributing in various departments, including careers, academics, life and social skills.