Staff Profiles

CIP Long Beach Long Beach, California

CIP Long Beach has an experienced, professional staff with strong educational backgrounds and solid experience working with young adults with Asperger’s, ADHD and other Learning Differences.

Get to Know The CIP Long Beach Team

Crystal Hayes, M.Ed.

Program Director

Crystal has worked in the field of education for 21 years as a paraprofessional, teacher, liaison, advisor and administrator. Crystal joined CIP Long Beach as a Student Advisor in 2015, and has since supported the CIP community in various capacities including Head Student Advisor, Assistant Program Director, and most recently as the Program Director.

Misty Wagner, B.A.

Assistant Program Director

Misty understands the unique challenges and strengths of each individual that allow her to guide students on their journey towards independence. One of Misty’s strongest abilities is working with the students families of individuals with developmental disabilities by assisting them in aligning services, as well as assisting families in understanding an individual’s needs.

Rena Barbosa M.A.

Office Manager

Rena has worked in the field of business administration. She joined the College Internship Program in May of 2018 as the Office Manager. She graduated with a Master’s Degree in Strategic Communications in 2017 and holds certifications in Mediation and in Human Resource Management.

Samantha Karay, M.S.

Clinician

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.

Christopher J. Pena, M.A., LMFT

Clinician

Chris has worked as a psychotherapist for 12 years and has been a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist since 2012. Chris has had experience working in a psychiatric hospital and, just prior to working at CIP, at a non-public high school for students with autism, ADHD, and other Learning Differences.

Karen Sok, B.S.

Academic Coach

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.

Bree Tungate, M.A.

Academic Coordinator

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.

Gabrielle Maldonado, M.A.

Head Student Advisor

Gabrielle has worked in the field of education for nearly a decade as a Student Advisor, Adjunct Professor, and Classroom Teacher. She previously found success working with young adults who are learning to build stronger levels of self efficacy, productivity, self awareness and confidence through teachable moments.

Alex Ryan

Alumni Mentor / Social Mentor

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.

Joseph Sylvers

Life Skills Coach

As a Life Skills Coach Joseph has developed curriculum for residential programming like culinary and maintenance support as well as social and community integration through weekend activities. Joseph assists students with developing independent living skills.

Kayla Cherry, B.A.

Life Skills & Wellness Coordinator

Kayla has worked in the field of Special Education for nearly a decade and has held many positions at CIP such as; Career Counselor, Student Advisor, Student Support Specialist, Life Skills and Wellness Coordinator and Interim Assistant Program Director. As Life Skills and Wellness Coordinator at CIP Long Beach, Kayla and her team was voted Department of the Year.

Katherine Rivas, B.A.

Social Skills Coordinator

Katherine has worked in the field of ABA for 5 years. As a program coordinator, parent trainer and social skills operations leader, she participated actively with colleagues to plan events that involved all clients and caregivers.

Lyndsey Taylor

Student Support Specialist

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.

Amber Ellico, B.A.

Academic Coach

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.

Evelin Franco, B.A.

Academic Coach

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.

Student advisors serve as case managers and liasons with families, keeping them up-to-date regarding their student's progress.

CIP’s core curriculum includes an emphasis on individualized support. Students with autism, asperger’s, and other learning disabilities benefit from working one on one with student advisors on goal setting, self-assessment, building self-advocacy skills and dealing with day-to-day issues.

Spotlight on Success

Hear from CIP Long Beach 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 #CIPLongBeach

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

© 2021 College Internship Program. All rights reserved.