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.

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.

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 Ryan has worked in the field of Social Skills for six years as an alumni mentor. Alex has found previous success helping new students adjust to the program successfully by answering any questions they would have about the program, and host a variety of different lessons that pertain to independent living.

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.

Saul Castaneda, B.S.

Career Coordinator

Saul has worked in nonprofits for 7 years in many roles such as a Camp Director, Site Director, Program Coordinator, and most recently as a Job Coach. He previously found success working with students/participants by individualizing support and making connections.

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.

Carina Clendenin, B.A.

Student Advisor

Carina has worked in the field of education for over a decade as a summer camp instructor and director, preschool teacher, behavior therapist, curriculum director, and a university admissions counselor. She previously found success supporting young children on the spectrum by working 1:1 with clients using applied behavior analysis and working closely with families to achieve individual client goals.

Madeleine Torosian, M.A.

Academic Coach

Madeleine has worked in the field of special education since 2018. She was a 'Teach For America' corps member, and worked as a Resource Specialist high school teacher for four years. As an academic coach, Madeleine helps CIP students achieve their academic goals by providing specialized support based on students' needs and assets.

Staff Profiles

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

Misty Wagner, B.A.

Assistant Program Director

Rena Barbosa M.A.

Office Manager

Christopher J. Pena, M.A., LMFT

Clinician

Karen Sok, B.S.

Academic Coach

Gabrielle Maldonado, M.A.

Head Student Advisor

Alex Ryan

Alumni Mentor / Social Mentor

Joseph Sylvers

Life Skills Coach

Kayla Cherry, B.A.

Life Skills & Wellness Coordinator

Katherine Rivas, B.A.

Social Skills Coordinator

Saul Castaneda, B.S.

Career Coordinator

Evelin Franco, B.A.

Academic Coach

Carina Clendenin, B.A.

Student Advisor

Madeleine Torosian, M.A.

Academic Coach

Spotlight on Success

Follow #CIPLongBeach

Staff Profiles

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

Misty Wagner, B.A.

Assistant Program Director

Rena Barbosa M.A.

Office Manager

Christopher J. Pena, M.A., LMFT

Clinician

Karen Sok, B.S.

Academic Coach

Gabrielle Maldonado, M.A.

Head Student Advisor

Alex Ryan

Alumni Mentor / Social Mentor

Joseph Sylvers

Life Skills Coach

Kayla Cherry, B.A.

Life Skills & Wellness Coordinator

Katherine Rivas, B.A.

Social Skills Coordinator

Saul Castaneda, B.S.

Career Coordinator

Evelin Franco, B.A.

Academic Coach

Carina Clendenin, B.A.

Student Advisor

Madeleine Torosian, M.A.

Academic Coach

Spotlight on Success

Follow #CIPLongBeach​

Follow #CIPLongBeach