Staff Profiles

CIP Berkeley Berkeley, California

CIP Berkeley 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 Berkeley Team

Michael McManmon, Ed.D.

Founder

Michael McManmon, Ed.D. founded the College Internship Program (CIP) in 1984. He received a B.A. in English from Mt. St. Mary’s College in Maryland, a Masters in Counseling from Shippensburg University, a Masters in Human Development from the University of Kansas (through a grant from the National Institute of Mental Health), and a Doctorate in Special Education from the University of Nevada.

Dan McManmon, President

President

Dan McManmon grew up in western Massachusetts, alongside four sisters, six foster brothers, and an adopted brother. His father, Michael McManmon, founded CIP in 1984 and was diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome later in life. Dan’s upbringing profoundly shaped his understanding and empathy for those with Autism, ADHD, and related learning differences.

Michael Noel, M.Ed.

Regional Director of Operations - West Coast

Michael has earned a M.Ed. in Psycho-Educational Processes from Temple University in Philadelphia, PA where he was born and raised. When he’s not at one of our CIP centers, you can find him enjoying the beach, hiking, and maybe even going on an extreme adventure.

Sharona Sommer, C.P.C.

Director of Learning & Development

Sharona has worked in the field of Special Education for over 25 years supporting students and families in various positions throughout her career. She previously founded and operated her own family coaching practice, where she had the privilege of working with families with neurodiverse teens and young adults to improve their relationships and reach their personal goals.

Kevin Broeckling, Ed.D.

National Admissions Director

Dr. Kevin Broeckling has been a higher education administrator focusing on student services, enrollment, and leadership during his more than 20-year career. He believes that education can change lives and has enjoyed helping young people access and complete degrees in higher education.

Jessica Stewart, M.Ed.

Program Director

Jessica Stewart is a seasoned education and youth leadership professional passionate about empowering students to unlock their full potential. With over 25 years of experience in educational Leadership, Jessica's dedication to modern teaching methods and creating nurturing environments has made her a respected figure in education circles.

Alejandro Pena

Assistant Program Director

Alejandro has worked in Education for over twenty years from Kindergarten to Doctorate degrees. His roles have ranged from Academic Advisor to Associate Vice President.

Lindsey Anderson

Office Manager

Lindsey is the Office Manager of CIP Berkeley. She is passionate about team building, compliance, and creating and maintaining healthy happy work rapports. She has a very collaborative mindset and has helped grow companies from start ups to full scale operations.

Leah Kaplan, L.C.S.W.

Clinician

Leah has worked in the mental health field for 6 years as an Independent Living Program Coordinator, Case manager, and Therapist. As a Clinician at CIP, Leah helps students receive emotional support, manage life stressors, and achieve their goals by using mindfulness-based strategies.

Lacey Rodriguez, A.S.W.

Clinician

Lacey has worked in the fields of education and mental health since 2015 in public and private elementary and secondary schools as a paraprofessional, school social worker, and wellness center coordinator.

Antoinette Grant, M.A.

Student Advisor

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.

Payton Reil, B.A.

Student Advisor

Payton has worked in student-focused settings since 2016, specializing in outdoor education. Most recently, she worked as a program manager for an afterschool program focusing on social-emotional learning and homework support.

Syncerity Reason, A.A.

Social Skills Coach

She emerges as a compassionate and insightful social skills coach for adults on the autism spectrum.

Norell Montgomery, M.A.

Academic Coordinator

Norell Montgomery has worked in the field of education and development for 8 years as a teacher and coordinator.

Ahmari Hayes, B.A.

Life Skills Coach

After graduating from the University of Illinois as a scholar-athlete, Ahmari Hayes began expanding his journey in the field of Behavioral Therapeutic practices.

Anna Bernick B.A.

Academic Coach

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.

Matt Leone, M.A.

Life Skills and Wellness Coach

Matt has worked collaboratively with a variety of individuals in the counseling field for about 2 years. His past experiences included identifying strategies with young emerging adults both on how they self identify and which solutions are helpful to navigate barriers challenging those self identified life goals and pursuits.

Sara Moreno, AA

Life Skills Coach

Sara Moreno (she/they) has worked in the field of Life Skills since 2023 as a Life Skills Coach. They previously found success working in Animal Care/Services. As a Life Skills Coach at CIP, Sara helps students learn executive function skills such as cooking,

Gabriel Botello, B.A.

Life Skills Coach

Gabriel Botello has worked in education since 2018 as a waste reduction educator, teaching assistant, and tutor.

Randall Dunn, M.A.

Life Skills Coordinator

Randall has worked in the field of human services and working with children and adults with ASD, ADHD and other complex learning differences for 10 years as a direct support professional, and a Residential Home Administrator.

Rose Marie Dollahan

Career Coach

Rose has worked in the field of applied behavioral analysis and complex learning differences for over a year as a Registered Behavior Technician, prior to stepping into her role as a Career Coach.

Kelsey Kohlman, B.S.

Student Advisor

As a student advisor at CIP, Kelsey aims to help students find independence and balance in their daily lives by setting goals and teaching self-advocacy skills, financial literacy, and problem-solving.

Bri Shaffer-Eldridge, B.A.

Academic Coach

Bri has worked in the field of academic support for three years as a Peer Academic Coach and has now transitioned into an Academic Coach role.

Aaron PenKruger

Academic Coach

Aaron has worked in the field of special education since 2015 as an instructional aid, paraeducator, and substitute teacher. He has previously found success in assisting students with disabilities to find a path through the education system that suits their needs.

Domonique Ousborn, B. S.

Career Coordinator

Domonique has worked in the field of Education for 10 years in public elementary, secondary, and higher education settings as an AmeriCorps volunteer, Special education teaching assistant, Therapeutic Support Specialist and Student Support Coordinator.

Mia Kirkendoll, B.A.

Student Advisor

Mia has worked in the field of education since 2018. She previously found success working with young students as an English teacher in South Korea.

Elaine Reichenbach, B.A

Student Advisor

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.

Ralston Gracie, B.S.

Wellness Coach

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.

Learn More About CIP Staff

We understand the unique strengths and challenges that each student can possess. Learn more about our diverse and experienced staff across all CIP locations.

VIDEO: Spotlight on Success

Hear from CIP Berkeley 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.

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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.

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