A Dedicated Leadership Team of Expert Educators
We believe that leadership begins with vision, commitment, collaboration, and extensive knowledge of the goals and methods necessary to realize the vision.
TIEE’s leadership team consists of experts in educating K-12 students across the full range of potential and in training professionals and paraprofessionals to the highest level of teaching skill. Members of our team average more than 25 years of service to the teaching profession. We are committed to providing strong, positive leadership for our schools in order to realize our vision and fulfill our mission.
Hillary Whiteside, M.S., BCBA
Executive DirectorHillary Whiteside is the Executive Director of The Institute for Effective Education (TIEE), where she has devoted 30 years to transforming the lives of students with autism and other developmental disabilities. Since beginning her career at TIEE in 1996 as a paraprofessional, she has advanced through a series of leadership roles as a Special Education Teacher, Program Coordinator, and Director of Children’s Workshop for over 15 years, before assuming her current position in 2021.
Ms. Whiteside has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from San Diego State University, a Master of Science in Special Education and holds multiple California teaching credentials. She completed the required coursework for Behavior Analysis at the University of North Texas and has been a Board Certified Behavior Analyst since 2008.
In her career at TIEE, she has developed high-quality educational programs that serve students with complex needs, while mentoring, coaching and empowering educators to implement evidence-based practices. Her work has directly enhanced educational experiences for countless students across the communities TIEE serves, leading to meaningful, lasting improvements in outcomes for both students and their families.
In addition to her leadership at TIEE, Ms. Whiteside has served as an adjunct professor in San Diego State University’s Department of Special Education in the Master’s in Autism Program since 2004. She is widely recognized for her expertise in applied behavior analysis, program and curriculum development, and the training and coaching of educators implementing evidence-based practices. There, she plays a critical role in developing future leaders in the field, bridging research and applied experience, and reinforcing a culture of excellence and service.
Ms. Whiteside is also a dedicated advocate for high-quality, equitable special education services statewide. Having served on the board of the California Association of Private Special Education Schools (CAPSES) since 2021, she currently serves as its President, leading efforts to support schools, influence policy, and expand access to effective services for students with disabilities.
Throughout her career, Ms. Whiteside has demonstrated a deep and sustained commitment to empowering students, families, and educators. She was recognized as TIEE’s Professional of the Year in 2000 and was selected as a finalist for San Diego Magazine’s Celebrating Women Pioneer Award in the field of education in 2025. This year, she is being honored for 30 years of service to TIEE, a milestone that reflects her enduring impact and dedication to the field of special education.
Email:hwhiteside@tiee.org
Barbara Lounsbury, M.D.
M.D. Medical DirectorDr. Lounsbury, TIEE’s Medical Director since 1994, completed her undergraduate education at Harvard University. Her medical degree and fellowship training in Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics was obtained at Baylor College of Medicine. Dr. Lounsbury is board certified in Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics.
Until 2005, Dr. Lounsbury directed TIEE’s Center for School Problems, which evaluated and treated children with learning problems and provided training for their families.
Jen Swope, M.S.
Director COOK Education Center & Urban Skills CenterJen Swope received her B.A. in Elementary Education from Salisbury State University in Salisbury, Maryland, and her M.S. in Special Education from National University. As an undergraduate, she was President of Pi Kappa Phi Honor Society and she graduated cum laude. Ms. Swope holds a California Multiple Subject Teaching Credential and the Level II Education Specialist Credentials for both Mild/Moderate and Moderate/Severe.
Ms. Swope began her career at TIEE in 2001 as a paraprofessional at COOK Education Center. She was promoted to a special education teacher position the following year, a position she held for three years before she was promoted to Program Coordinator. In 2008, Ms. Swope was promoted to Lead Coordinator of COOK Education Center, and, as of November, 2010, she has served as Director of COOK Education Center. In 2012, Ms. Swope also took on duties as Director of TIEE’s Urban Skills Center.
Mike Collins, M.S.,
Director, Mt. Helix Academy
Mike Collins received his B.A. in History/Education from Ramapo College of New Jersey, and he is currently completing study for his M.S. in Special Education at National University. He holds a California single subject credential in Social Sciences.
Mr. Collins began his teaching career in 1986 with Middle School students in both private and public schools in New Jersey. In 1998, he began teaching for TIEE in the COOK Adolescent Program. In that same year, Mr. Collins transferred to TIEE’s Coleman Preparatory School (now Mt. Helix Academy). Once there, he taught students in the Primary, Elementary, and Middle School Modules. In 1999, Mike began coordinating Coleman Prep’s summer program and he was promoted to Middle School Module Coordinator. Just two years later, in 2001, his teaching so impressed his colleagues that he was awarded Professional of the Year by TIEE’s Board of Directors.
In 2007, Mike was promoted to Assistant Director of Mt. Helix Academy and, in 2010, he was promoted to Director. At the annual staff function in 2019, Mr. Collins was recognized for 20 years of service to TIEE.
Alicia Ritter, M.A., BCBA
Director, Children's WorkshopAlicia Ritter, M.A., BCBA was promoted to the Director of Children’s Workshop in 2021. She began as a paraprofessional teacher for TIEE in 2001, she became a teacher in 2002, and was promoted to Program Coordinator of Children’s Workshop in 2007. She was awarded TIEE’s Teacher of the Year in 2008. Ms. Ritter received her B.A. in Sociology from University of San Francisco and M.A. in Teaching from National University. She holds Professional Clear Moderate/Severe Education Specialist credential as well as a Professional Clear Mild/Moderate Education Specialist credential. Ms. Ritter completed coursework in Behavior Analysis at the University of North Texas and is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). In addition to her duties at Children’s Workshop, Ms. Ritter is a Lecturer in San Diego State University’s Department of Special Education.
Steve Wheless, M.A.
Director, Mission Valley AcademySteve Wheless, M.S., was promoted to the Director of Mission Valley Academy in 2021. He began his career with TIEE as a paraprofessional in 2002, became a teacher in 2004, and was promoted to the Program Coordinator of the Aim High Program at Mt. Helix Academy in 2009. Mr. Wheless later became the Program Coordinator of Mission Valley Academy in 2019. He received TIEE’s Professional of the Year award and the Council for Exceptional Children’s Outstanding Educator of the Year award in 2009. Mr. Wheless received his B.S. in Human Services from the University of Phoenix and a M.S. in Special Education from National University. He holds a Professional Mild/Moderate Education Specialist credential as well as a Moderate/Severe Education Specialist credential. Mr. Wheless has also completed coursework in Behavior Analysis at the University of North Texas.
Jenn Brown, M.A., M.S., BCBA
Director, Workshop at COOK programAfter receiving her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from University of California, San Diego in 2000, Jenn Brown began her career at TIEE as a paraprofessional at Children’s Workshop. Shortly after, Jenn enrolled in a teaching program at National University. In fall of 2001, she was promoted to an intern teacher working with adolescents in the Young Person’s Annex, now known as Workshop @ Cook. In 2003, Jenn received both her general and special education credentials, as well as her Master’s degree in Special Education. In 2004, Jenn was promoted to Program Coordinator and enrolled at San Diego State University (SDSU). In 2006, she received a second Master’s degree in Special Education with an Emphasis on Autism. In 2018, Jenn was recognized as Professional of the Year for her outstanding contributions to TIEE’s students, families, and mission. In 2021, Jenn became a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). In fall of 2023, Jenn Brown joined the Leadership Team at TIEE as the Director of Workshop @ Cook.
Sheryl Bobroff, M.S., LPCC, CRC
Director, Vocational and Adult ServicesSheryl Bobroff received her B.A. in Liberal Studies and M.S. in Rehabilitation Counseling from San Diego State University. She holds credentials in both regular and special education and has taught students with disabilities for over 25 years. Sheryl is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) and a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC).
Sheryl began her career at TIEE in 1995 as a teacher at the Urban Skills Center. She was promoted to the Coordinator of the Community Living Program in 1998 and was the Coordinator of Vocational and Transition Services from 2002-2019. She became the Director of Vocational and Adult Services in 2019. Sheryl was awarded TIEE’s Professional of the Year in 1998 and was acknowledged for 20 years of service to the organization in 2015. In 2019, she received the Leading The Charge Award from the Developmental Disabilities Provider Network.
Sheryl has publications in several journals and regularly conducts presentations on self-determination and person-driven planning. Sheryl has been an adjunct faculty member in the Rehabilitation Counseling graduate program at San Diego State University (SDSU), where she taught policy development and collaboration in schools and disability systems. She also supervises graduates who desire to obtain certification in Rehabilitation Counseling or licensure in Professional Clinical Counseling.
Tom Reasoner, B.S.
Director of Operations
Trish Dart, B.B.A., PHR, SHRM-CP
Director of Human ResourcesTrish Dart came to TIEE in May of 1994 when Coleman Prep School (now Mt Helix Academy), where she worked as an Administrative Assistant, was acquired by TIEE. She was promoted to Human Resources Assistant in 1995, to Human Resources Manager in 1998 and Director of Human Resources in 2022.
In 2002, Trish was recognized for excellence and outstanding performance by being selected for TIEE’s Directors’ Award. At TIEE’s annual staff awards function in 2014, she was acknowledged for 20 years of service to the organization and will be acknowledged for 30 years of service in 2024.
Trish currently holds Human Resource certifications by both HRCI and SHRM.
