Our teaching community is very stable with a low turnover rate. Staff includes credentialed special education teachers, instructional aides, licensed clinical social workers, and a speech therapist. Credentials vary from Learning Handicapped Specialist, Clear Level-II Education Specialist, and Preliminary Level-I Education Specialist. Staff members share the teaching philosophy that all children and troubled teens regardless of their emotional distrubance or/and learning disability can learn in the appropriate setting. They are continually finding new ways to adapt the special education curriculum to relate to a student’s background, interests and needs.

Jay Bechtol, M.S.W.
Director of Hillsides Education Center

Jay Bechtol supervises the HEC staff that consists of seven teachers, 28 teacher’s aides and five support staff. He also coordinates access to the services of nurses, therapists, psychiatrists, and music and art therapists through Hillsides’ residential treatment program, which is located on the same campus. Jay has been with Hillsides for over 18 years.  If you would like more information on student openings, employment, or would like to take a tour of the campus, contact Jay Bechtol, M.S.W..

Kerry Webber
Assistant Director of Hillsides Education Center

Kerry Webber is responsible for student admissions, facilitates student enrollment based on openings, and provides student counseling. In addition, Kerry oversees the therapeutic component, developing behavioral plans that are integrated in the individualized education plan. Kerry has been employed by Hillsides for twenty years of which 12 years have been with Hillsides Education Center.

Lupe Gonzales
Academic Dean

Lupe Gonzales, a local L.A. girl, came to Hillsides Education Center ten years ago as a Special Education teacher. She became Academic Dean in the new school year 2008-2009. Lupe manages the individual education plans for the K-8th grade classes. Her role includes overseeing the school curriculum and managing the students' individualized education plans, as well as helping the teachers, working as the school liaison with school districts, parents, educational surrogates, service providers and students. 

Robyn Wehrly
Academic Dean

Robyn Wehrly became Academic Dean in the new school year 2008-2009. She came to Hillsides four years ago as a Special Education teacher from Michigan. Robyn manages the individual education plans for K-9th through K-12th grade classes. Her role includes overseeing the school curriculum and managing the students' individualized education plans, as well as helping the teachers, working as the school liaison with school districts, parents, educational surrogates, service providers and students. 

Kathy Baele, L.C.S.W.
Resource Specialist

Kathy Baele provides students one-on-one instruction for remediation. She is responsible for the academic testing prior to each student's IEP meeting. As a licensed social worker and having received her credentials in education, Kathy is able to combine her skills as a therapist and an educator.Previously, Kathy was a special education teacher for eight years and prior to that was a social worker for Hillsides.

Yolanda Villalpando
Administrative Assistant

Yolanda Villalpando coordinates the students’ school records and their attendance.  Having been employed for seven years at Hillsides Education Center, Yolanda is very familiar with the school and its campus. She can provide general information to school districts, parents and service providers.

Other support staff includes:
• Credentialed Teachers
• Physical Education teacher
• Music Teacher
• Teaching Assistants
• Behavioral Specialist Team
• Social Workers
• Speech and Language Therapist
• Office Manager/Billing