Our Team
Willowcrest’s holistic immersive program is delivered by people who are the best at what they do, both by training and because they hold high expectations and bring consistent, deliberate, and exceptional support.
We know how difficult it is to find good help, effective therapy, and kind and empathetic therapists. At Willowcrest we meet children and parents where they are and offer support that help both children and their parents succeed.
Teachers
Ryan Sinton
Elementary Teacher and Program Coordinator
Ryan Sinton has an Elementary Education License and a Bachelor's degree in Dance from the University of Colorado, Boulder, as well as a Special Education Generalist License from the University of Colorado, Denver.
Ryan is a dedicated special education teacher who fosters an engaging and predictable
learning environment for her students. She prioritizes inclusion and employs movement, music,
and a multi-sensory approach to meet diverse learning needs. Ryan specializes in curriculum
development and programing for K-3rd grade students with ASD, offering instruction across
various subjects and collaborating with IEP teams, para educators, and district specialists.
Ryan actively participates in several committees, including MTSS (Multi-
Tiered Systems of Support), SLS Respite Night Co-Coordinator, and Coordinator of Summer
Board Game Camp.
Naomi Levitsky
Elementary Teacher
Naomi Levitsky holds a California Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, Education Specialist Instruction Credential, and Early Childhood Educator Authorization. She earned her Master of Science in Elementary Education from Sarah Lawrence College and her Bachelor of Arts in American Studies from Brandeis University.
Naomi is a dedicated special education teacher with extensive experience teaching students from preschool through middle school. Throughout her career, she has developed inclusive and individualized curricula, managed IEPs, and collaborated closely with multidisciplinary teams and families to support students with diverse learning and behavioral needs. She creates structured, predictable, and engaging classroom environments where students feel safe, supported, and ready to learn.
Naomi believes strongly in the abilities of all children and is passionate about making school a joyful experience while fostering a lifelong love of learning. Her approach emphasizes individualized instruction, positive reinforcement, visual and sensory supports, and building a kind and welcoming classroom community where every student can grow and thrive.
Kimberly Mastrangelo
Kindergarten Teacher
Kimberly Mastrangelo is a dedicated educator with more than 10 years of experience in early childhood and special education. Her background includes working with students individually and in small groups, implementing IEP accommodations and modifications, and providing behavioral and emotional support to meet a wide range of learning needs.
Kimberly brings experience in both classroom teaching and special education support. She is passionate about creating a structured, nurturing, and engaging learning environment where students feel supported and successful. Her approach incorporates individualized instruction, positive behavioral strategies, and hands-on learning experiences designed to build academic, social-emotional, and developmental skills.
Kimberly values collaboration with families, teachers, and support professionals and believes in recognizing each student’s individual strengths and needs. She is committed to helping students build confidence, develop greater independence, and experience a sense of belonging within their school
Administration
Natally Raisin
Executive Director
Natally Raisin is the Founder and Executive Director of Willowcrest School. She was born and raised in Los Angeles, and she holds a BA in Women's Studies from Cal State University, Northridge. Natally spent 15 years in the hospitality industry managing and opening restaurants in LA and London for Nancy Silverton, Joe Bastianich and Nick Jones. She took time off in 2011 to raise her daughter, and again in 2015 when her son was born.
In response to her son's early Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnosis, and in an effort to create more resonant work, Natally founded Willowcrest School. Willowcrest is the embodiment of her experiences working to support her son in navigating the world confidently and independently. It’s the manifestation of hundreds of hours spent in therapeutic sessions – Speech, Occupational Therapy (OT), Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), and Prompt. It's a reflection of all her time spent volunteering in Pals Programs, Preschool Collaboratives and Kinder Pods. It's the fruit of having attended dozens of IEP meetings, Dispute Resolutions, psychological evaluations and mediations.
Through this journey, Natally picked up information, strategies, and ideas which have culminated in her commitment to supporting other kids and their families during a crucial stage of life. This commitment is rooted in a philosophy of nurturing each child and fostering agency and connection by bringing together therapies and education in one place. Natally noticed that this kind of holistic approach was missing from the experiences she had, and through Willowcrest, she aims to fill that gap.
When Natally isn't supporting the students and staff of Willowcrest School, she advises parents on procuring services from the Regional Center and In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS), and shares information about the Individual Education Plan (IEP) process as well as prioritizing services and school placement.
Sara Beth Kaufman, BCBA
Director of Student & Family Services
Sara Beth Kaufman is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. She has over 19 years of experience working with children with autism, ADHD, anxiety disorders, developmental delays and their families. Following her graduation from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a BA in psychology she immediately began working in the field of autism and behavior analysis. She later continued her graduate training and received her Masters in Counseling with an emphasis in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) from California State University-Los Angeles. While studying, she worked for a behavioral agency and ultimately became the clinical director. Working with staff, parents, schools and collaborating with other professionals Sara was able to help children increase positive behaviors and decrease challenging behaviors.
Sara has been in private practice for over 8 years specializing in program development, parent education, school and home consultation. She is passionate about making positive changes for children and their families.
Nicole Corin, CCC-SLP
Clinical Director
Nicole Corin is a neurodiversity-affirming speech-language pathologist with extensive experience supporting autistic and neurodivergent children and their families. Her areas of expertise include social communication, Gestalt language processing (GLP), augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), language development, social-emotional regulation, and parent and family coaching.
As Clinical Director at Willowcrest School, Nicole brings a collaborative, individualized, and trauma-informed approach to supporting students across their educational experience. She works closely with teachers, therapists, behavioral support staff, and families to help ensure that each student’s needs are understood and validated across the school environment.
Nicole is passionate about creating safe environments that recognize all forms and styles of communication. Her approach emphasizes building meaningful relationships, honoring each student’s individual strengths and needs, and empowering children to communicate confidently
Jewel Johnson
Director of Business & Administration
Jewel Johnson serves as Director of Business and Administration at Willowcrest School, bringing more than 20 years of experience in business affairs, financial management, and administration.
Jewel oversees the school’s business and administrative operations, including financial management, human resources, compliance, contracts, billing, and organizational systems. She works closely with Willowcrest’s leadership team to support the operational needs of the school and help ensure that staff, students, and families have the resources and systems needed for a successful school experience.
Jewel is passionate about creating thoughtful, organized, and supportive systems behind the scenes so that educators and clinicians can remain focused on what matters most; the students. She values strong relationships with families, staff, and community partners and is committed to supporting Willowcrest’s continued growth while maintaining the personal, family-centered environment that makes the school special.