Michael Partie, Director, did his undergraduate work in psychology at the University of South Florida and his graduate work in psychoanalytic studies at the University of Sheffield in England. Michael has done extensive work with youth and their families, served as a behavior analyst for young people and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities, and for adults with serious and persistent mental illness. Michael also served as a psychiatric social worker in a mobile psychiatric crisis service and hospital diversion unit.
From 1995 until 2001 Michael was chief patient abuse investigator for a state system serving individuals with developmental disabilities. It was during this time that he developed the Therapeutic Options™ curriculum and began teaching it throughout North America and Pacific Rim.
In 2003, Michael developed the Positive Behavior Intervention Certificate Program for the University of Delaware Center for Disabilities Studies. In 2005 TASH awarded Michael its Positive Approaches award in recognition of his exemplary training and technical assistance for professionals in the mental health, developmental disabilities, education, rehabilitation, and early intervention communities.
Michael has over 50 years’ experience in martial arts. He holds multiple black belts, including a 6th degree black belt in hapkido, and has over twenty years of formal training in aikido, which has been called the “martial art of reconciliation” because of its ethical commitment to neutralizing violence without escalating conflict. This background was instrumental in designing and teaching effective strategies for safely evading and containing the violent behaviors of others.
Michael teaches and provides on-site technical assistance in Therapeutic Options™ and Neurorelational Positive Behavior Support.
Tracy Mann directs and oversees communications and outreach, including the website, marketing materials, and outreach programs. Tracy has been working in the disabilities field for over twenty years in a variety of roles, including directing the Communication and Advocacy for a University-based research center and a fellow at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Tracy holds a PhD in Urban Affairs and Public Policy from the University of Delaware. She is currently writing a book highlighting her research about parent experiences of their child’s diagnosis with autism spectrum disorders. She also provides research, consultation, and technical assistance to local and state nonprofits organizations.
Sheila Krein is a Therapeutic Options™ Master Instructor, and a certified instructor for Community Protection, a course designed to balance power and control with choice and safety for people who require “line-of-sight” support. Sheila has a Bachelor’s of Science in Education and a Minor in Applied Psychology from Eastern Washington University, and was a classroom teacher for young people before becoming an adult educator.
Sheila worked as a staff training coordinator, creating and delivering training for a social services corporation serving people with physical, intellectual, and psychiatric disabilities across six states. In 2014, Sheila coauthored and created materials for the 40-hour Washington State Residential Services Curriculum, which is now required for all Supported Living, and Long Term and Aging programs operating within the state.
“Playfully responsible” is both her work and life motto. Sheila continues to manage balance and fluidity on SUP boards across multiple lakes in the Pacific Northwest.
Sheila teaches and provides on-site technical assistance in Therapeutic Options™.
Eugene Colvin is a Therapeutic Options™ Master Instructor with over 25 years experience in forensic and inpatient psychiatric service. By designing and delivering key training programs addressing a broad spectrum of support, Eugene has been instrumental in moving the New Jersey state mental health system towards a more trauma-informed system of care.
Eugene combines a dynamic and insightful teaching style with a vast professional knowledge of crisis support and emergency management, creating meaningful education and training experiences for providers. Eugene is committed to supporting people’s rehabilitation, recovery, and quality of life. As a full-time crisis responder within an inpatient psychiatric facility, Eugene uses Therapeutic Options™ skills daily to encourage his patients and co-workers’ growth, while keeping them and himself safe.
Eugene teaches and provides on-site technical assistance in Therapeutic Options™ and emergency restraint procedures.
Boyd Fleming is a Therapeutic Options™ Master Instructor. He has undergraduate and graduate degrees in Counseling Psychology, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and is a Clinical Fellow with the American Association for Mariage and Family Therapy.
Boyd began his career as a direct support staff in an acute care psychiatric hospital. He then spent 12 years as a therapist, working primarily with children and families. He held clinical and supervisory roles in acute psychiatric hospitals, residential facilities and crisis intervention services. When his first child was born Boyd spent two years as an at-home dad, and transitioned from practice to teaching. He taught at the University of Delaware for 16 years, focusing primarily on developmental disabilities, and counseling skills.
With his children in high school, Boyd wanted to return from teaching to direct service. He acquired a nursing degree and became a Registered Nurse in 2017. He currently serves as a RN on an ortho-neuro trauma unit where he works with patients with traumatic brain and bone injuries.
Boyd teaches and provides on-site technical assistance in Therapeutic Options™.
Cindy Sneed is a Therapeutic Options™ Master Instructor and licensed behavioral health consultant, with over 25 years’ experience working in community-based mental health, substance use, trauma, and crisis services. Cindy has served in behavioral health leadership positions in Tennessee throughout her career. She was the Sr. Vice President of Substance Use Treatment and Recovery Support services at Volunteer Behavioral Health Care System; Chief Clinical Officer at The Next Door, a continuum of co occurring treatment services for women; and she served as Director of Emergency Psychiatric Services at the Mental Health Cooperative. Cindy has also worked in clinical private practice and behavioral health program consultation.
Cindy has been recognized for her leadership in the behavioral health field at both the state and national levels. She received the Tennessee Licensed Professional Counselors Association’s (TLPCA) “Hammonds-White Award,” for outstanding leadership in mental health counseling. SAMHSA’s Center for Substance Abuse Treatment selected her to be one of 18 leaders in the nation to be an Associate in the inaugural class of the Women’s Addiction Services Leadership Institute (WASLI). Cindy also received the “Outstanding Community Service Award” from the American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA).
Cindy is a passionate patient advocate, and experienced behavioral health crisis manager, leader, presenter, teacher, and group facilitator. She has an energetic and engaging teaching style as she brings a foundation of lived experience, wisdom, and hope into Therapeutic Options™ training.
Gabrielle Protz is a Therapeutic Options™ Master Instructor. Gaby serves as a consultative autism specialist in Delaware schools, where she prides herself on developing trust-based relationships while constructing research-based interventions for individuals with complex support needs. She provides training to educators on specialized instruction, behavior support, trauma, and disabilities.
Gaby holds a Master’s Degree in Education of Exceptional Youth and Children with a concentration in Autism and Severe Disabilities from the University of Delaware, as well as a certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis from Arizona State University.
Gaby teaches and provides on-site technical assistance in Therapeutic Options™ and Neurorelational Positive Behavior Support.
Terra Jacobson is a Therapeutic Options™ Master Instructor. Terra has a Bachelors in Liberal Studies with an emphasis in Psychology and Education from California State University Channel Islands, and has been in the field of helping others for over 20 years. She has extensive experience supporting adults and young people with evelopmental disabilities, mental health, and physical health needs. Terra has served in residential habilitation centers, community residential and day programs, supported living services, and hospital transition systems, where she provided both direct support and administrative oversight on programs, policies, and implementation of support plans. At one point, she even worked for a container shipping company, where she says TO would have been extremely helpful, had she only known about it!
Terra has conducted Therapeutic Options™ training for staff working in a broad spectrum of service settings, and encompassing a wide range of complex behavior support needs. She is passionate about the helping relationship, and about coaching service providers to develop vital relationships with the people they serve. Terra is a strong believer in community, and the responsibility community members have to listen, support, and empower each other. She brings experience, kindness, humor, and wisdom to her training.
Mark Bernstein is a Therapeutic Options™ Master Instructor. Mark has been involved in the field of disabilities for nearly 30 years, as a direct support professional, administrator, consultant and trainer. For many years, Mark served as the senior trainer for the community education unit at the University of Delaware Center for Disabilities.
Mark has a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the State University of New York College at Cortland and a Master’s Degree in Experimental Psychology from the State University of New York College at Oswego.
Mark teaches and provides on-site technical assistance in Therapeutic Options™, Leadership & Employee Retention, Self-Determination, and various other staff development topics.
