Steven E. Gutstein, Ph.D., Director 

Dr. Steve Gutstein is an internationally renowned pioneer in the field of developmental disabilities. As the developer and director of RDIconnect, he has brought over twenty years of experience in treatment planning, program development, clinical expertise and education to his innovative approaches for treating at-risk children, adolescents and adults. Over the course of his career he has trained thousands of dedicated professionals, supporting them as they work with families around the world, while serving as the director of the Relationship Research Institute and the Gilbert Hall School in Los Angeles. It is Dr. Gutstein’s belief that every individual with developmental disabilities merits a second chance to realize success in a world where their choices and decisions are entirely their own.

Rachelle K. Sheely, Ph.D., Director

Dr. Rachelle Sheely serves as the co-director of RDIconnect as well as the head of professional training and supervision. For the past fifteen years she has been a leader in the development and logistical implementation of programs for both families and professionals working with children, adolescents and adults with developmental disabilities. Along with her extensive clinical training, Dr. Sheely brings an accomplished background in education, art, music and poetry allowing her to inject creativity and originality into the teaching, training and management of the thousands of professionals and families she reaches on a daily basis. Profoundly effecting, Dr. Sheely has spent a lifetime working with children on a professional and personal level. With a gift for moving from observation to intuitive precision, her work extends far beyond treatment, and into the everyday moments that resonate in the lives of her clients. Email Dr. Sheely.

Claudia Andreessen, RDIconnect Professional Trainer 

Claudia, is a crucial member of the RDIconnect team. Originally involved with RDI as a parent of a child on the spectrum, she brings a rich experience to the process. Claudia is a strong contributor to the development of the Learning System. Her background in education with an emphasis on early development has supported the sequential development of both parent and professional objectives. An established trainer, consultants have benefitted from her insight and sensitive feedback during professional training. Claudia is bi-lingual, a mother of two and a graduate of the University of Monterrey. Claudia is essential to the on-going development of RDI. Email Claudia.

Philip Balonwu, IT Support

Philip Balonwu is a seasoned Computer specialist and Support Analysis. With in depth knowledge of computers and troubleshooting he supports and handles all technical related issues to the RDI Learning System Programs. Philip is also responsible for responding to user service request tickets as well as providing a helping hand with internal technical issues. A dedicated and highly energetic person, Philip holds a degree in business administration and a diploma in computer science.  He is the proud father of a very cute little boy. Email Philip.

Carlotta Baird, Community Guide

For over 10 years, Carlotta Baird has been involved in the construction and implementation of the mission, development and marketing for RDIconnect. Bringing an arts background to the many projects she undertakes, Carlotta’s work reflects an innate aesthetic eye combined with her meticulous and exacting work ethic. A mother of two, Carlotta’s whimsical approach to graphics and marketing have allowed her to pursue her passion and strategically contribute to the growth RDIconnect without losing her impressive sense of humor. Email Carlotta.

Dora Caballero, Business Manager

Dora Caballero is essential to almost every aspect of RDIconnect. As Business Manager, she solves problems, creates spreadsheets, manages finances all with good humor. Dora has been with RDIconnect since 2002. During that time she has witnessed and participated in the growth of the organization from the bottom up. Dora is bi-lingual, a Texan and the mother of two little cowpokes. Email Dora.

Martha Greenberg, Front Office Administrator

Martha comes to RDIconnect as an accomplished administration manager. After thirty years of working with a range of different systems, office atmospheres and personalities we are happy to have her as an addition to our wily crew. Besides acting as a triage for all questions, answers and requests Martha is the front line of our business always welcoming, wonderful and charming. Email Martha.

Hannah Gustein, Director of Marketing and PR

Hannah Gutstein has been quietly toiling away for RDIconnect, for what she feels is an eternity. As the daughter of two psychologists, she has been given the gift/curse of childhood analysis to utilize not only for her own writing, but the content of this website. She is demanding, dog-eat-dog and some say terrifying to work with. Lately Hannah has channeled some of her angst into a MSt. In Creative Writing from the University of Oxford, where she was able to entertain her classmates with stories from her youth. Email Hannah.

Ana Hermosilla, Director of Professional Training

Ana Hermosilla holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a minor in Sociology from Southwestern University. In 2001, two days after graduation, she began her career at RDIconnect. Balancing multiple roles, Ana acts as a central component in the development and administration of the programs now available to parents and professionals around the world. With almost a decade of experience, she is the leading force behind professional trainings and supervision and an invaluable part of the RDIconnect community and team. Email Ana.

Laura Morehead, Professional Training Coordinator

Laura holds a BA in Mass Communication-Public Relations from Texas State University. With a background in marketing, advertising and promotions Laura lends a cultivated eye to the Professional projects she tackles with Ana. Among her many responsibilities are managing the hundreds of new and veteran consultants occupied in their beginning, intermediate or advanced training, as well as maintaining their personal and professional information and their continuing education. With new additions to her job, seemingly every day, Laura tackles every new obstacle with a superb sense of humor. Email Laura.

Eralp Pinardag, Director of IT 

Eralp holds a B.S. degree in Chemical Engineering (METU), M.S. degree in Materials Science and Engineering and an MBA/DIS degree from the University of Florida (Go Gators!) Having spent a considerable time in science and engineering, he found his true calling in life when he joined the RDIconnect in 2003. Ever since, he has dedicated himself to using the Information Technology to improve the lives of our staff, consultants and families. He considers himself a specializing generalist in the field of IT and a living proof of the success of "productive uncertainty" in his career so far. He is the proud dad of two daughters and the husband of a soon-to-be RDI Consultant.

Umair Syed, Systems Analyst

Umair is at the forefront of web platform development for the RDIconnect community. He has contributed from its inception to the launching of the RDI-LS system and is currently responsible for its maintenance, for supporting both its users and our internal organization. A graduate of Hyderabad India, Umair has also earned a Masters degree from the University of Houston. Umair is an avid cricket player and fluent in English, Hindi and Urdu.