Meet Our
Team
Aaron Muttillo
Founder
I have worked in public, private, and non-profit settings for over 20 years in a variety of clinical and administrative roles. Throughout the years, I have learned that being authentic and present are keys to forming healthy relationships. Relationships offer opportunities for communal joy and serve as a protective factor for toxic stress and trauma. In my personal and professional life, I strive to develop relationships that are built on trust and transparency.
A quote by Ross Greene, “Kids do well if they can” has served has a guiding force in my work with kids. I believe that young people can learn, grow, and heal when conditions are thoughtfully established. My interventions are grounded in brain research and guided by a person’s developmental level. Whether engaged in individual or organizational work, I incorporate movement, art, music, and humor to ensure that services are relevant, regulating, and rewarding.
I currently serve on the board of directors with West Side Catholic Center and volunteer coach through Near West Recreation. I’m also a part-time instructor in the Psychology Department at Cleveland State University.
I reside in the Detroit Shoreway neighborhood of Cleveland with my wife, Emily, and our three children. In addition to coaching and attending numerous youth sporting events, I find respite in the woods during our frequent family camping trips.
Sheri Mayer
LISW-S
I have been providing mental health therapy services to individuals and families for nearly thirty years. After graduating with my MSSA from Case Western Reserve University in 1996, I began my career in the nonprofit sector, first as a therapist and later as a clinical supervisor. I transitioned to private practice over ten years ago, after having my two daughters. I specialize in working with adolescents and adults to help them manage anxiety disorders, OCD, depression, and Bipolar Disorder.
Jill Tayfel
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH PROFESSIONAL
Jill Tayfel is a compassionate behavioral health professional with over 25 years of experience supporting individuals and families in both the nonprofit and private practice sectors. She holds graduate degrees in Marriage and Family Therapy and Guidance and Counseling and brings a deep understanding of both mental health and substance use concerns. Her counseling approach is collaborative, strengths‑based, and family‑centered, drawing from evidence‑informed practices to support meaningful and lasting change. She works with individuals and families navigating life transitions, emotional challenges, and relational stress, with a particular interest in supporting young women and families with complex needs. Jill is committed to creating a safe, respectful space where clients feel heard, supported, and empowered. When she is not helping others, Jill can be found in the Metroparks in the Brecksville area, where she lives with her husband, 2 daughters, and their beloved Doodle, Kaci.
Stanley Leman
Education Professional
Stanley Leman is a dedicated professional with a passion for supporting individuals with Autism and developmental disabilities. Since 2017, Stanley has been making a meaningful impact as an Associate Teacher at Insightful Minds, leveraging a compassionate approach and specialized expertise to empower students in their educational journey.
Stanley’s educational background reflects a diverse skill set, having pursued Culinary Arts at Hocking College and Business Entrepreneurship at Ohio University. This unique blend of knowledge enriches Stanley’s ability to connect with students and approach their development holistically.
Beyond the realm of education, Stanley finds fulfillment in various hobbies that reflect a zest for life. From rigorous workouts to exploring the great outdoors through hiking, Stanley finds balance and inspiration in nature. Avid reading and gardening serve as avenues for continuous learning and relaxation. Additionally, Stanley’s passion for sports shines through enthusiastic support for the Cleveland Browns and Cleveland Indians.
Residing in Mentor, Ohio, Stanley shares his life with his wife, Cassie, and their dog, Rudy.
Stanley embodies a commitment to nurturing growth, both in the classroom and in personal pursuits, fostering an environment of empathy, learning, and fulfillment.
Lisa Barbarino
Education Professional
Lisa grew up in Garfield Heights and currently lives in Olmsted Township, Ohio. After working as an office manager in the medical field for 25 years, Lisa shifted gears and began a career serving children with severe behavioral challenges and developmental needs. For the past 15 years, Lisa has provided life skills, mindfulness, and yoga to school-aged children. Currently in her role as the office manager at STEPS Insightful Minds, Lisa leads yoga groups for staff and students. Lisa has been a student of yoga for many years and has completed a 32-hour Yoga Kids training. In addition, Lisa has completed courses on Trauma-Informed Yoga and Yoga for the Classroom. Lisa believes that yoga and mindfulness are great tools that children can use to foster a greater sense of well-being. She believes that yoga is for everybody and that the mind-body connection emphasized in yoga helps children develop the skills necessary for self-regulation.
Jeannie Oakar
Education professional
Jeannie is an artist and teacher living and working in Cleveland, Ohio. After receiving her Bachelor’s degree in psychology and family development from the University of Dayton she lived and taught pottery in Phoenix, Arizona and eventually moved back to Cleveland to pursue her 20+ year career in mental health, visual arts and pottery. In 2005 Jeannie received her State of Ohio Visual Arts teaching license from Cleveland State University. She has taught pottery, therapeutic visual arts, social emotional learning and provided mental health programming throughout her career with Positive Education Program (PEP), Beck Center for the Arts, Brecksville Art Center, Art House Inc. and Shore Cultural Center. Through the years, she has served as treasurer,vice president and board member for various art non-profits within the city. Jeannie currently serves as the Visual Arts Teacher for STEPS Educational Group where she teaches two buildings of neurodivergent students.
Dave Deitke
Music Therapist
Dave Deitke is a full-time musician, music therapist, and adaptive music educator. Dave provides music therapy to help clients achieve individual healthcare and educational goals within a theraputic relationship. For the past 11 years, Dave has successfully taught an adaptive music curriculum and worked 1:1 with students at STEPS. Additionally, he has taught summer programs at Open Door Academy. Dave is actively engaged in the local Northeast Ohio music scene, playing shows, running sound, and organizing events.