Dr. Roseanne Esposito

Founder, Educator, and Advocate for Transformative Learning

Dr. Roseanne Esposito is a dedicated educator and leader with a passion for creating meaningful learning experiences that empower individuals and communities. As the founder of Hilltop Communities, she brings over three decades of experience in education, blending expertise in special education, social-emotional learning, and trauma-informed practices with a deep commitment to personal and professional growth.

Her career has been shaped by a belief in education’s transformative power—whether working one-on-one with students, mentoring educators, or developing innovative programs. As a mother of four, she understands the importance of fostering an environment where every learner feels valued and supported. This perspective informs her work, ensuring that the programs she develops are both practical and impactful.

Dr. Esposito’s reach extends beyond the U.S., particularly through her work in Honduras, where she has collaborated with local professionals, educators and students. These experiences have strengthened her ability to create culturally responsive and adaptable programs that address the unique needs of diverse communities.

She holds a Doctorate in Education Leadership & Organizational Innovation from Marymount University, a Master’s in Special Education from Long Island University, and a Bachelor’s in Psychology from the University of Delaware. Her academic background, combined with years of hands-on experience, allows her to develop research-based, yet practical solutions that help students, educators, and communities thrive.

At Hilltop Communities, her mission is to provide learning experiences that go beyond academics—helping students, educators, and organizations build skills, confidence, and a sense of purpose. Whether designing professional development, offering academic assessments, or leading immersive programs, Dr. Esposito remains focused on creating opportunities for growth and connection.

Rick Bette

Master Planner & Sustainable Development Manager

Rick is a skilled landscape architect and architectural designer who brings a distinctive combination of engineering design expertise, technical precision, and cultural awareness to Hilltop Communities. His work is dedicated to creating eco-friendly, nature-integrated spaces that inspire and uplift communities in both Honduras and the United States.

As the owner of a multidisciplinary business, Rick provides a range of services, including:

• Architecture, Landscape Architecture, and House Wright services

• Project Management for heavy and highway construction, architectural construction, and expansion projects, including airport and town planning

• Master Planning for residential developments and international projects, including work in Campeche, Mexico (Yucatán) and Roatán, Honduras

• Sustainable Greenhouse and Agricultural Enterprises, integrating eco-friendly principles into long-term development

Rick’s work has been recognized in prestigious publications such as Architectural Digest and Better Homes & Gardens, showcasing his ability to merge innovation with sustainability. His expertise in engineering design ensures that every project is both practical and environmentally responsible, meeting the needs of the community while respecting the land.

Through his leadership in outdoor nature programs, he advances sustainable growth and environmental education, offering participants meaningful engagement with their surroundings. His work reflects a genuine commitment to the well-being and growth of the people he serves, making him not just a designer but a true partner in community transformation.

Rick holds a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (BLA) and continues to leave a lasting impact through his visionary approach to sustainable and culturally attuned design.

Tara Skiff, Psy.S.

Lead Data Collection & Analysis Specialist

Tara is a highly skilled and dedicated School Psychologist and Data Collection & Analysis Specialist with nearly a decade of experience supporting student success through comprehensive psychoeducational assessments, evidence-based interventions, and therapeutic counseling. Her expertise in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), and data-driven decision-making makes her an invaluable asset to our team.

Currently pursuing her Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) in School Psychology, Tara’s work is rooted in a deep commitment to improving student outcomes through data-informed interventions. She excels in collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, including educators, administrators, and families, to design individualized support plans that enhance both student and staff success.

At Hilltop Communities, Tara serves as our Lead Data Collection & Analysis Specialist, overseeing research initiatives, conducting needs assessments, and utilizing evidence-based methodologies to drive impactful educational strategies. Her extensive background in assessment tools, progress monitoring, and program evaluation ensures that our initiatives are both measurable and effective in fostering inclusive and equitable learning environments.

In addition to her expertise in assessment and intervention, Tara is trained in the Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills (PEERS), an evidence-based social skills program designed to support children and adolescents in developing and maintaining meaningful peer relationships. Through PEERS interventions, she helps students enhance their social communication, friendship-building skills, and emotional regulation, empowering them to navigate social challenges with confidence.

With a strong foundation in school psychology and research, Tara is passionate about empowering students, educators, and communities through strategic data analysis, psychological insights, and social-emotional skill development.