Student Advising Center Staff

Jeff Chiapello

Jeff joined JJC and the Student Advising Center team in December of 2022 after spending 17 years at University of St. Francis.  With over 20 years of higher education experience, along with over 10 years of advising experience, Jeff brings a wealth of knowledge to the advising team.  He always keeps the best interest of the student at heart, reflecting back on his own college experience and tries to create pathways for students to find their own network.  He holds a Bachelor’s Degree from North Central College in Accounting and a Master’s from USF in Training and Development.  In his free time, Jeff enjoys staying active as a cross country and track coach, and being a dad of his two kids.

Brenna Bosma-Krass

Brenna has served at Joliet Junior College since 2016, bringing more than 18 years of experience in higher education with a strong background in academic advising, orientation, and transfer planning. Her experience within the Student Advising Center has steadily expanded, leading to her current role as Manager of Student Advising, where she provides leadership and supervision for the center’s academic advising team.

In this role, Brenna oversees daily operations, facilitates advisor training and development, and supports college-wide efforts to enhance first-year programming and student success initiatives. She also serves as a point of contact for the department in the Director’s absence, in coordination with the New Student Advising Manager. In addition, she plays a key role in cross-departmental collaboration, onboarding new academic advisors, and aligning advising practices with institutional goals. Prior to JJC, Brenna held advising positions at Moraine Valley Community College, Northern Illinois University, and Lewis University.

Brenna holds a Master of Education in Adult and Higher Education from Northern Illinois University and a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre and Communications from Hope College. She is an active member of NACADA (National Academic Advising Association) and NODA (Association for Orientation, Transition, and Retention in Higher Education).

“I’m passionate about empowering students through thoughtful, equity-minded advising and helping shape systems that support their success. It’s a privilege to lead and support a team committed to guiding students as they navigate their academic and career paths.” 

Robin Fitzgerald
Robin began her work in higher education at Joliet Junior College in 2010 as an adjunct faculty member where she taught College Success courses designed to support new students in their transition to college. In April 2013, she expanded her responsibilities serving as Orientation Specialist followed by her promotion in January 2015 to First Year Experience Specialist. Recognized for her leadership in promoting student success, Robin assumed the role of New Student Coordinator in July 2022 bringing her extensive experience in student orientation and advising to the Student Advising Center.

In 2024, Robin was promoted to the Manager of New Student Advising where she oversees the development and implementation of holistic advising and coaching programs tailored for first-year students. Her responsibilities include strategic planning, program development, and supervising new student advising initiatives, as well as ensuring seamless communication between Enrollment Management, Academic Affairs, and the Student Advising Center fostering an organized and student-centered onboarding experience.

A first-generation college student herself, Robin remains deeply committed to empowering students as they navigate their educational journey. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Aurora University and completed her graduate studies in Biological Anthropology at Northern Illinois University. Robin is an active member of NACADA (National Academic Advising Association) and NODA (Association for Orientation, Transition, and Retention), reflecting her dedication to continuous learning and excellence in student advising.

 “I enjoy working with JJC students as they transition into their college experience, and am here to help them successfully navigate their educational journey. It’s incredibly exciting and so rewarding to work with students on a daily basis to help them reach their personal and academic goals!”
 

Cheryl Turrise
Cheryl began her career with JJC in 2012 when she served in the position of Transfer Specialist. She came to JJC after several years assisting students as an Academic Advisor at Moraine Valley Community College. In 2016 Cheryl became the Assistant Director of Transfer at the Illinois Institute of Technology, and most recently returned to Illinois, and JJC, after four years with the University of California, Irvine, in the capacity of Advisor/Coordinator and Credential Analyst for the STEM Education Secondary Teacher Program “CalTeach.”

As a first-generation student, Cheryl understands the challenges of navigating college systems and processes with limited resources and support and is committed to student success. Cheryl believes she can best serve students by helping them understand their options, recognize and prepare for potential obstacles, and then guiding them towards efficient and strategic pathways while helping them avoid wasting time, effort, and unnecessary funds on actions inconsistent with their goals.

Matthew Delejewski
Matthew came to JJC as a Student Success Coach after working at National Louis University in the College of Education as a Graduate Advisor. Matthew helped students navigate program and state requirements in order to obtain their teaching license and degree. He also worked for as a Student Success Coach at Colorado Technical University managing and coaching a cohort of undergraduate student through their degree programs. Matthew holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Illinois at Chicago, a Master of Education in Teaching and Learning from DePaul University, and a Master of Arts in Educational Administration from Governors State University. Before entering higher education, Matthew was a high school teacher and track coach for thirteen years.

Natalie Moxlie
Natalie came to JJC in 2024 with 20 years of experience in higher education.  Her most recent role was as academic program coordinator at the University of St. Francis in which she advised degree completion and graduate students from initial registration to graduation.  She also worked with the international student population and assisted in coordinating the international program partnerships.  Natalie's favorite part of working with students is the positive relationships that are built while supporting students on their educational journey.  Natalie earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Illinois and her Master of Arts in School Counseling and Guidance from Lewis University.

Elizabeth Rivera
Elizabeth “Lisa” came to JJC in 2002 as a member of JJC’s Counseling Department working as an Adjunct Faculty for College Success/Career Development courses as an Adjunct Counselor and as a Lead Mentor/Coordinator for the Project Success Mentoring program in 2009. In 2019 Lisa accepted a Student Success Coach position in the newly developed Student Advising Center at JJC. Lisa is a skilled Advisor with an in-depth understanding of the complexities of JJC students since Lisa has spent the last 22 years providing academic advising, educational planning, coaching and personal support to JJC students. Lisa holds a Bachelor of Social work from New Mexico State University and a Masters of Social Work form University of Southern California. Before her time in higher education, Lisa spent many years as a clinician and administrator in Mental Health, Healthcare and public-school settings.

Kevin Aguilar
Before accepting the role at JJC, he was a full-time Academic Advisor for Harper College. Kevin Aguilar has a wide range of knowledge when it comes to transferring, understanding different programs of study, and has advised community college students in another capacity. He has spent almost ten years working in an educational setting, with most of his experience in higher education. He was also an Academic Advisor at Ottawa University, AIU, and DeVry University. He has worked in different roles besides Academic Advising like Financial Aid Advisor, Career Advisor, and DSO, just to name a few. His favorite part about working in higher education is to see his students grow and reach their academic goals. Kevin holds a Bachelor's degree from Western Illinois University and has a Master's of Science in Education from DeVry University.

Megan Cavanaugh
Megan joins Joliet Junior College (JJC) with several years of experience in higher education. Her background involves academic advising, alternative breaks programming, and conference services. Megan brings experience from the community college level as well as public and private four year institutions including Heartland Community College, Illinois State University, and Drexel University. She is passionate about empowering students to discover their strengths and aspirations through higher education. Megan earned a Bachelor of Science in Communication Studies and Master of Science in College Student Personnel Administration from Illinois State University.    

Sara Strabel
Sara joined the JJC staff in November 2023 with over 10 years of experience working with students in higher education. Prior to JJC, Sara served as the Assistant Registrar at her alma mater, Carthage College, where she oversaw the processes for first year student registration and graduation. Additionally, Sara worked for a number of years in university housing and residence life where she mentored student leaders and worked to create safe and supportive living environments for all students. She is passionate about assisting students with exploring the many options a college education has to offer, while drawing on her own experience as a first-generation college student to ensure each student is supported throughout the process. 

In addition to her work experience, Sara earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Neuroscience from Carthage College as well as a Master of Science degree in College Student Personnel from Western Illinois University. 

Cynthia Costa-Vaccarella
Cindy joins Joliet Junior College (JJC) with several years of experience in the education landscape. She taught high school English in Chicago for several years and has also worked in administrative roles researching and implementing staff development for teachers. Cindy transitioned into higher education in 2020. She was an Academic Coach at the University of St. Francis before arriving at JJC as a Student Success Coach. She enjoys listening and helping students make informed decisions; considering pathway options, outlining details and outcomes as they align their education plans with future goals. Cindy earned a B.A. in English and an M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction from Loyola University Chicago.  

Gerald Houston
Gerald comes to Joliet Junior College (JJC) with years of experience in higher education both in the private and public sectors. He graduated from Eastern Illinois University, where he achieved his bachelor’s degree in sociology.

Gerald has held a variety of roles from admissions to student development. Before JJC, Gerald was a High School transition advisor/Trio program for Waubonsee Community College.

Gerald who is a first-generation college graduate, believes an educated mind can positively impact a community , their family, and improve that individual. In his free time, he is an avid gardener and has been active in track/field and the cross-country community for several years. Gerald is excited about servicing the needs of JJC students.

Alyssa Cortese
Alyssa previously worked in the Corporate & Community Services department at JJC prior to becoming a Student Success Coach. She is passionate about empowering students to achieve their academic, personal, and career aspirations. With a background as a community education coordinator and seminar facilitation, she specializes in creating supportive and engaging environments to help learners thrive.

Beyond her professional role, Alyssa engages with the JJC community by teaching classes. This experience allows her to build deeper connections with students, gaining insight into their varied interests and aspirations. Dedicated to supporting student success, she strives to make every student’s journey at JJC both meaningful and rewarding. Alyssa holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Eastern Illinois University and a Master of Science in Higher Education Administration from Southern New Hampshire University.

A friendly Student Advising Center office staff member will be ready to greet you as you call or come into the center. They will ask a few simple questions and then walk you through steps to meet with an advisor or direct you to the correct location.

Office staff members schedule appointments, respond to email messages, assist students with navigating JJC technology, and provide overall excellent customer service to students, parents, and supporters. 

Melissa Alstott
Wanetta Davis
Sandra Wordlaw
Kathleen “Kathy” Van Duyne
Elizabeth Gonzalez