Harper College is closed Friday, July 3, for Independence Day (Observed).
Talitha Gentry
Director – SOAR+ Program
Serving as the Inaugural Director of the SOAR+ Program, Talitha has worked in higher
education for the last 15 years, serving the diverse needs of undergraduate and graduate
students. Prior to the launch of the SOAR+ program, she served as the Director of
Advising Services. She earned her first bachelor’s degree in Biology from Florida
State University, a second bachelor’s in Human Services from Purdue University, and
also has dual master’s degrees in Education and Educational Technology from Michigan
State University. She is scheduled to complete her doctoral degree in Higher Education
Leadership through Concordia University Chicago in Summer 2026. Born and raised
in Tennessee, she is a Southerner at heart, and enjoys gardening, baking bread and
Southern delicacies, spending plenty of quality time watching Stranger Things or the
next exciting sci-fi series with her husband and two girls, exploring parks and enjoying
nature, and deep-sea fishing when she has an opportunity to travel.
Ben Allen
Academic Advisor III
With more than 19 years of experience in higher education, Ben Allen is passionate about supporting student success and fostering meaningful educational experiences. Throughout his career, he has served in a variety of roles, including Academic Advisor, Faculty Member, and Student Conduct Officer, bringing a well-rounded perspective to student development and higher education leadership.
Ben earned both his Bachelor of Arts in Kinesiology/Physical Education and his Master
of Arts in Sports Management from Lindenwood University. His diverse professional
background, combined with his commitment to student engagement, has shaped his collaborative
and student-centered approach.
Outside of work, Ben enjoys traveling with his wife and 2 sons, exploring new recipes
in the kitchen, playing golf, and cheering on his sons as they compete in a variety
of sports.
Brandon Santana
Academic Advisor III
Brandon Santana has worked in higher education for seven years, supporting students as they navigate their academic journeys and pursue their goals. As a first-generation college graduate, he is passionate about creating accessible pathways to success and empowering students to thrive. Brandon earned his master’s degree from Grand Valley State University and his bachelor’s degree in Instructional Design and Technology from Western Illinois University. His professional interests center on student success, learning design, and fostering inclusive educational environments. Outside of work, Brandon enjoys camping, visiting national parks, listening to music, and attending concerts. He values experiences that connect him with nature and community, and he brings that same sense of curiosity and enthusiasm into his work with students.
Chris H. Candelas (He/Him/His/El)
Academic Advisor III
With over 12 years of experience in higher education, Chris has built a career centered on student engagement, access, and success. For the past five years, he has also served as an adjunct instructor, bringing practical insight and mentorship into the classroom. As a proud Latino and first-generations college graduate, he is deeply committed to empowering students—particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds—to achieve their personal, professional, and educational goals. He earned his Associates in Arts degree from Harper College, Bachelor of Science in Management and Marketing from Concordia University–Wisconsin, and Masters of Management with a concentration in Higher Education Administration from Robert Morris University–Illinois. His work is grounded in a genuine interest in student development, leadership growth, and creating meaningful pathways to success. Outside of his professional work, he enjoys volunteering with nonprofit organizations, watching movies, exploring music, and engaging in continuous learning.
Crystal M. Loggins, MA
Academic Advisor III
Crystal Loggins has more than 20 years of experience in the field of education and is passionate about helping students reach their “aha!” moments. Watching students gain clarity, confidence, and direction makes academic advising a natural and deeply fulfilling role for her. As an Academic Advisor at Harper College, she is committed to creating a welcoming environment where students feel supported as they pursue their academic and career goals. Crystal holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from DePaul University and a master’s degree in Elementary Education from Lewis University. Before transitioning to higher education, she taught students in grades K-8, building a strong foundation in student success and development. In her spare time, Crystal enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, trying new experiences, discovering great food, dancing, attending concerts, and exploring new restaurants. A proud foodie with a wanderlust, she embraces lifelong learning both personally and professionally.
Deena Ata, Ph.D. (she/her)
Academic Advisor IV
Deena Ata has worked in higher education since 2011 as a Counselor, Adjunct Professor,
Sport Psychology Consultant, and Academic Advisor. She received her B.S. in Psychology
from Chicago State University and her M.A. in Counseling Psychology, specializing
in Sport and Health Psychology from Adler University. Her love of coffee and travel
kept her energized through her Ph.D. studies in Higher Education Administration at
Illinois State University.
Evelyn (Eva) Lozano, MA (she/hers/ella)
Academic Advisor III
Evelyn/Eva, is a first-generation graduate, proud daughter of Mexican immigrants, who has served in different positions in higher education ranging from Student Success Coach to Academic Advisor. She is an alumn from Harper College where she completed an A.A. and went on to complete her B.F.A. and M.A. from Eastern Illinois University. Eva is local to the Harper communities and considers herself a product of the schools in the area which fuels her dedication to the work. Eva is a mother of two, an artist, and an advocate for underserved and underrepresented communities.
Jacilyn Kennedy, MBA
Program Coordinator – SOAR+
Jacilyn Kennedy is the SOAR+ Program Coordinator and brings over a decade of experience in higher education, student programming, and event planning. Throughout her career, she has worked across academic advising, admissions, new student orientation, and student engagement. She is passionate about creating experiences that help students connect, learn, and make the most of their college experience.
Before joining Harper, Jacilyn held roles at the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma City University, where she developed a passion for events and educational programming. Her proudest accomplishments include planning the largest outdoor concert in Oklahoma City history, a multi-day music festival welcoming more than 60,000 attendees!
Originally from Oklahoma, Jacilyn earned her bachelor's degree in business and her Master of Business Administration from Oklahoma City University. Outside of work, she enjoys video games, concerts, creative projects, and spending time with her two dogs.
Janet Verdin-Gonzalez, MAED (she/her/ella)
Academic Advisor III
Janet Verdin-Gonzalez is a first-generation Latina college student and the first in her family to earn a Master’s degree. She has worked in Higher Education since 2015. She is currently an Academic Advisor who supports and guides students through their educational journeys. She did her undergraduate studies in Sociology at California State University, East Bay. Shortly after, attained her Master of Arts in Education with a Concentration in Counseling from San Diego State University. She was born and raised in Richmond, California and moved to Illinois a couple of years ago. She enjoys spending time with her family, crafting and reading a good romcom book.
Jenyl Keeton (she/her)
Academic Advisor III
Jenyl has worked in higher education since 2009, serving in advising, counseling, and teaching roles. She joined Harper College in 2016, where she currently serves as an Academic Advisor and Adjunct Faculty member. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Political Science and Psychology, as well as her Master of Arts in Professional Counseling from Central Michigan University, and she is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Educational Technology. Jenyl is a Licensed Professional Counselor with extensive experience supporting new student development and career exploration. She enjoys spending time with her family, running, being outdoors, watching movies, and treating herself to a Starbucks latte.
Kristi Broda (she/her)
Academic Advisor III
With more than 16 years working in higher education, Kristi has dedicated the past 14 years to her role as an Academic Advisor. Her passion for advising began when she worked as a student aide at Northern Illinois University, where she earned a bachelor's degree in English. She later continued her professional growth by completing a Master of Science in Academic Advising from Kansas State University. As a first-generation college graduate, she is committed to helping students navigate their paths with confidence and purpose. Her work is grounded in the belief that student success looks different for everyone, and she is passionate about honoring each student’s individuality while also providing thoughtful, inclusive support. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and cheering on the Chicago Cubs.
Krystal Vega (She/Her/Ella)
Academic Advisor III
As a first‑generation Latina, Krystal is deeply passionate about guiding students through their unique college journeys. As an Academic Advisor, she understands how essential support, encouragement, and access to resources are in helping students thrive. Krystal earned her bachelor’s degree from Dominican University, where she double‑majored in Sociology and Criminology. She later completed her master’s degree in Higher Education Leadership at Concordia University Chicago, further strengthening her commitment to student success. Outside of work, you can often find Krystal enjoying a good cup of coffee, getting lost in a mystery novel, cheering on Chicago sports teams, or crafting with her kids.
Tim Grant (He/Him)
Academic Advisor III
Tim Grant is an academic advisor with a background in secondary and postsecondary education. He is committed to supporting students through a holistic, relationship-based approach. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Education degree from Arizona State University and completed his Master of Science in Academic Advising from Kansas State University. Before his current role at Harper College, Tim worked extensively with diverse and underrepresented student populations, helping students navigate academic, personal, and career transitions in an alternative high school setting. In his free time, he enjoys traveling to the country for fishing tournaments, watching sports (Go Packers!), and spending time with his family.