Meet the Admissions Team

Leadership Team

Nicci Cisarik De Jesus
Director, Admissions Outreach
admissions@harpercollege.edu
847.925.6700

Background: I am a Chicago native from the northwest side of the city. I attended Dominican University (River Forest, IL) as a first-generation college student where I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Photography and Painting/Drawing. During my time at Dominican, I fell in love with higher education and student affairs and decided to pursue a masters in the field. I earned a Master of Science in Student Affairs and Higher Education from Indiana State University (Terre Haute, IN) in 2013. After I completed my masters, I started my first professional role in enrollment services at a suburban Chicagoland community college and continued my career in community college admissions and enrollment management there for 8 years. I joined the Harper team in December 2021 and have enjoyed working with our campus and community partners to help our prospective and incoming students realize their educational goals. Currently, I am working toward a Doctorate of Education in Community College Leadership from Northern Illinois University (DeKalb, IL) and raising two incredible sons.

Alejandro Mendoza
Operations Manager
amendoza@harpercollege.edu
847.925.6976

Additional Language: Spanish

Background: I graduated from Elk Grove High School and began my college journey at Harper College, where I obtained the Associate of Arts and Associate in Science degrees with a focus in Business Administration. I transferred to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign where I completed a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. I earned a Master of Education in Higher Education Administration from Loyola University Chicago.

Aline Leipprandt
Senior Specialist - Admissions Initiatives
la22530@harpercollege.edu
847.925.6940

Additional Language: Portuguese

Background: I earned a degree in Design before migrating to the United States, where I later decided to change careers. I pursued an Associate in Arts degree at Harper College, and it was during my time as a student, while working in the ESL office, that I discovered my passion for higher education and student support. Inspired by this experience, I chose to pursue a new path in this field. After transferring to Northern Illinois University, through the partnership with the University Center at Harper I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with minors in Counseling. Since returning to Harper as an employee, I’ve had the opportunity to contribute to the Admissions Office in various roles, and I now serve as a Senior Specialist for Admissions Outreach Initiatives. I am committed to helping others transform their lives through education, and I’m proud to give back to this incredible institution and community that has played such a significant role in my personal and professional journey.

High School Recruitment Team

Cristina Chávez
Admissions Specialist - High School
cc37293@harpercollege.edu
847.925.6780

Additional Language: Spanish

Background: I began my college career at Elgin Community College receiving my Associate of Arts degree. I transferred to Northern Illinois University (NIU) and obtained my bachelor’s degree in Sociology. I also earned my master’s degree in Higher Education and Student Affairs at NIU. I am passionate about helping others as they work towards their career goals.

Serves students from the following high schools:

Buffalo Grove High School
Elk Grove High School
Hersey High School
Prospect High School
Rolling Meadows High School
Wheeling High School

Thalia Garcia
Admissions Specialist - High School
gt16396@harpercollege.edu
847.925.6742

Additional Language: Spanish

Background: My journey began at Harper College, where I earned my Associate in Arts degree while working as a student aide in the Admissions office. I loved being able to help fellow students navigate their academic paths! After graduating in 2022, I transferred to DePaul University through the University Center at Harper College, all while continuing to work as a receptionist in Admissions. Having been a student and employee at Harper it reinforced my passion for higher education. In 2024, I proudly graduated with a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from DePaul University and started as an admissions specialist in 2025. I’m excited about helping students make their educational dreams a reality and guiding them through the exciting process of reaching their goals. Let’s make your college experience unforgettable!

Serves students from the following high schools:

Barrington High School
Conant High School
Fremd High School
Hoffman Estate High School
Palatine High School
Schaumburg High School

Veronica Williams Hall
Admissions Specialist - High School
wv32280@harpercollege.edu
847.925.6909

Background: Helping others has always been a passion of mine. I am a small-town girl from the west suburbs of Chicago whose perspective grew when I graduated as a first-generation college student. I attended College of DuPage in 2016 where I joined the Speech and Debate team - an experience that would positively impact the rest of my life and lead to the honor of joining the Harper Team in January 2025. After graduating with an Associate in Arts in 2018, I transferred and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies from Illinois State University in 2020. I am a third-year psychology student at Arizona State University earning a second Bachelor of Arts degree. Outside of my work and studies, I’m the founder of VPerspective Photography and an Inspirational Speaker under my brand, Veronica Speaks. Through my brand, I encourage others to "Embrace Your Peace: Just One Convo at a Time." Ultimately, I’m excited to use my experiences to help Harper students unlock their potential, transform their lives, and discover the peace they’ve been searching for.

Serves High School Districts 211, 214 and 220 and is the main point of contact for high school counselors.

Adult Recruitment Team

Mark McPherrin
Senior Admissions Specialist - Adult Students
mmcpherr@harpercollege.edu
847.925.6112

Background: I completed my undergraduate and master’s degrees in history from U.I.C. My favorite part of my job is talking with students and learning about their experiences, plans and challenges, and helping them on their personal journey.

Point of contact for:

Apprenticeship
Fast Track
Military Students
Undecided Students

Serves students in the following areas of interest:

Art, Design, and Performing Arts

Business and Information Technology

Manufacturing and Construction

Public Service

Ela Jakubczak
Admissions Specialist - Adult Students
je38427@harpercollege.edu
847.925.6106

Additional Language: Polish

Background: I earned my Associate Degree at City Colleges of Chicago and completed a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Northeastern Illinois University. I have been working with community college students for almost 10 years. I love helping students on their journey to achieve their dreams.

Point of contact for:

English Second Language (ESL) Students
International Students
Students at Large

Serves students in the following areas of interest:

Education

Engineering, Math, and Computer Science

Liberal Arts, Language, and Communication

Physical and Life Science

Social Science

Celeste Reyes
Admissions Specialist - Adult Students
rc08224@harpercollege.edu
847.925.6169

Background: I attended Western Illinois University, where I earned a Bachelor of Science in Law Enforcement and Justice Administration with a minor in business management. I hope to continue my education and pursue a master’s degree in higher education and student affairs. I am a big advocate for continuing education, and I am passionate about helping students achieve their academic goals.

Serves students in the following area of interest:

Health Science

Support Staff

Daniel Zawadzki
Receptionist
zd29330@harpercollege.edu
847.925.6700

Background: Born and raised in the northwest suburbs, my time at Harper started early when I attended InZone Summer Camp as a child. Later, while attending Bradley University, I took summer courses at Harper that transferred back to Bradley, helping me graduate on time. After earning separate Bachelor’s of Arts in International Studies and Spanish in 2021, I put my degrees to good use by interning in Costa Rica and backpacking across Latin America, Europe and East Asia. Upon returning to Illinois, I worked at several higher education institutions, including Harper’s own Hawks Care Resource Center, before starting at Admissions Outreach in 2025. I cherish the opportunity to help my community access education and opportunities at Harper that have shaped my entire life.

Contact Us

Admissions Outreach
Building C, Room C103
847.925.6700
Email Admissions
Request an Appointment

Request Information

On Campus Hours—C103:
Monday–Friday: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

On Campus Hours—One Stop A250:
Monday–Thursday: 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Remote Hours (phone, email, and chat):
Monday–Thursday: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Friday: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The office is closed on college holidays.