Meet the Admissions Team
Harper College Admissions serves as the connection point between the college and prospective
students, families and the community. The Admissions team provides personalized guidance
throughout the college exploration and enrollment process, helping students understand
academic options, navigate admissions steps and access support resources. Through
high school visits, campus events, community engagement and one-on-one assistance,
the team is committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming experience that empowers
students to take the next step in their educational journeys.
Leadership Team
Nicci Cisarik De Jesus Director, Admissions Outreachadmissions@harpercollege.edu
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 Manageramendoza@harpercollege.edu
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
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 Schoolcc37293@harpercollege.edu
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 Schoolgt16396@harpercollege.edu
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 Schoolwv32280@harpercollege.edu
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 Studentsmmcpherr@harpercollege.edu
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 Studentsje38427@harpercollege.edu
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 Studentsrc08224@harpercollege.edu
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
zd29330@harpercollege.edu
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.
