Harper College

Meet the Admissions Team

Nicci Cisarik De Jesus photo

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

Background: I attended Dominican University where I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Photography and Painting/Drawing. I continued my education at Indiana State University where I graduated with a Master of Science in Student Affairs and Higher Education. I have 10+ years of experience working in higher education, 8 of which were spent working in admissions and enrollment management at a Chicagoland community college.


Alejandro Mendoza photo

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 photo

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

Additional Language: Portuguese

Background: I am a Harper College Alumni. I completed an Associate of Arts degree and transferred to Northern Illinois University where through the partnership with the University Center at Harper College, I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Counseling. My positive experience at Harper helped me to achieve my educational goals, I am now happy that I can help other students who are beginning their journey at our institution!


Mark McPherrin photo

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. The 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 the following areas of interest:

Art and Design Icon    Art, Design, and Performing Arts

Business Icon    Business, Entrepreneurship, and Information Technology

Manufacturing Icon    Manufacturing and Construction

Public Service Icon    Public Service


Ela Jakubczak photo

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 the following areas of interest:

Education Icon    Education

Engineering, Math, Comp Sci Icon    Engineering, Math, and Computer Science

Liberal Arts Icon    Liberal Arts, Language, and Communication

Physical Science Icon    Physical and Life Science

Social Science Icon    Social Science


Celeste Reyes photo

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 the following area of interest:

Health Science Icon    Health Science


Celeste Reyes photo

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.

Point of contact for:  

  • District 214

Serves the following high schools:

  • Elk Grove High School
  • Palatine High School
  • Rolling Meadows High School
  • Wheeling High School

Jalen Little photo

Jalen Little
Admissions Specialist - High School
jlittle@harpercollege.edu
847.925.6156

Background: I am a Schaumburg High School and Harper College Alumni. I completed the associates of arts degree at Harper College. I transferred to Southern Illinois university - Carbondale and completed my bachelor's degree in Audio Engineering and Broadcast journalism with a minor in sociology. I'm passionate about helping others to pursue their goals and better their lives. 

Point of contact for: 

  • District 220

Serves the following high schools:

  • Barrington High School
  • Buffalo Grove High School
  • Hersey High School
  • Hoffman Estates High School

Sarah Meyer photo

Sarah Meyer
Admissions Specialist - High School
ms15692@harpercollege.edu
847.925.6751

Background: I began my college journey at McHenry County College, where I earned my associate degree. After I graduated, I transferred to Northern Illinois University (NIU) to complete my bachelor's degree. I also earned my master’s degree in higher education and student affairs at NIU. I am passionate about helping students discover the many educational and career pathways that community colleges provide.  

Point of contact for:  

  • District 211

Serves the following high schools:

  • Conant High School
  • Fremd High School
  • Schaumburg High School
  • Prospect High School

Thalia Garcia photo

Thalia Garcia
Receptionist
gt16396@harpercollege.edu
847.925.6700

Additional Language: Spanish

Background: I graduated from Harper College with my Associate in Arts degree. I am currently pursuing my Bachelor's in Business Administration at DePaul University, through the University Center partnership with Harper College. Being a Harper alumnus, it brings me great joy that I can help others achieve their dreams..

Contact Us

Map of Building C, Room C-103B

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

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

Last Updated: 4/16/24