Meet Your College and Career Navigator
Connect with your go-to-guide
Think of your College and Career Navigator (CCN) as your "go-to person," guiding and supporting you to become a CLC Lancer. CCNs provide you with information about college programs and services—and they’re really handy to help with your application and enrollment process. Connect with your CCN to:
- select first-semester courses
- learn about potential careers or how to up skill in your current job
- review your college financial plan
- become familiar with student support resources
- transition to CLC successfully
- find a sense of belonging
CCNs help everyone get started at CLC
- current high school students
- GED graduates
- homeschool students
- international students
- recent high school graduates
- student currently attending Tech Campus
- transfer students
- adult learners
Need help?
Email: ccn.onboarding@clcillinois.edu
Call: (847) 543-2085
International students, please email or call (847) 543-2399 the Department of Global Engagement to connect with your CCN.
Find your CCN
CCNs for current high school students
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Patrick Noote
The thing I love most about working here at CLC is helping my students to navigate the complexities of college life. As a CLC alum myself, I was fortunate to have great advocates and advisors here to help make sure I was both staying on track academically, while also utilizing benefits and resources. As a College and Career Navigator, I’m lucky to have the opportunity now to pay it forward with current Lancers beginning their college journeys. My professional background includes not only a six-year enlistment in the U.S. Air Force, but also nearly a decade as a high school English teacher. The hope is that my diverse life experiences will help me to “meet students where they are” and answer a variety of questions regarding their futures at CLC and beyond!
- (847) 543-3533
- pnoote1@clcillinois.edu
A.A., College of Lake County
B.A., Secondary Education-English, Northeastern Illinois University
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Jenny Vazquez
I am a native of Lake County and have loved working in my community and giving back. As a first-generation student, I know how difficult it can be to navigate college. I love helping my community and helping students find their passion and achieve their dreams. I want to be an advocate for my students so they know they have somebody in their corner. I am here to provide guidance and support to students and help them figure out the what-ifs in life.
- (847) 543-2572
- jvazquez32@clcillinois.edu
Master's in Administrative Leadership from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Bachelor's in Early Childhood Education from Roosevelt University
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Jenny Vazquez
I am a native of Lake County and have loved working in my community and giving back. As a first-generation student, I know how difficult it can be to navigate college. I love helping my community and helping students find their passion and achieve their dreams. I want to be an advocate for my students so they know they have somebody in their corner. I am here to provide guidance and support to students and help them figure out the what-ifs in life.
- (847) 543-2572
- jvazquez32@clcillinois.edu
Master's in Administrative Leadership from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Bachelor's in Early Childhood Education from Roosevelt University
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Yazmin Patino
I am a Lake County native. I’ve lived in Round Lake for the majority of my life. I graduated from Grayslake Central High School, and I am also a College of Lake County graduate. As a first-generation student, navigating the world of higher education was a challenging experience. Starting my college career at CLC allowed me to develop both as an individual and as a student. As a College and Career Navigator, I strive to be a resource for all students as they navigate the world of higher education from application through enrollment. My goal is to help all students achieve their academic goals by offering resources to remove and overcome barriers.
- (847) 543-3524
- ypatino@clcillinois.edu
A.A., College of Lake County
B.A. in Sociology and Anthropology, Lake Forest College
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Jennifer Landmann
I was raised in Lake County and graduated from Warren Township High School. As a College and Career Navigator, I want to encourage my students and help them succeed in their educational and professional journeys. I hope to work with them and help them to discover their passions as well as their paths. I want to empower them and show them all the opportunities CLC has to offer.
- (847) 543-3530
- jlandmann1@clcillinois.edu
B.A. in International Studies, University of Wisconsin, Parkside
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Jennifer Landmann
I was raised in Lake County and graduated from Warren Township High School. As a College and Career Navigator, I want to encourage my students and help them succeed in their educational and professional journeys. I hope to work with them and help them to discover their passions as well as their paths. I want to empower them and show them all the opportunities CLC has to offer.
- (847) 543-3530
- jlandmann1@clcillinois.edu
B.A. in International Studies, University of Wisconsin, Parkside
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Jennifer Landmann
I was raised in Lake County and graduated from Warren Township High School. As a College and Career Navigator, I want to encourage my students and help them succeed in their educational and professional journeys. I hope to work with them and help them to discover their passions as well as their paths. I want to empower them and show them all the opportunities CLC has to offer.
- (847) 543-3530
- jlandmann1@clcillinois.edu
B.A. in International Studies, University of Wisconsin, Parkside
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Yazmin Patino
I am a Lake County native. I’ve lived in Round Lake for the majority of my life. I graduated from Grayslake Central High School, and I am also a College of Lake County graduate. As a first-generation student, navigating the world of higher education was a challenging experience. Starting my college career at CLC allowed me to develop both as an individual and as a student. As a College and Career Navigator, I strive to be a resource for all students as they navigate the world of higher education from application through enrollment. My goal is to help all students achieve their academic goals by offering resources to remove and overcome barriers.
- (847) 543-3524
- ypatino@clcillinois.edu
A.A., College of Lake County
B.A. in Sociology and Anthropology, Lake Forest College
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Patrick Noote
The thing I love most about working here at CLC is helping my students to navigate the complexities of college life. As a CLC alum myself, I was fortunate to have great advocates and advisors here to help make sure I was both staying on track academically, while also utilizing benefits and resources. As a College and Career Navigator, I’m lucky to have the opportunity now to pay it forward with current Lancers beginning their college journeys. My professional background includes not only a six-year enlistment in the U.S. Air Force, but also nearly a decade as a high school English teacher. The hope is that my diverse life experiences will help me to “meet students where they are” and answer a variety of questions regarding their futures at CLC and beyond!
- (847) 543-3533
- pnoote1@clcillinois.edu
A.A., College of Lake County
B.A., Secondary Education-English, Northeastern Illinois University
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Yazmin Patino
I am a Lake County native. I’ve lived in Round Lake for the majority of my life. I graduated from Grayslake Central High School, and I am also a College of Lake County graduate. As a first-generation student, navigating the world of higher education was a challenging experience. Starting my college career at CLC allowed me to develop both as an individual and as a student. As a College and Career Navigator, I strive to be a resource for all students as they navigate the world of higher education from application through enrollment. My goal is to help all students achieve their academic goals by offering resources to remove and overcome barriers.
- (847) 543-3524
- ypatino@clcillinois.edu
A.A., College of Lake County
B.A. in Sociology and Anthropology, Lake Forest College
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Michelle Gutierrez
As a Lake County native, and an alum of Warren Township High School and CLC, I am so excited to be serving my home community and empowering college students to be successful! Education has always been a means of growth, career development, and self-discovery for me. As an educator and now CCN, I’m passionate about equipping students with the same confidence and resources to pursue their goals. After attending CLC for one semester, I transferred to Carthage College and studied Music and German, and ultimately became a teacher. I taught English in Germany via a Fulbright Fellowship, and later got my Master's and teaching certificate in Music Education from Northwestern University. I am so excited to draw upon my experiences as a first-generation college student, teacher, and lifelong learner to help students utilize their strengths, and succeed in college and beyond.
- (847) 543-3559
- mgutierrez26@clcillinois.edu
M.S. Ed. in Music Education, Northwestern University
B.A. in Music and German, Carthage College
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Michelle Gutierrez
As a Lake County native, and an alum of Warren Township High School and CLC, I am so excited to be serving my home community and empowering college students to be successful! Education has always been a means of growth, career development, and self-discovery for me. As an educator and now CCN, I’m passionate about equipping students with the same confidence and resources to pursue their goals. After attending CLC for one semester, I transferred to Carthage College and studied Music and German, and ultimately became a teacher. I taught English in Germany via a Fulbright Fellowship, and later got my Master's and teaching certificate in Music Education from Northwestern University. I am so excited to draw upon my experiences as a first-generation college student, teacher, and lifelong learner to help students utilize their strengths, and succeed in college and beyond.
- (847) 543-3559
- mgutierrez26@clcillinois.edu
M.S. Ed. in Music Education, Northwestern University
B.A. in Music and German, Carthage College
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Jenny Vazquez
I am a native of Lake County and have loved working in my community and giving back. As a first-generation student, I know how difficult it can be to navigate college. I love helping my community and helping students find their passion and achieve their dreams. I want to be an advocate for my students so they know they have somebody in their corner. I am here to provide guidance and support to students and help them figure out the what-ifs in life.
- (847) 543-2572
- jvazquez32@clcillinois.edu
Master's in Administrative Leadership from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Bachelor's in Early Childhood Education from Roosevelt University
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Ciara White
I was raised in Lake County and graduated from Zion Benton Township High School. Growing up as a first-generation college student helped me understand how important understanding the college process is for students. After college, I worked for a state agency where I helped students with financial aid and the college process. Since I have been through this process myself, I want to help others pursue the higher education dreams they desire. As a College and Career Navigator, my mission is to assist students with obtaining their higher education goals here at CLC.
- (847) 543-3518
- cwhite15@clcillinois.edu
B.A. in Communications, Northern Illinois University
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Araceli Mena
I am a proud Latina and Round Lake High School alumna. As a daughter of immigrants and a first-generation college student, I believe acquiring an education leads to endless opportunities. More importantly, education is a powerful tool to generate positive change in our communities. Navigating the college process from the initial step of applying to selecting courses can be overwhelming. My goal as a CCN is to empower and support students along their college journeys.
- (847) 543-2793
- Amena3@clcillinois.edu
B.A. in Psychology & Spanish, Lawrence University
M.A. in Higher Education Leadership, Northeastern Illinois University
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Michelle Gutierrez
As a Lake County native, and an alum of Warren Township High School and CLC, I am so excited to be serving my home community and empowering college students to be successful! Education has always been a means of growth, career development, and self-discovery for me. As an educator and now CCN, I’m passionate about equipping students with the same confidence and resources to pursue their goals. After attending CLC for one semester, I transferred to Carthage College and studied Music and German, and ultimately became a teacher. I taught English in Germany via a Fulbright Fellowship, and later got my Master's and teaching certificate in Music Education from Northwestern University. I am so excited to draw upon my experiences as a first-generation college student, teacher, and lifelong learner to help students utilize their strengths, and succeed in college and beyond.
- (847) 543-3559
- mgutierrez26@clcillinois.edu
M.S. Ed. in Music Education, Northwestern University
B.A. in Music and German, Carthage College
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Ariana Galvez
I was born and raised in Lake County and I am a proud Round Lake High School Graduate. Being a first-generation college student taught me how transformative education can be. I was able to get through the various challenges that presented themselves throughout undergrad because of my amazing support system. As a College and Career Navigator I am excited to give back to my community and provide a supportive space for students as they embark on their own journey of higher education.
- (847)-543-3567
- agalvez3@clcillinois.edu
B.A. Political Science, Bradley University
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Michelle Gutierrez
As a Lake County native, and an alum of Warren Township High School and CLC, I am so excited to be serving my home community and empowering college students to be successful! Education has always been a means of growth, career development, and self-discovery for me. As an educator and now CCN, I’m passionate about equipping students with the same confidence and resources to pursue their goals. After attending CLC for one semester, I transferred to Carthage College and studied Music and German, and ultimately became a teacher. I taught English in Germany via a Fulbright Fellowship, and later got my Master's and teaching certificate in Music Education from Northwestern University. I am so excited to draw upon my experiences as a first-generation college student, teacher, and lifelong learner to help students utilize their strengths, and succeed in college and beyond.
- (847) 543-3559
- mgutierrez26@clcillinois.edu
M.S. Ed. in Music Education, Northwestern University
B.A. in Music and German, Carthage College
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Quinnlyn Meadowcroft
I am a CLC alumna. It’s where I got my associate degree and played softball for two years. I grew up in Lake Villa and went to Grayslake North High School. After earning my A.A. at CLC I transferred to the University of North Carolina where I received my bachelor’s in criminal justice and bachelor’s in psychology. As a College and Career Navigator, I plan to work with students in deciding their next step in education, even if they haven’t yet found their passion for a specific career. I hope to help students find their interests in different fields while taking some of the pressure off “having it all figured out." There is no timeline for life, despite the societal pressures put on today’s generations. I hope to inspire students to succeed in not only their education but their life paths as well.
- (847) 543-2562
- qmeadowcroft1@clcillinois.edu
B.S. in Psychology, University of North Carolina
B.A. in Criminal Justice, University of North Carolina
A. A., College of Lake County
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Edward Hernandez
I grew up in Lake County but finished my high school education at Wheeling High School. Upon graduating, I was accepted at the University of Illinois in Chicago for engineering. As a first-generation Latino in STEM, I sought support in navigating higher education and engineering; I found my support system in the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers. As a leading board member, I had the opportunity to give back to a program that supported me so much. It was there that I discovered my passion for helping people. As a mentor and teacher's assistant, I learned how to support first- and second-year students effectively, achieve their academic goals, and transition into higher education. As a College and Career Navigator, I'm proud to continue helping alleviate students' concerns as they begin their educational journey here at CLC.
- (847) 543-3558
- ehernandez51@clcillinois.edu
B.S. in Engineering, University of Illinois in Chicago
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Waukegan High School students are supported by our entire high school CCN team. Please reach out to Student Recruitment and Onboarding, 847-543-2085, to be connected with a College and Career Navigator.
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Ciara White
I was raised in Lake County and graduated from Zion Benton Township High School. Growing up as a first-generation college student helped me understand how important understanding the college process is for students. After college, I worked for a state agency where I helped students with financial aid and the college process. Since I have been through this process myself, I want to help others pursue the higher education dreams they desire. As a College and Career Navigator, my mission is to assist students with obtaining their higher education goals here at CLC.
- (847) 543-3518
- cwhite15@clcillinois.edu
B.A. in Communications, Northern Illinois University
CCNs for adult learners
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I am excited to help students start their journey to success here at CLC and beyond. I believe that the holistic development of the student is imperative to students' success and CLC’s programs and resources will do more than prepare them for their bright futures. As a College and Career Navigator, I hope to assist students with everything they need to get started at CLC, from their initial inquiry about our programs to advising. I believe that post-secondary education is attainable for all students even those who have started their college journey later than expected. Everyone’s path may not look the same, but it is my job to help students find their own!
- (847) 543-2795
- Awhite8@clcillinois.edu
M.S. Ed. in Higher Education and Student Affairs, Northern Illinois University
B.A. in Psychology, Northern Illinois University
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Prior to my time at the College of Lake County, I earned a Bachelor's degree in Art, followed by a Master's degree in Education. My experience in teaching allowed me to cultivate a passion for guiding students towards academic success. Over the years, I have dedicated myself to understanding the unique needs and aspirations of students. This helps me provide personalized support and encouragement.
In my current role as a College & Career Navigator, I am committed to helping students explore and pursue their passions. My goals are to equip students with the resources and guidance necessary to reach their goals. I strive to make a positive impact on each student's educational journey.
- (847) 543-2356
- ajacobs8@clcillinois.edu
B.F.A. in Fine Arts, Northern Illinois University
M.S. in Secondary Education, University of Phoenix
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Before becoming a College and Career Navigator (CCN), I earned my bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Elmhurst University. My teaching experience sparked my passion for supporting all students and assisting them with their academic needs. As a CCN I strive to build relationships with students and guide them through the next steps of their education journey. I believe every student has their own path in order to reach their goals. I strive to guide them along the way in order to ensure they can be successful.
- (847) 543-3537
- adurava@clcillinois.edu
B.A. in Elementary Education, Elmhurst University
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Prior to becoming a CCN, I graduated from Waukegan High School and obtained my Bachelor's Degree in Politics from Lake Forest College. I also worked in Enrollment and Testing Services for the Adult Education department at CLC. In this role, I was able to serve students in our ESL and HSD programs. Getting to better know our students and making them feel part of our Lancer community continues to be one of my top priorities. The most important thing I learned is that everyone begins their educational journey at a different place, but it is our responsibility to guide our students on their path so they may have the resources and support needed to reach their professional and personal goals.
As a CCN, my goal is to ensure students are aware of all the resources CLC has to offer and instill confidence in their abilities so they may be successful in their educational journey. What an honor it is to help our students open and navigate all the endless doors of possibility CLC has to offer.
- (847) 543-2607
- bcastillo6@clcillinois.edu
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As a College and Career Navigator, I believe in encouraging students to take ownership of their educational and professional journey. I hope to collaborate with students to discover their passion and help define how they will use their education to not only improve their own lives but also their communities. With my studies in adult and higher education, I believe and am committed to supporting and empowering students in every step of their journey at CLC. I believe that my mentor from my undergrad and graduate experiences played a key role in my journey of finding my “why.” I hope to be that mentor to students to help them find their “why” and help define what success means to them.
- (847) 543-2429
- emartin8@clcillinois.edu
M.S. Ed. in Adult and Higher Education, Northern Illinois University
B.A. in Music, Southern Illinois University Carbondale
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Being a CCN is all about getting to know students and building relationships. This gives me the opportunity to directly impact student success. I am excited to work hands-on with students and steer them along the right path, playing an integral role in fostering student persistence and success through direct guidance and coordination of campus and community-based services. Through my role as CCN, seeing students who may have fallen short of their goals pick up and try again and helping students stay determined and focused is equally rewarding!
- (847) 543-3531
- icampos@clcillinois.edu
M.A., Catholic Theological Union
B.A., Western Illinois University
A.A., College of Lake County
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A native of Virginia, I began my journey in higher education at the College of Lake County while still on active duty as a Hospital Corpsman (Fleet Marine Force) in the United States Navy. After teaching history at the high school and college levels for a decade, I decided to dedicate myself to helping my fellow veterans succeed in their own educational goals before transitioning to a broader role as a Career and College Navigator. I am excited to assist students of all backgrounds gain access to high-quality learning in pursuit of their life and career goals.
Matt specializes in serving students affiliated with the military.
- (847) 543-2293
- msawicki@clcillinois.edu
B.A. History and Economics, Northeastern Illinois University
M.A. History, Loyola University Chicago
For international students
Students who are in the United States on a non-immigrant visa will meet with our International Student Recruiter in the department of global engagement.
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Laura Ruiz
Hi there, I am Laura. I love helping international students because I know what it is like to navigate the education system in a new country. I am a proud alumna of CLC and the daughter of immigrant parents, so I have a unique perspective on things.
I oversee international admissions at CLC; that is, students with nonimmigrant visas such as F-1, J-1, L-2, and H-4 to name a few. If you are a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, asylum seeker, TPS, or undocumented, don't worry – you will be taken care of by our wonderful High School or Adult Learner CCN team (see list above).
I am a dedicated higher education professional with more than a decade of experience. I truly believe in the transformative power of learning. For me, education is not just about acquiring knowledge; it is a catalyst for social mobility and a cornerstone of global peacemaking. That is why I am committed to it wholeheartedly.
I am proud to say I am a double alumna of Northeastern Illinois University. My journey there equipped me with a bachelor's degree in Social Work and a master's in Educational Leadership, demonstrating my dedication to nurturing students' personal growth and academic success. My worldview was broadened even further through two unforgettable study abroad experiences in Mexico, first at the Universidad de Guanajuato (UG) and then at the Universidad Popular Autónoma del Estado de Puebla (UPAEP).
With my blend of experiences and my passion for education and global exploration, I strive to be a strong advocate for international students, helping them navigate and thrive in their educational journey.
- (847) 543-2399
- lruiz4@clcillinois.edu
Master's in Educational Leadership, Northeastern Illinois University
Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Northeastern Illinois University