Elizabeth has over 16 years of experience working with youth, adults and families in Chicago communities. Elizabeth received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a concentration in Human Development from DePaul University. While earning her degree, Elizabeth worked in the neuropsychology lab, helping to better understand language and the brain.  She completed college as a young parent, overcoming numerous obstacles (not without her support system by her side).

Her meaningful career after college helped her move toward an interest in youth/youth development.  Elizabeth earned her M.Ed. in Youth Development from the University of Illinois at Chicago. She is the first in her family to earn a Master’s degree and was also a first-generation undergraduate college student.

Elizabeth is passionate about education, dedicated to empowering young adults as well as providing comprehensive services to students in order to promote a positive and well-supported college experience! Her first cohort at UIC began their college journey in 2016- and she hopes to witness many cohorts thereafter earn a degree and pursue excellence beyond UIC.

“Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world” – Nelson Mandela

lizah@uic.edu

Yesenia has over 10 years of experience working with youth and families in schools, non-profits, and communities. Yesenia received her Bachelor of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences in Latin American and Latino Studies from DePaul University. Yesenia earned her M.Ed in Youth Development from the University of Illinois at Chicago. As a first-generation college graduate, Yesenia is passionate about working with students and supporting their development and growth as they navigate higher education. She is most excited to help students find and build community at UIC!

yvilla5@uic.edu

Bahar Baniasad has been an instructor and academic advisor in ACE, at the University of Illinois-Chicago (UIC) since 2012. She has a Bachelor’s of Art in Foreign Language and Translation and a Master’s degree in Linguistics from the University of Westminster, UK. Bahar teaches Academic Skills Program (ASP) courses in ASP 060: Studying/Learning across Disciplines, ASP 095: Academic and Professional Writing, and ASP 092: Vocabulary Enrichment to undergraduate and graduate students. Her other responsibilities include facilitating various workshops focusing on academic skill development and meeting with students individually to assist them in time management, critical reading, writing and general study skills. Bahar is the liaison between ACE and the UIC Athletic Department. To this end, she works with the UIC Athletic Department to coordinate workshops, individual student coaching, and consultations for UIC student athletes. Her passion for student success and development has been especially nurtured while working closely with students in UIC.

In her free time, Bahar loves exploring the city of Chicago by attending concerts and cultural events, as well as, traveling, reading and spending time with her family, their dog, Oliver, and pet parakeet, Duchess. Bahar is also fluent in Farsi.

baharb@uic.edu

Jon Mann has worked as an Instructor and Academic Counselor at ACE since January 2012. He conducts Academic Skills Program (ASP) courses on study strategies and skills (ASP 062) and critical reading, thinking, and writing (ASP 090) for undergraduate and graduate students; the Academic Achievement Program for students on academic probation; and the College Reading for Success program for incoming freshmen during Summer College. Jon also provides presentations, workshops, and one-on-one student counseling that addresses academic skills ranging from time management to exam preparation and test-taking. He especially enjoys working with international students and visiting scholars on their English communication skills and supporting them in their writing and presentation efforts.

For fun and relaxation, Jon travels abroad with his wife and daughter, plays with his dog Jack, and watches professional sports and movies. He and his wife also enjoy hosting parties for his international students and attending their graduation ceremonies each May.

jsmann@uic.edu

Audrey Zenner has taught English as a second language for over thirty years to students from a multitude of lands. As a second language learner herself, (Spanish & German) she easily relates to the language learning progression of her students. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Education/Language Arts/Spanish and Master’s Degree in Linguistics/TESOL. She has worked as an instructor/academic specialist in ACE since 2008. Prior to that, she taught at several different community colleges throughout the Chicago suburbs.

Her area of specialization is academic writing for international students, and she teaches ASP 095 Academic Writing for International Graduate Students. In addition, she instructs students in ASP 055,Communication Skills for International Students, whereby providing instruction and practice in formal/informal English language usage in the context of intercultural learning. She is the advisor for the International Student Organization, advises students on study strategies, facilitates ACE workshops, and writes the ACE Study Tip of the Week. Audrey holds esteemed gratification in helping students succeed in life and loves dedicating herself to the work she has chosen.

During her free time, she enjoys traveling; especially to international sites. At home, a perennial garden is center stage of her backyard. In addition, her quest for knowledge is satisfied by reading non-fiction on various topics. Growing up and residing in the Chicago area her entire life has instilled a deep appreciation for beautiful Lake Michigan as the backdrop for the Chicago skyline.

zeesa@uic.edu

Felix is a first-generation college graduate from Northern Illinois University, where he received a B.A. in Sociology and a M.S. in Education with a concentration in Higher Education and Student Affairs. As first-generation college student, Felix experienced an extremely difficult time navigating higher education and came across many challenges. To persevere he had to push himself outside of his comfort zone to find his support system at NIU and ask for help when needed. Felix wants to use his experiences to advise students to make wiser decisions about their higher education, and reach their fullest potential, while also considering their future goals. Felix believes it is important for him to meet students where they are at in their college transition process and identify the support that is needed. He strongly feels that not every student is going to need the same type of support as others. Therefore, he strives build authentic relationships with his students to develop trust and allow him the opportunity to understand where the support is needed for that student. Felix is extremely excited to serve as a Transition Coach at UIC and is looking forward to supporting student during their transition to UIC.

Gabriela has over 5 years of experience working with youth in schools, and various nonprofits. Gabriela is an Alumni of the University of Illinois at Chicago receiving her degree in Sociology and Latin American and Latino Studies, and Masters in Social Work at UIC Jane Addams College of Social Work. She is passionate about working with adolescents and values the importance of building healthy relationships to help the overall growth of the individual.

ggodin4@uic.edu

Alyssa is a two-time graduate from the University of Louisville, with her Bachelor of Science in Communication and Pan-African Studies, and her Master of Education in Counseling and Personnel Services with a focus in College Student Personnel. Alyssa has a passion in for student development, success, well-being, and advocacy for all students. Alyssa is new to the Chicago area and is excited for this new opportunity to help students find and build community at UIC!

Noemi Roman, a member of the Transition Coaching team, is a first-generation college graduate. She completed her bachelor’s degree at DePaul University in Political Science and Latin American and Latino Studies. She also obtained her master’s degree at Northeastern Illinois University in Higher Education Leadership. Noemi is a Chicago native, from Albany Park. She looks forward to connecting and helping students succeed at UIC!

Ashley has been working for the University of Illinois for 8 years. She received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Illinois State University and her Master’s in Public Administration from the University of Illinois in Springfield. Ashley enjoys working with students and is passionate about assisting them to reach their full potential. She hopes to use the skills and information she has learned to help students on their higher education journey and beyond.

ajscott1@uic.edu

Jennifer began her experience working with youth volunteering with La Casa Cultural Latina at her alma mater. Jennifer graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where she received a Bachelor of Science in Advertising with a concentration in Latino/a studies. Jennifer is currently working on her M.Ed in Urban Higher Education at UIC.  Jennifer is dedicated to supporting students and making higher education more accessible.

jzaval8@uic.edu

Learn more about our Peer Coaches.