Elizabeth has over 15 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.  Her 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 and 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- her hope is to witness this cohort, and all 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

Rahman Ali has been at UIC since May of 1994 in various clerical administrative roles.  He loves working with faculty, students, and staff. He says he’s met and worked with many people from different backgrounds and cultures. He finds that these interactions help to foster a better understanding of people in general, and supports UIC’s mission of diversity.  When Rahman isn’t working he loves vacationing with family and friends, spending time reading about historical facts watching history programs on television. Time with family is most important to Rahman!

alirah@uic.edu

Keeayla has 3 years of experience working with youth and assisting students with completing their FAFSA. Keeayla attended Northern Illinois University, where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a criminology certificate. Keeayla is currently working on her Masters in Social Work at UIC Jane Addams College of Social Work. Keeayla is very passionate about supporting students by making sure they know all the resources available to aid in their success.

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

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

Crystal Tse is an instructor at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC). At ACE she teaches courses, facilitates workshops, and works with students individually to develop their academic skills (e.g., study skills, time management). Crystal received her Ph.D. in Social Psychology from the University of Waterloo and her Bachelors of Science degree in Psychology and Biology from the University of Toronto in Canada. She is interested in applying psychological theories (e.g., motivation, metacognition) to enhance instructional design and support student success. She is also interested in teaching and learning, diversity and inclusion, accessibility, student mental health, and supporting students from underrepresented groups. She has also enjoyed teaching undergraduate courses in psychology.

In her spare time, Crystal enjoys rock-climbing, running, practicing yoga, and training in the martial arts. She also loves drinking tea, reading, and traveling with her partner.

tsecryst@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

Allie has over six years of experience working with young people in schools, communities, and nonprofits. Allie attended Loyola University of Chicago and received bachelor’s degrees in Secondary Education and History, and recently earned her M.Ed in Youth Development from the University of Illinois at Chicago. For the last five years Allie worked with students grade 6-12 in Chicago Public School as a social studies teacher, soccer coach, and mentor. She is passionate about helping youth develop their identities, and advocate for themselves as they transition to and through UIC.

aherri5@uic.edu

Ashley has been working for the University of Illinois for 5 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

Yesenia has over 7 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 hopes to help students find and build community at UIC!

yvilla5@uic.edu

Gabriela has over 3 experience working with youth in schools, and various non profits. Gabriela is an Alumni of the University of Illinois at Chicago receiving her degree in Sociology and Latin American and Latino Studies, and is currently working on her 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

Joseph recently began his professional experience working in higher education. As a proud alumnus of the University of Illinois at Chicago, Joseph received a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology in 2017 and is currently pursuing an M.Ed. in Urban Higher Education at UIC. A product of Chicago Public Schools and a first-generation college graduate, Joseph has experienced some of the obstacles students of his similar background face.

Joseph is passionate about advocating for underrepresented students and providing guidance to ensure their journey in higher education ends with success!

jgarc53@uic.edu

Hector has eight years of experience in Montessori and K-12 education systems.  His greatest accomplishments were seeing students understand their own identity and become confident in who they are.

Born and raised in West Rogers Park, Hector has been privileged to have a wonderfully diverse group of friends who he still keeps in contact with to this day. His friendships allowed him to appreciate diversity.

After several bouts with college, he finally decided to obtain a master’s of Social Work in 2019, he is now working on a master’s in Educational Leadership with a concentration in Higher Education. His studies have helped to inform him of the many hurdles we all face in life and in education.

Hector’s hope is to help students identify their strengths to help inform and guild them through a successful higher education experience.

In his spare time he does photography, and he helps produce a weekly radio show that focuses on Chicago based musicians, artists of all kinds, activists, and change-makers.

hrhernan@uic.edu

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