CHS Student Services

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Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) Senior Financial Aid Information

• ISAC English
• ISAC Español

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Assistant Principal of Student Services

Anthony Meier
anthony.meier@central301.net

I graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a degree in History and Secondary Education and later completed graduate hours in Special Education at Xavier University in Cincinnati and Master’s in School Leadership at Concordia University in River Forest. I started my career as a special education teacher at South Elgin High School in 2008 where I taught a wide variety of subjects in both the collab and self-contained settings. I also coached pole vault, long jump, and triple jump – something that I loved and still miss. After South Elgin, I was the Assistant Director of Student Services at Niles North for nine years before joining the team at CHS in the summer of 2025. Outside of work, I enjoy DIY home projects, cheering on the Bears and Cubs, running, and spending as much quality time as possible with my wife and two young daughters.

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School Counselors

Brian Melvin, Last Names A – Dam, Dual Credit Students
brian.melvin@central301.net

I attended North Park University in Chicago and studied Physical Education and Business. I went back to school to become a school counselor. I graduated from National Louis University and worked for four years at East Aurora before coming to Central High School.

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Gina Tauer, Last Names (Dan-Jal)
gina.tauer@central301.net

I completed my undergraduate degree in Performing Arts Management from Columbia College Chicago and started my career as an Event Coordinator. I later realized that working with students is a passion of mine, and I completed my Master’s degree in School Counseling at Lewis University. Before starting at CHS, I worked as a counselor at Riverside Brookfield HS and Hinckley Big-Rock HS. I’ve been a school counselor for 10 years and throughout my experience, I have been a Varsity Poms Coach, JV Volleyball Coach, Junior and Senior Class Sponsor, and NHS Coordinator. Here at CHS, I am the Peer Leaders Sponsor and Best Buddies Sponsor. Aside from school counseling, I love to travel and hang out with my two amazing kids. Arianna is 10 years old and a competitive cheerleader, so I travel all year watching her compete, and Chase is four years old with energy that is unlike any other his age. They both keep me busy and on my toes!

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Rachel Ginter, Last Names (Jam – Nar), Life Skills Students
rachel.ginter@central301.net

I graduated from NIU with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a Minor in Family & Child Studies. Immediately after graduating, I attended National Louis University and graduated with my Master’s in School Counseling. I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor and a National Board Certified Counselor. Prior to joining the CHS Team, I started my career working as a therapist at a therapeutic day school then serving at-risk students while providing MTSS supports for behavioral interventions. Upon gaining extensive school counseling experience across several different school districts, I joined the Central Rockets as a School Counselor and AP Coordinator. My approach is rooted in creating a welcoming, supportive space for students while forming genuine, supportive connections. I enjoy guiding students as they navigate their high school years and helping them grow into confident, capable young adults. In my free time, I enjoy recharging in the sun, getting creative with arts and crafts, and finding joy in everyday laughter!

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Hank Hartwig, Last Names (Nas-Schu), Freshmen/Sophomore ML Students
harold.hartwig@central301.net

I went to Carthage College and got my undergraduate degree in Exercise and Sports Science and started coaching high school football. After I started coaching, I realized I could help students not just in just athletics but in many aspects of their lives. I decided to go into the field of school counseling. I attended National Louis University and graduated in June 2023. I was hired by Central High School to be a school counselor and a football coach. I am passionate about helping students find meaning and direction for their lives. With my experiences, I connect well with CHS students and am excited to be a part of this district.

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Megan Marciniec, Last Names (Sci – Z), Junior/Senior ML Students
megan.marciniec@central301.net,

I completed my undergraduate degree from the University of Iowa and upon graduation spent seven years in the health and fitness industry. During that time, I was introduced to the world of coaching, and I am now in my 17th year as a high school cheerleading coach. Coaching propelled me into the world of education, and I obtained my Master’s degree in School Counseling from National Louis University in 2014. I worked as the AVID Coordinator at Rolling Meadows High School before coming to CHS as a school counselor and cheerleading coach. I love sharing my experiences with my students and look forward to what the school year will bring.

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School Social Workers

DeLena Byanski: Last Names (A – Fa) & Life Skills Students
delena.byanski@central301.net

I completed my undergraduate and graduate degrees in Social Work at Aurora University. Afterwards, I completed the required supervised hours and passed the exam to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). I began my career working with the homeless population on the west side of Chicago by overseeing two HUD and one state funded programs; however, my dream job was to work in the high school setting. When I was able, I went back to school to obtain my professional educators license (PEL) to work in schools and began my new career path at CHS as a School Social Worker. I love my job and look forward to coming to work each day to support the social/emotional needs and empowerment of our students so they become productive members of the community. In my free time, I enjoy camping, hiking, kayaking, swimming, hot yoga, inferno pilates, attending music festivals, and spending time with my family, friends, and pets. 

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Cara Bussman, Last Names (Fe – Lep), Dual Credit Students
cara.bussman@central301.net

As a school social worker, my goal is to provide social and emotional support to students in order to help them navigate the obstacles they face in adolescence. I assess the needs of students and families in order to assist in removing any barriers to their success. I received my Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology and went on to receive my Master’s degree in Social Work at Aurora University. I have completed two internships in the high school setting, the first at West Aurora High School and the second at Addison Trail High School. I am excited to work with the students at Central High School and look forward to the year ahead!

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Blake Stern, Last Names (Lev – Rid), Life Skills
blake.stern@central301.net

I earned my Master’s Degree in Social Work and my Professional Educator License from Aurora University. I chose School Social Work because I am passionate about helping adolescents navigate life’s obstacles while staying focused on their personal goals. My mission is to provide a safe, empowering environment where every student feels comfortable being themselves. When I’m not at school, I’m usually staying active, whether that’s golfing, working out, or exploring with my dog, Tobie. I also cherish spending time with my loved ones, as they will always be supportive of my endeavors. I look forward to meeting your students and helping them achieve success both during and beyond their high school years!

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Sophia Baier, Last Names Law – Z, Life Skills Students, ML Students
sophia.baier@central301.net

I earned my undergraduate and graduate degrees in social work at Aurora University. I am passionate about working with high school students to help remove barriers to learning by supporting students in developing healthy coping strategies, building self-esteem, and empowering them to reach their full potential. I strive to create a safe and supportive environment where students feel heard. I am bilingual in Ukrainian and value working with students from diverse cultural backgrounds. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, being outdoors with my kids, and staying active.

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Additional Student Services Staff

Elizabeth Covington, School Psychologist
elizabeth.covington@central301.net

Originally from Long Island, New York, I graduated from the State University of New York at Potsdam in 2011 with degrees in Psychology and English (Creative Writing). I earned my Master’s in School Psychology from Adelphi University in 2015 and soon after moved to Illinois to begin my career in education. While I started in an elementary setting, I quickly realized that my heart was in working with high school students. I joined the Central Rockets in 2016 and have loved supporting adolescents during such an important and transformative time in their lives. In my role, I provide academic and behavioral support, conduct assessments, collaborate with teachers and families, and serve as a data coach to help guide thoughtful, evidence-based decision-making. I believe every student has unique strengths, and I am committed to helping them recognize and build on those strengths.

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Jeff Herman, At-Risk Advisor, Summer School Coordinator, College & Career Prep Teacher
jeff.herman@central301.net

I attended Illinois State University majoring in Health Education and minoring in Physical Education. I then earned a Master’s degree in Educational Administration from Aurora University and also completed 38 Master’s level School Counseling hours at NIU. I started working at CMS in 1996 as a Health and PE teacher, then later spent 10 years as the Student Services Director and Athletic Director. I also coached football for 20 years for Central High School and with the Panthers feeder program. I have 3 kids who graduated CHS and went on to attend Arizona State University and Central Michigan. In my free time, you can find me on the golf course!

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Ryan Johnson Alternative Learning Opportunities Program Teacher
ryan.johnson@central301.net

I attended Monmouth College majoring in Physical Education. I started my career in education at Evergreen Academy in 2006. After 17 years at Evergreen I joined the staff at CHS in 2023.I began my coaching career as a  JV baseball coach before taking over the JV softball program  at Huntley. I stopped coaching at the high school level so I could coach my two sons as they started to play sports. I have coached youth football, basketball and helped start the Marengo Outlaws travel baseball organization in 2014.  I traveled the country coaching and watching my boys play baseball for 11 summers. Now I look forward to being their teammate in golf leagues and on the softball diamond.

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Laura Kolakowski, School Psychologist
laura.kolakowski@central301.net

I graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a degree in Psychology. Then, I completed my graduate degree in School Psychology at Northern Illinois University. I am passionate about helping students and their families with the work I do as a school psychologist. My husband and I have two kids and a big, energetic husky, and we all love to spend time together.

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Trent Lange, Speech / Language Pathologist
trent.lange@central301.net

I have worked in Central 301 since 1997 as a speech pathologist for all but five years when I was principal at Lily Lake Grade School. In that time, I have worked in every building in the district except for Prairie Knolls. I graduated from NIU with a degree in Communicative Disorders in 1990. I obtained Master’s degrees from NIU in Speech Language Pathology in 1992 and Educational Administration in 2004. I have been the speech language pathologist at CHS working with students with language, articulation, fluency (stuttering), and voice impairments since the 2012-2013 school year and currently also provide services at Central Middle School.

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Kelly Teele Central Academy (Math Credit Recovery)
Kelly.teele@central301.net

I graduated from UIC in 2015 with a bachelors of science in the teaching of mathematics. I started my career at CHS in 2016. Throughout the years, I have had experience teaching different math courses and grade levels. One thing that has remained constant is my passion for helping students build confidence in the subject of mathematics. I take pride in building strong connections with my students and meeting their individual needs.  Outside of school, I enjoy pilates and spending time with my family and friends. 

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Melissa Baumgartner, School Nurse
melissa.baumgartner@central301.net

I have been a Registered Nurse for many years and have spent the last 12 years at Central High School. My husband and I live in St. Charles and have three daughters, two dogs, and two cats. In my personal time, I also enjoy helping people and am currently a co-founder of a medical mission in Guatemala providing health care to the underserved indigenous population.

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