It’s Thanksgiving week and the Greater Joliet Area YMCA would like to highlight a wonderful group of individuals we are thankful for this holiday season. We are so excited about our 2021-22 Teen Achievers program, which wouldn’t be possible without the help of our incredible team of school facilitators. You can learn more about this Rock Star team below:
Chris Tagler – Minooka Community High School 
About Mr. Tagler:
Chris has taught at the high school level for 15 years, mostly in Personal Finance education, and is starting his second year at Minooka Community High School.
Why he is excited for Teen Achievers:
“I joined the YMCA’s Teen Achievers team because I have made it one of my missions to help young people become smarter and ready for the world that awaits them.”
Jillian VanTuyle – Plainfield East High School and Plainfield Central High School
About Ms. VanTuyle:
Jillian is an ELD teacher at Plainfield East, and has two kids that love the Y! Her dream is to travel the world, knit endless hats, and eat cake at every opportunity.
Why she is excited for Teen Achievers:
“Navigating the transition into adulthood is a tough one, and I’m looking forward to helping young adults find the path that helps them achieve their personal goals. Teen Achievers is an amazing way for students to explore the question of, ‘What’s next after graduation?’, without cookie-cutter responses and support for taking action. I can’t wait to see what they’ll accomplish!”
Walter Ornelas – Plainfield South High School
About Mr. Ornelas:
Walter was born in Mexico and raised in Pilsen, a neighborhood in Chicago. He earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Art Education at UIC and a Master of Arts in School Leadership from Concordia University. He has worked with the at-risk youth population within many communities, including Pilsen, West Lawndale, South Chicago, and most recently in Joliet and Plainfield.
Why he is excited for Teen Achievers:
“I have spent my professional career helping young people advance their lives through education and vocational training. My goal as an educator is to enrich the lives of students I work with by making a positive contribution while creating lifelong learners.”
Tycee Bell – Joliet West High School and Joliet Central High School
About Ms. Bell:
Tycee is a proud Joliet native, community cultivator, and public affairs professional. She is a founder and Visionary Director of Seven Mountains LLC, a mission-driven enterprise looking to change the world through large-scale events that bring people together and empower new leaders to advance the movement for social justice.
Why she is excited for Teen Achievers:
“When teens excel, it’s because of programs like Teen Achievers, which provide opportunities for them to learn and focus on their future. My hope is to help foster a leader centered environment as a facilitator because I believe in the YMCA’s mission to build the mind, body, and spirit of our youth. This is vital when building a foundation for success.”
Robbi Hicks – Morris High School
About Ms. Hicks:
Robbi is a music educator, currently serving as Director of Bands at Morris Community High School. After graduating from VanderCook College of Music (Chicago, IL) with a B.M.Ed. in Music Education in 2018, she worked in Joliet Public Schools for two years. In her time at Joliet PSD 86, she served as a K-5 music educator as well as the Social-Emotional-Learning Liaison for the Fine Arts. In 2021, Robbi became certified as a yoga teacher with plans to teach classes in the coming year.
Why she is excited for Teen Achievers:
“Along with a passion for music, I have a passion for social and emotional learning. I believe in the power of enriching communities through mindfulness, movement, and music.”
