HALO

Building Independence. Creating Connections. Supporting Success.

The mission of the HALO Program is to provide inclusive postsecondary experiences that empower adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to build independence, confidence, and meaningful life skills to support a successful transition to their desired future.

2-Year Program

Transition Year

Start Here: Your First Look at Life in HALO

Get an inside view of HALO: explore campus, stop by a class, talk with students, and learn about our program and application process, all in one welcoming visit.

The best way to learn about HALO is to schedule a campus visit for you, the student, and at least one parent or adult supporter. A campus visit gives you a clear, firsthand look at what life at Heartland is like and helps you imagine your next steps as a HALO student.

During your visit, you will:

  • Learn what it is like to be a Heartland student and get a feel for daily life in the HALO program.
  • Receive detailed information about our pathways, including both the 2-Year Certificate and the Transition Year.
  • Hear about the application process for the 2027–2028 school year, including timelines and what to expect.
  • Tour the Heartland campus, exploring key spaces and resources available to HALO students.
  • Visit a HALO class and talk with some of our current students.
  • Ask questions so you can make informed decisions about your next steps.

Campus Visits

Appointments are offered at both our Normal and Pontiac campuses, so be sure to select the campus the student is interested in attending classes. We ask that the student attends along with at least one parent or adult supporter to get the most out of experience.

Dennis Hellweg HALO Classroom

The Dennis Hellweg HALO Classroom is currently under construction and is anticipated to open in Spring 2027. Heartland Community College is grateful for the support of generous donors who share our mission of providing accessible and innovative learning opportunities and resources that enrich the lives of our students. Once completed, the classroom will serve as a simulation lab for select HALO classes and programs.

Meet the HALO Team

Staff
Portait of Kori Folkerts

Kori Folkerts

Director, Student Access and Accommodation Services and HALO Program

309-268-8251

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Portait of Karin Orwig

Karin Orwig

Coordinator, Student Access and Accommodation Services and HALO Program

309-268-8235

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Portait of Jill Warren

Jill Warren

Coordinator, Student Access and Accommodations Service and HALO Program

309-268-8151

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Portait of Ashley Rogucki

Ashley Rogucki

Program Facilitator and Instructor, HALO Program

309-268-8255

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Instructors
Portait of Heather Bailey

Heather Bailey

2-Year Pathway Instructor

Pontiac Center

Portait of Jennifer Dawson

Jennifer Dawson

2-Year Pathway Instructor

Normal Campus

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Kay Eichler

2-Year Pathway Instructor

Pontiac Campus

Portait of Rajani Mannepalli

Rajani Mannepalli

2-Year Pathway Instructor

Normal Campus

Portait of Dawn Sheppelman

Dawn Sheppelman

Transition Pathway Instructor

Normal Campus

Peer Mentors 

The HALO Peer Mentor Program creates meaningful peer-to-peer connections that help HALO students be supported, engaged, and empowered. Our peer mentors play an important role in helping students build confidence, develop independence, and fully experience campus life.  
Peer mentors act as advocates, coaches, and role models. Through regular check-ins and shared experiences, mentors support their mentees both academically and socially, helping with coursework, navigating challenges, problem-solving, connecting to campus resources, planning next steps toward their goals, and finding community in clubs, athletics, and campus life.   

Why Peer Mentors Matter for HALO Students 

Peer mentors help HALO students: 

  • Build trusting relationships with supportive peers 
  • Strengthen academic and social-emotional skills 
  • Explore interests and get involved in campus life 
  • Gain confidence in navigating college expectations 
  • Take meaningful steps toward independence 


 

Interested in Becoming a Peer Mentor?  

Being a peer mentor is a rewarding opportunity to make a real difference in another student’s life and grow your own skills along the way. 

Peer mentors gain:  

  • Hands-on leadership and coaching experience 
  • Strong communication, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills 
  • Training in advocacy, support strategies, and inclusive practices 
  • Experience that strengthens resumes, transfer applications, and future career goals 
  • The chance to build meaningful connections and contribute to a more inclusive campus community  

    If you are interested in joining the HALO Peer Mentor team, visit our job posting on Handshake. 
    • Have questions about becoming a Peer Mentor? Email us at halo@heartland.edu - we are happy to help! 
Their guidance and presence help create a welcoming, inclusive environment where HALO students can learn, grow, and thrive alongside their peers.

Contact Us

Location

1500 W. Raab Road
Normal, IL 61761
Email: halo@heartland.edu
Phone: 309-268-8255

Staff

Karin Orwig

Coordinator, SAAS/HALO

Karin.Orwig@heartland.edu 

Jill Warren

Coordinator, SAAS/HALO

Jill.Warren@heartland.edu 

Ashley Rogucki

Program Facilitator, HALO

 Ashley.Rogucki@heartland.edu 

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