Meet the Project RISE Staff
Director
Michelle Baldwin began her career at Heartland Community College in July 2022. She has worked in higher education for 26 years as a professor and an administrator and also has 6 years experience directing TRIO grants. As a first generation student herself, Michelle enjoys working closely with students in helping them meet their educational and professional goals.
Assistant Director
Maria Abbonato began working as the Assistant Director in July 2024. Previously, she worked as a Peer Mentor for the Program for two years. As someone who has been a first-generation, low-income student herself, she has a passion for working closely with students to help them succeed and thrive while they pursue their personal, professional, and academic goals.
Program Assistant
Sara Halder has been involved with Project RISE in various roles since 2021. She began as an Office Assistant for two years before becoming a Peer Mentor. She then worked as a Math Specialist before transitioning to her current role as Program Assistant in January of 2026. As a first-generation, low-income student with a disability, she understands the challenges TRIO students may face and is passionate about helping them achieve their goals.
Math Specialist
Michelle serves as the Project RISE Math Specialist, along with other roles as a Math Tutor here at Heartalnd. In these roles, Michelle supports students as they progress through their math courses by providing tutoring services and helping them implement strategies that will lead them towards success.
Career Coach
Our Career Coach assists students with finding on-campus and off-campus jobs through resume writing, application assistance, mock interviews, etc. The Career Coach also helps students connect with community resources to assist with addressing needs beyond the classroom.
Cindy Alcazar
Phone: 309-268-8446
Email: cindy.alcazar@heartland.edu
Office Assistant
Our Office Aide(s) not only help around the office, they are the friendly faces you see when you come into the Project RISE suite. They can give information about the program and assist you with making an appointment.
Peer Mentors
