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

2-Year Program

Transition Year

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 programs, including both the 2-Year Program and the Transition Year.
  • Hear about the application process for the 2026–2027 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.

Appointments

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.

Schedule Appointment

Meet the HALO Team

Staff
Portait of Kori Folkerts

Kori Folkerts

Director, Student Access and Accommodations Services, and HALO Program

309-268-8251
Portait of Karin Orwig

Karin Orwig

Coordinator and Instructor, HALO Program

309-268-8235
Portait of Jill Warren

Jill Warren

Coordinator and Instructor, Student Access and Accommodations Services, and HALO Program

309-268-8151
Portait of Ashley Rogucki

Ashley Rogucki

Program Facilitator and Instructor, HALO Program

309-268-8255
Instructors
Portait of Heather Bailey

Heather Bailey

2-Year Program Instructor

Pontiac Campus

Portait of Jennifer Dawson

Jennifer Dawson

2-Year Program Instructor

Normal Campus

Portait of Kay Eichler

Kay Eichler

2-Year Program Instructor

Normal Campus

Portait of Rajani Mannepalli

Rajani Mannepalli

2-Year Program Instructor

Normal Campus

Portait of Shilo Rogers

Shilo Rogers

2-Year Program Instructor

Normal Campus

Portait of Dawn Sheppelman

Dawn Sheppelman

2-Year and Transition Year 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, HALO

Karin.Orwig@heartland.edu 

Jill Warren

Coordinator, SAAS, HALO

Jill.Warren@heartland.edu 

Ashley Rogucki

Program Facilitator, HALO

 Ashley.Rogucki@heartland.edu 

Social Media

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HALO Facebook Page