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Candidates for NACAC Delegate – Secondary 2013-2014

Brad KainBrad Kain Amy ThompsonAmy Thompson

 

Brad Kain

Brad Kain

College Counselor, Homewood Flossmoor High School

Education:
B.A. Lewis University; M.A. School Counseling, Lewis University;
M.A. Education School Leadership, Olivet Nazarene

IACAC Member: 12 years

Previous Employment:
Lewis University, Admission Counselor (2001–2003);
Homewood Flossmoor High School, Generalist Guidance Counselor (2003–2012); College Consultant (2012–present)

IACAC Activities:
Bus-O-Fun;
Membership Committee;
Conference Planning Committee;
Chicago South Suburban District Seminar Presenter and Planning Committee Member;
Annual Conference Presenter (past 5 years)

Candidate Statement:
It is with great excitement that I have the opportunity to run for such a coveted position, and I am very thankful for the opportunity to be considered for a High School Delegate on the IACAC Executive Committee. I would like to thank everyone who has mentored me and shown me what it means to help others who may not have the necessary resources to navigate their way through high school and the college admission process. Over the years I have worked with dynamic and amazing people in our field and the IACAC organization. It is because of them and their knowledge base I have become who I am today. I feel that it is now my turn to be that mentor and voice.

I remember attending my first college night program when I worked as an admission counselor. I can recall standing behind the table wondering why some of the other admission representatives seemed to have it all figured out. Later, I would find out that the reason they knew so much was because they had been doing it for so long. They were the experts who became my mentors and are the people that I looked up to. Today many of them have become very active members and contributors to IACAC and our profession. I promise to continue that contribution in the high school delegate position.

As a former admission counselor, a guidance counselor, and now a college counselor
I have had the opportunity to see the struggles and frustrations that many of our students face on a daily basis. I also know that we as counselors are sometimes limited by circumstances beyond our control. It is my hope in this position that I will be able to be a voice of many counselors in our state. It is an opportunity for me to share the many ideas that I have been taught over the years with my colleagues on a state and national level. Lastly, the position will allow me to take these conversations to a national level where changes can take effect.

As one of the high school delegates, I hope to give back everything that has been given to me by this organization. Through this organization I have been given the opportunity to grow both personally and professionally. I have met many colleagues and created friendships that will last throughout my career and life. I hope to continue to provide the highest expectations, and I will encourage others to become involved in our organization.

 

Amy ThompsonAmy Thompson

College & Career Counselor, York Community High School

Education:
B.A. in Art Education, Purdue University;
M.A. in School Counseling, Concordia University in River Forest

IACAC Member: 14 years

Previous Employment:
Jefferson Junior High School, Waukegan, IL, 7th Grade Art Educator (1989–90);
Washington Elementary School, Glenview, IL, K-6 Art Educator (1990–91);
US Consulate Educational Advising Office, Melbourne, Australia, Volunteer (1991–1992);
Warren Township High School, Gurnee, IL, 9-12 Permanent Substitute (1992–1993);
Chaney-Monge School, Crest Hill, IL, K-8 Art Educator (1994–1998);
College and Career Counselor, York Community High School (1999–2006);
General Counselor, York Community High School (2006–2010);
College and Career Counselor, York Community High School (2010–present)

IACAC Activities:
Executive Board Structure Ad Hoc Committee Member (2010–2012);
Delegate to NACAC (2010), Substitute;
Government Relations Committee Member (2001–2012), Co-chair (2007–2009);
Representative to NACAC Public Policy Institute (2005, 2008, 2009);
Annual Conference: Volunteer (2009–present), Co-presenter and/or Panel Member (four years);
Summer Institute High School Panel Speaker (2000, 2012);
District Seminar Presenter (2013)

NACAC Activities:
Member (1999–present);
IACAC Delegate to NACAC (2010), Substitute;
IACAC Representative to NACAC Public Policy Institute (2005, 2008, 2009)

Other Professional Activities:
American School Counselor Association: Member (1998–present), Delegate for Illinois at 8 Delegate Assemblies;
Illinois School Counselor Association: Member (1998–present), Secondary Level Vice-President (2000–2003), President (2005-2006), Public Policy Chair (2007–present);
American Association of University Women: Member (1993–present)

Candidate Statement:
I am honored to be nominated for High School Delegate! In my nearly 14 years as a member, I have enjoyed and been enriched by attending Conferences, District Seminars, attending many GRC activities and by interacting with my IACAC peers. As soon as I became involved, I knew I had joined something special. IACAC members are fun, energetic, altruistic, ethical, and hard working; I love being a part of that! I’ve met so many dedicated professionals, made many friends, and become immersed in the world of college admissions and high school-to-college transition. If elected, I will be able to serve the association as a leader, giving my time and energy to a wonderful organization.

As a NACAC Delegate, I would represent IACAC with pride and professionalism. Having participated in one Delegate Assembly, I understand the impact our delegates have on policies of NACAC. Illinois Delegate’s opinions are held in high regard because of IACAC’s commitment to diversity, serving the underserved, and simply doing what is right for students, families, and member institutions. Though I have a good range of experiences in speaking up for issues of importance to IACAC through legislative work, I never speak from my single perspective. Rather, I will speak with a collective voice, as part of a strong organization, representing the diverse range of interests and concerns this association serves. I would be honored to receive your vote and I look forward to speaking up on behalf of IACAC.

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