lelgersma@plano88.org; 630-552-3178 ext. 7508

This year I started my 10th year as a School Counselor and my 6th year at PHS! I attended The University of Iowa for my undergraduate degree in Journalism and Communication with a minor in Psychology and Sociology. I then went on to earn my Master’s Degree in Counseling with a specialization in School Counseling at Governors State University. When I am not at PHS I love spending time with my family. My husband Mark and I have 3 beautiful daughters (Lilly 15, Kennedy 3, and Leighton 10 months). We love spending time outside with our girls and exploring new parks and trails by our home in Minooka. We spend a lot of our free time with my mom who lives just 30 minutes away from us. A lot of our family lives out of state so we travel to see them as much as we can (Florida, California, and Boston). I love being a part of the Student Services Team at PHS and working with all of the amazing students, families, and staff.

ceasley@plano88.org; 630-552-3178 ext. 7504

Mrs. Easley has been at Plano since Winter 2019. After attending Northern Illinois University for 3 years in Nursing, she changed her major and graduated with a Bachelor's of Science in Family & Child Studies in order to pursue a career in Counseling. After that Mrs. Easley worked for NIU as a graduate assistant in the residence halls and taught Career Explorations courses as she completed her Master's of Education in Counseling there. After finishing graduate school she worked as a case manager for a non-profit that provided housing and support to homeless teens before she came to PHS. Her favorite part of her job is building relationships with students and helping them work towards being the best versions of themselves. She has a passion for assisting students with needs for finding greater resources such as students that identify as homeless, undocumented or LGBTQIA+. Prior to becoming a Counselor at PHS, Mrs. Easley helped create and run the GRIT program at PHS. In her free time Mrs. Easley enjoys making crafts with her cricut and spending time with her family.

lbondiman@plano88.org; 630-552-3178 ext. 7549

Ms. Bondiman has been in the Counseling field for 9 years and is excited to continue her career at Plano High School! She graduated from Butler University with a degree in Elementary Education. After a couple years of Teaching, Ms. Bondiman found her passion in the Counseling role. Her favorite part of her job is connecting and building relationships with students in a friendly, compassionate environment. In her free time, Ms. Bondiman enjoys traveling, trying out new restaurants, and spending time with her family, including one very active 5 year old!

kdegarmo@pasec.net; 630-552-3178 ext. 7506

Ms. DeGarmo has been at Plano High School since 2016. She received both her undergraduate and graduate degrees from Aurora University. She is in the process of becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and a Drugs and Alcohol Counselor (CADC). In addition to being a school social worker, she is an active member of the Kendall County Juvenile Justice Committee, and the coordinator for both P.R.A.I.S.E. and T.A.L.K. programs at Plano High School. She has two dogs, a chihuahua, and an English Bulldog that she enjoys taking walks and playing with in her spare time. She has several nieces and nephews ranging from ages 1 year-19 years old, that she spends most of her time with. Lastly, she is a sports fanatic and spends a lot of time either watching or playing sports, especially hockey. Let’s Go Hawks!

ccooper@pasec.net; 630-552-3178 ext. 7510

Mrs. Cooper has been a school social worker in the Plano District since 2007. She enjoyed working with young children at P.H. Miller for seven years, with middle schoolers at PMS for eight years; and now loves seeing many of those same students approaching the culmination of their K-12 education at Plano High School! Mrs. Cooper has a passion for social justice and believes in the human capacity for growth and change. She loves helping students find their own strengths and passions. In addition to her role as a school social worker, Mrs. Cooper is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in private practice as a part-time therapist in the Plainfield area. Mrs. Cooper is the proud mother of two awesome young adults, each pursuing careers of their own. In her free time, Mrs. Cooper enjoys traveling, doing all kinds of puzzles, reading, bicycling, hiking, singing, watching football, and hanging out with her family, friends, and two cats.

mbjork@pasec.net; 630-552-3178 ext. 7512

erussell@plano88.org; 630-552-3178 ext. 7507

Mrs. Russell started at Plano High School at the start of the 2022-2023 school year. She received her undergraduate degree in English from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and earned her secondary education certification at the University of Aurora. Mrs. Russell started teaching English at Kaneland High School and continued her teaching tenure at Oswego High School teaching various English and journalism courses. Mrs. Russell earned a master's degree in Educational Leadership with a Principal Endorsement from North Central College and began her administrative career as Dean of Students at Oswego High School. She served in this position for three years. Mrs. Russell feels lucky to be a part of the Reaper community and looks forward to supporting students and their families, as well as the staff at Plano High School. Outside of the work day, Mrs. Russell enjoys traveling and visiting new places with her husband, spending time with family and friends, cooking, and spending time with their sheepadoodle, Charlie. 

jdellorto@plano88.org; 630-552-3178 ext. 7534

Lauren.Waitt@illinois.gov; 630-946-3688

Ms. Waitt will be at Plano High School every other Tuesday 8:00am - 12:30pm to meet with students! Ms. Waitt can help assist our students and families with:

• College applications

• FAFSA (application for financial aid)

• College room and board, college deposits

• Workforce information

• Military

• Union options

• And much more!

Ms. Waitt will be located in the College/Career Center in the Innovation Center. Students may fill out the Student Services Request Form to request to meet with Ms. Waitt.