Welcome to
MCHS School Counseling Department
Our Mission
The School Counseling Department at Minooka Community High School is designed to help students learn about themselves, identify their interests, investigate the world of work and take direct action to build lifelong competencies while in high school. High school students are faced with the prospect of numerous and diverse choices in post-secondary planning. In any decision-making process, gathering information is the key step. To achieve these objectives, students and parents are encouraged to participate in a variety of activities and programs throughout their four years of high school. In the freshman year, counselors meet with students to help them understand their own learning styles and review available guidance services. Sophomore year focuses on career options and PSAT. In the junior year, counselors meet with students and an overview of post-secondary educational planning is presented. During the senior year, students examine options, submit college applications and make post-graduation decisions. Throughout the four years of high school, students are encouraged to meet individually with their counselors. Our college coordinator is available as a resource person.
Your Counseling Team
South Counselors
Freshman/Sophomore
South Counselors can be contacted by filling out this
Katie Cassidy (A-G)
Dr. Kristina Brown (H-O)
815-521-4001 ext. 4165
Central Counselors
Junior/Senior
Central Counselors can be contacted by filling out this
A little about me- first and foremost, I am a mom to three outstanding humans and three crazy canines. I grew up in a large family as the middle of seven children on a small farm in rural Oswego, Illinois. After graduating from high school I put myself through undergrad at Eastern Illinois University and then graduate school at the University of Nebraska-Kearney where I earned my M.S. Ed. I worked in higher education for a few years and enjoyed my time at Humboldt State University in Arcata, CA., the University of Illinois-U.C., and at Colorado Mountain College in Steamboat Springs, CO. I eventually realized I missed being close to my family, packed up and moved back home to Illinois. I then attended Illinois State University to earn my teaching degree, and have been at MCHS since August of 2000. In fact, I taught science here before moving into the position of High School Counselor. I am so happy to be working with such talented staff and students here at MCHS. Being able to help students discover what they are passionate about, and then helping them find their path to that goal is the best part of my job.
Kristin was born and raised in Shorewood, Illinois and attended Minooka Community High School. Upon graduation from high school she attended Illinois State University and graduated with a degree in Community Health Education. After completing her bachelor's degree Kristin started working at Minooka High School as a campus monitor and realized she had a passion to work with students in the community she lived in. From there, Kristin attended Lewis University and completed her masters in School Guidance and Counseling. Kristin is married to her best friend, Scott and has two children Brayden and Ava. Kristin enjoys her job every day with its challenges. Most of all, Kristin loves the relationships she has built with her co-workers and students over the years.
Mrs. Hopkins is in her 10th year as a school counselor and cross country coach at Minooka High School. She grew up in Moline, IL and attended North Central College upon graduation where she ran cross country and track for four years and completed her Bachelor's Degree in Sports Management. She went on to complete her Master's Degree in School Counseling at Lewis University after realizing she had a passion for working with high school students through coaching. She enjoys working as a counselor because every day is different and brings new challenges but is rewarding to help students navigate high school. She and her husband Roland reside in Channahon with their two daughters Evelyn and Cecilia and their dog Griffy. In her free time she enjoys running and spending time with her family.
Mr. Liberatore has been a School Counselor at MCHS since '91. While at MCHS he has spent most of his years as a Football coach and Girl's Basketball coach. He has been married to his wife Tammy (Special Ed teacher) for 38 years. They have 3 children, all of whom have graduated from MCHS and are now out in the work world. He thoroughly enjoys his time helping set up students for success and helping them navigate through high school.