Meet Our Team | Youth Education Education

Continuing Education Youth Academy is successful due to the hard work, expertise, and creativity of our adjunct faculty and staff. Take a moment to review a few of our team members' background information and Youth Academy class highlights.

Youth Academy Staff

Elementary and Middle School Coordinator

Sarah Iliff McGill grew up in Wheaton, IL and has always been passionate about community and lifelong learning. With over 15 years of experience in education and nonprofit leadership, she has created and led programs that inspire growth, connection, and creativity across all ages. Before joining the Continuing Education team at College of DuPage in February 2025, Sarah served as a Presbyterian pastor and later as a job coach for students in the Glenbard high schools. She holds a master’s degree from Princeton Theological Seminary, Princeton, NJ and a B.A. in English, Spanish, and Religion from Augustana College, Rock Island, IL.

What was your first summer job?

I was a nanny—I loved the creativity, chaos, and fun of spending the whole day with kids.

What is your favorite thing to do during the summer?

Spending time with my husband and our two kids—especially at the beach or catching a comedy show.

Do you have any pets?

We have two cats, and our kids are currently campaigning hard for a dog!

High School Program Coordinator

Jennifer grew up on the southside of Chicago and started her career in local television news broadcasting for almost a decade before joining the Continuing Education team in 2018. She has over 15 years in higher education serving as an academic advisor and program manager also at the university level. She currently enjoys overseeing the CE high school programs and some adult enrichment programs at College of DuPage. Jennifer achieved her Masters of Art in Higher Education Administration from the University of South Dakota and holds a B.A. in Television and MultiMedia Production from Columbia College. She is excited to help our students meet their educational goals.

What was your first summer job?

Working concessions in a movie theater.

What is your favorite thing to do during the summer?

Spending time with my husband and three kids boating on the lake.

Do you have any pets?

Yes, an adorable dachshund mix named Timon.

Youth Program Coordinator

With more than 30 years of experience working with children, families, and educators, Laura is dedicated to creating meaningful learning experiences that help children grow, explore, and thrive. Her background in education, youth programming, and community-based learning is guided by a commitment to ensuring children feel safe, supported, and excited to learn.
Laura currently coordinates summer camp programs for children in Naperville and Westmont through the College of DuPage, collaborating with instructors, staff, and community partners to develop engaging camps that balance creativity, hands-on learning, and fun.
Laura holds a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Illinois at Springfield, along with a certificate in nonprofit management and a certificate in Early Childhood Education from the College of DuPage.

What was your first summer job?

Supporting the executive director at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Sangamon County. Those early experiences laid the foundation for my career and sparked a lasting passion for nonprofit work.

What is your favorite thing to do during the summer?

Enjoying dinners with friends and traveling.

Elementary and Middle School Instructors

Mr. Morty served in the Navy for six years as a nuclear engineer on the ballistic missile submarine, USS Alaska SSBN 732. After his time in the Navy, he worked as a cryogenic technician, designing and installing liquid gas systems, before returning to school to study video game art and design. Mr. Morty has been teaching for ten years, including teaching adult computer courses with College of DuPage Continuing Education for six years and with Youth Academy for four years.

What is your favorite Youth Academy course to teach?

Video Game Design – so much fun and coolness come from this class.

What was your first summer job?

I was a pool attendant for an apartment complex. That summer I learned to always use sunscreen!

What is your favorite thing to do during the summer?

Hiking and motocross. I love exploring the outdoors, especially on a dirt bike. After that, teaching for Youth Academy. All of us in Continuing Education get very excited about Youth Academy.

Do you have any pets?

Yes! A black Labrador Retriever named Joplin who is also my service dog.

Mrs. Reid began teaching in 2007 and has a master's degree in Teaching with ESL, Language Arts, Middle School and Social Science endorsements. She is currently teaching all aspects of Language Arts to grades fifth through eighth, and has experience teaching middle school Social Studies. Mrs. Reid began teaching with Youth Academy in 2010.

What is your favorite Youth Academy course to teach?

Literary Analysis and Writing Skills.

What is your favorite thing to do during the summer?

Gardening.

Do you have any pets?

I have one dog, a Norwegian Elkhound named Max, and a large tuxedo cat named Drezy.

High School and Junior High Achievers Instructors

Mr. Ross is a semi-retired teacher. I retired from full time teaching in 2013 and have been teaching part time since then. Mr. Ross joined our Youth Academy team in 2013 and this summer will be his 40th year teaching summer school. He has taught high math (almost every course) and health. I have 4 grown children and 2 grandchildren. I love spending time with all of them and always look forward to my time spent with my grandchildren. My hobbies include sports and gardening.

What is your favorite Youth Academy course to teach?

I have only taught Geometry for the youth academy.

What was your first summer job?

My first summer job was as a stock boy in the backroom of an old-style appliance store. I remember that it was very dusty.

What is your favorite thing to do during the summer?

My favorite thing to do in the summer is a family BBQ in the backyard.

Do you have any pets?

We have had dogs for almost 40 years. We currently have a 15 1/2-year-old yellow lab.

Mrs. Gupta has been part of the Youth Academy team since 2018. Her educational background includes a M.S in Mathematics, and Masters in Education Teaching Experience with over 11 years of teaching experience various K-12 levels of instruction. These days she works for Plainfield School Dist. 202.