Empowering Individuals
Our team is dedicated to providing expert guidance on housing issues, debt management, bankruptcy, and student loans. Let us help you navigate these challenges with confidence and peace of mind.
With our tailored counseling and educational services, you can take control of your financial future and achieve your goals. Trust us to support you every step of the way.
CCCSNI in the News
CCCSNI Stories
Meet our counselors
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DONNA RASMUSSEN
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR/ NCFP FINANCIAL EDUCATOR
With CCCS: Since 2019
Education/Accreditations:
• U.S. Navy Veteran
• Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education - National-Louis University
• Leadership Greater McHenry County 2024
• Junior Vice Commander of Woodstock American Legion Post 412
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SCOTT FRANZGROTE
NCFP FINANCIAL EDUCATOR/NCFP HOUSING COUNSELOR
With CCCS: Since 2024
Services: Financial Literacy Educator; Community Outreach
Education/ Accreditations:
• Bachelor of Arts in Psychology - Eastern Illinois University
• MBA, Management Emphasis - Robert Morris University
• HUD and NFCC certifications
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JOSÚE FERNANDEZ
NCFP FINANCIAL LITERACY EDUCATOR
With CCCS: Since 2022
Services: Financial Literacy Educator; Content Creator; Community Outreach
Education/ Accreditations:
• Bachelor’s Degree and Master’s Degree in Finance - DePaul University
• NFCC Certification
• Works full time in banking
• U.S. Army Veteran
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JAN HAGGERTY
NCFP HOUSING COUNSELOR
With CCCS: Since 2024
Services: Eviction court support for tenants and landlords; financial literacy teaching;
Budget counseling
Education/Accreditations:
• Bachelor’s degree in Economics of Consumer Debt - George Mason University
•HUD and NFCC Certifications
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DIANE CHRISTENSEN
ASSISTANT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, HUD HOUSING COUNSELOR, DEBT MANAGEMENT PROGRAM ADVISOR
With CCCS: Since 2023
Services: Grant reporting, housing counseling, debt management
Education/Accreditations:
• Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration & Human Resources - Columbia College of Missouri
• HUD & NFCC Certifications
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ERIKA CHAVEZ
NCFP BI-LINGUAL/HOUSING COUNSELOR
With CCCS: Since 2018
Services: HUD and NFCC bilingual housing counselor
Education/Accreditations:
• Bachelor’s Degree - International Relations - Universidad Autonoma De Chihauhau
• 9 years experience -NHS of Chicago
• HUD & NFCC certified counselor
• Neighborworks certified
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NICOLE STRITZEL
NCFP/HOUSING/REVERSE MORTGAGE COUNSELOR
With CCCS: Since 2007
Services: HUD and NFCC certified counselor
Education/Accreditations:
• Bachelor’s Degree of Science - Accountancy - Northern Illinois University
• Master’s Degree - Pastoral Care - Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary at Northwestern University
• Extensive training through Neighborworks
• NHNLA housing counseling training; Certification Program for Foreclosure Prevention
• HECM Certified
• Reverse Mortgage Counselor
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PEGGY SARBAUGH
NFCP HOUSING COUNSELOR
With CCCS: 2000-2014; 2022-present
Services: HUD & NFCC Certified Counselor
Education and Accreditations:
• Associate’s Degree - General Education - Columbia College Missouri
• 34 years experience in Social Service Field
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Meet our Board of Directors
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LACHELL JEFFRIES AARONEAUX
State Training Director for NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Illinois - 16 years
With CCCS: Since 2022
Education & Experiences:
• Partnered with law enforcement to train their Crisis Intervention Team to respond to mental health calls
• University of Maryland B.S. in Engineering/Construction Management
• Leadership Greater McHenry County
Interests: Certified meditation instructor
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RICHARD ADAMSON
Commercial Lender with First Secure State Bank
With CCCS: Since 2021
Education & Experience:
• Loyola University of Chicago BBA and MSIR
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SHANNON DEVINGER
Treasury Management Officer for Wintrust Financial, supporting two charters, Barrington Bank & Trust and State Bank of the Lakes
With CCCS: Since 2004
Education & Experience:
• Eastern Illinois University and Northern Illinois University for BS in Accounting
• Graduated from Columbia College
• Work experience includes McHenry County Health Department, US99 Country Music Radio, BMO Harris Bank and Wintrust
• Volunteer with CCCS, CASA, WAYSO Soccer, RDC Booters, WHS Backers, Dick Tracy Museum Board and Kiwanis.
Interests: Boating, NASCAR and family
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JERRY DUPAW
Producing Branch Manager at Rate Algonquin Branch
With CCCS: Since 2012, including 7 years as president
Interests: Single father to two teenage daughters
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LAURA FRANZ, LCSW
Executive Director of Veterans Path to Hope since 2015
With CCCS: Since 2017
Education & Experience:
• Illinois State University, BSW
• University of Illinois in Chicago, MSW
• Licensed clinical social worker in Illinois
• Served in various social service settings and on various nonprofit boards to support causes that assist individuals in overcoming barriers and achieving success
Interests: Rotary Club of Crystal Lake Dawnbreakers
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MARK PIEKOS
Executive Director, McHenry County Economic Development Corporation
With CCCS: Since 2021
Education & Experience:
• Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies from Western Illinois
• Leadership Greater McHenry County, 2012
• McHenry Area Chamber of Commerce Board
• President of Crimestoppers for McHenry County.
Interests: Playing guitar, collecting vintage motorcycles
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MELISSA HERNANDEZ
President of the Northern Kane County Chamber of Commerce since 2006
Real Estate Agent with Premier Living Properties since 2016
With CCCS: Since 2017
Education & Experience:
• Associate’s in business, McHenry County College
• Bachelor’s in business, Kaplan University
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J. D. HULS
Attorney, James D. Huls & Associates
With CCCS: 10+ years
Education & Experience:
• John Marshall Law School, Juris Doctor
• Bradley University, Bachelor of Science Business/ Finance
• 44 years of business experience
Interests: Historical and overseas travel
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JOE CICERO
Morning Host, Star 105.5, Crystal Lake
With CCCS: Since 2025
Education & Experience:
* North Central College, Bachelor Degree Radio & Television Broadcasting Technology
* McHenry Outdoor Theater, Director of Marketing & Promotions
* Advocate for community involvement & financial wellness
* Supporter of initiatives that strengthen & uplift the local community
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WENDY WILLIAMS-GRUJANAC
Attorney Prairie State Legal Services, Woodstock, IL
Joined Prairie State in 2023
With CCCS: Since 2025
Education & Experience
•Saint Louis University School of Law, Saint Louis, Missouri, Juris Doctor Degree
• St. Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri, Bachelor of Science in Psychology
• Licensed to practice law in the State of Illinois on November 4, 1993
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