
Andrew Bender
Director of Operations and Services
Andy is the Director of Operations and Services at the Chez Veterans Center . Prior to his appointment he worked for 3 years at The Career Center as the Associate Director for Operations. Andy retired from the US Army in 2016 after 20 years of service and subsequently worked at Amazon and the McLean County Chamber of Commerce before finding his way to the University of Illinois and his discovering his desire to continue serving Veterans as they make their own personal transitions into higher education.
Email Andrew Bender
Dustin D. Lange, Ph.D., M.S.
Assistant Director, Academic & Career Services & Facility Operations
Dustin is the Assistant Director of our academic & career services and supports the director with the day to day operations of the facility. He has been with the center through various roles since its opening in 2015. Prior to his current appointment, Dustin did a postdoc fellowship at the Center of Innovation for Complex Chronic Healthcare (CINCCH) at the Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital in Chicago, where he currently is a Research Associate and a member of their steering committee. He is a three time alumnus of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and has authored peer-reviewed journal articles, white papers, and is the lead author of the book titled Camo to Career: The Veteran’s Guide to Career Success. Dustin has also garnered numerous military honors from his 8-years of active duty service in the United States Marine Corps.
Email Dustin D. Lange
Ingrid Wheeler, MSW, LCSW
Assistant Director, Behavioral Health Services
Ingrid oversees the Center’s Behavioral Health Services. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), she holds a Bachelor’s degree from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale and a Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Often the first point of contact for students, Ingrid supports their adjustment to campus life, helps them find resources, and navigate higher education. Her client-centered clinical approach is backed by extensive experience treating a range of issues, including depression, anxiety, substance use, and stress management. Ingrid has worked with individuals across all ages in various settings, including inpatient, outpatient, and addiction treatment. Coming from a military family, Ingrid grew up with her father in the Navy, who retired to Illinois after 20 years of active duty.
Email Ingrid Wheeler
Garrett Anderson, Jr., Ret. Sgt. U.S Army
Outreach Coordinator and Student Recruiter
Garrett is the Outreach Coordinator and Student Recruiter at the CVC, where he focus on student recruitment targeting veterans with disabilities , establish and maintain connections with national and regional disability-related groups and organizations, especially veterans with disabilities; establishing connections with para-athletic and para-recreation opportunities to create additional options for student-veterans with disabilities, building upon the strong reputation of University of Illinois programs, and establish new and maintain existing connections to local and distant community groups. Garrett Retired from the U.S. Army in 2006, received his degree in Criminal Justice from Illinois State University in 2010, and a Master’s Degree in Rehabilitation Counselling from the University of Illinois Champaign- Urbana in 2018.
Email Garrett Anderson
Jason Sakowski
Assistant Director, Veteran Student Support Services
Jason serves as the Assistant Director of Veteran Student Support Services at the Chez Veterans Center. Jason served eight years of active duty in the Marine Corps and completed two tours to Iraq and one tour to Afghanistan. It was during his undergraduate degree that he discovered he wanted to serve military-connected students after he graduated. Jason also retired from the Illinois National Guard 2020 and completed his Master’s in the Human Resources Development program here at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
Email Jason Sakowski
Michael Lotspeich-Yadao
Research Assistant Professor
Michael leads research and educational initiatives supporting military-connected communities at the Chez Veteran Center. As a technical expert on veteran and military-connected research, he guides university researchers through every stage of their work—from grant writing to final reporting. His research focuses on understanding military-connected populations through the study of spatial demographics, rural sociology, and public health. Michael specializes in translational research that directly impacts communities, working closely with public decision-makers, healthcare practitioners, and Land Grant Institutions like the University of Illinois to improve program and service delivery for veterans. He brings both academic expertise and military experience to this role, holding a Ph.D. in Rural Sociology from Baylor University and currently serving as an Officer in the U.S. Army Reserve.
Email Michael Lotspeich-Yadao
Austin Slotnick
Office Support Associate
Austin provides general support to the program, service, and research missions of the Chez Veterans Center. He’ll be ready to greet you on the phone or at the front desk if you are looking for more information! Austin is a Champaign-Urbana native with a B.A. in Audio Recording and Technology from Eastern Illinois University. Prior to joining Chez, he had a series of roles in the arts, education, and humanities.
Email Austin SlotnickStudent Employees

Al Shahbain
Programming Assistant

Baileigh Hannah
Communications Assistant
Baileigh is the Communications Assistant at the Chez Veterans Center, where she is dedicated to amplifying voices and fostering connections in the military-connected community at UIUC. With a background in the Illinois Honors English Program and Creative Writing, she works on the Chez Veterans Center Blog which highlights engaging programs and activities. Moreover, she also assists in the Chez Veterans Center’s social media outreach, and uses her creative skills to build networks at the University of Illinois and beyond. Baileigh is from Lake Zurich, IL, and says her favorite aspect of this position is her ability to shine light on a community that means so much to her family. She is a dependent, and her father is currently an O6 in the Navy Reserves. One fun fact about Baileigh is she is a published writer, with multiple short stories having been published starting in her elementary school days until today!

James Biernacki
Programming Assistant
James currently serves as a Programming Assistant at the Chez Veterans Center, where he supports daily operations. His responsibilities include answering phones, assisting and welcoming visitors, as well as providing support for events and programs hosted at the Center. James is from Bloomingdale, Illinois and came to the University of Illinois to study Engineering Technology Management. After graduating high school, James joined the Army National Guard as a 92A which is an Automated Logistical Specialist. James claims that the Chez Veteran has opened the doors for many new opportunities that he may never have had. He believes that Chez Veteran Center allows him to give back to the Veteran community and those still currently serving. When asked how the work study program is helping him towards his future goals he stated, “my job as a support staff assistant allows me to interact with many different types of people, from students to war veterans, which helps prepare me for my future career paths.”

Jacob Means
Programming Assistant (Military-Connected Student Support Specialist)
Jacob is a Programming Assistant at the Chez Veterans Center, where he fosters a supportive community for military-connected students. His role includes program development, community outreach, and case management. He builds a sense of belonging through events, serves as a resource liaison, and tailors programs to meet students’ unique needs. He also assists with daily operations, including phone support, greeting visitors, and event coordination. Jacob is a native of Danville, IL and currently majoring in Social Work. Jacob is also a resident at the Chez and says that not only the Chez but also the work study program has helped give him a sense of being. He feels the sense of community the center gives him is something every military connected student is looking for. The work study program benefits Jacob by allowing him to focus on his studies and work at the same time. He says that this is a blessing to him and his studies. One fun fact about Jacob is that he has a pitbull named Jasper!

Mayra Ortega
Programming and Communications Assistant
Mayra is a Programming Assistant at the Chez Veterans Center, where she supports daily operations. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and hopes to commission through Army ROTC. With six years of experience as a medic attached to the 933rd Military Police, Mayra has developed a strong foundation in military medicine and leadership. Mayra is a native of Chicago, IL. After returning home from her first deployment with the 933rd, Mayra became involved with the Chez Veterans Center. This organization played a crucial role in her post-deployment transition, offering vital support and resources. Inspired by the impact of the Chez Veterans Center, Mayra is committed to giving back to the military-connected community by empowering fellow students as they pursue their goals in both military and academic settings.
Jesus Ravelo
BSW Intern
Jesus is a BSW intern at the Chez Veteran Center, where he plans events regarding mental health for the students here at the center and provides resources for students to utilize around campus. While also do check-ins and reach out to specific students on campus to ensure they know the available resources and events at the Chez Veteran Center. Additionally, assisting with any other events that occur at the center. Jesus feels that Chez Veteran Center is a warm and welcoming space that provides tremendous support and resources for the students that are a part of the veteran and military-connected community here on campus. He also enjoys attending the events that Chez Veteran Center takes part in as the event introduces a different aspect of the campus as a student interning at the center. Jesus is currently pursuing a bachelor’s in social work and hopes to be able to work with families to help with their mental health.