Neighbors in the News: District 62’s Westerhold Early Learning Center names new assistant principal
Community Consolidated School District 62 named Taylor Ivan the Jane L. Westerhold Early Learning Center assistant principal.
“I am honored and excited to continue to be a part of the District 62 community in this new role as assistant principal of the Westerhold Early Learning Center,” said Ivan. “It has been a privilege to have worked in this amazing school district for nearly eight years, and I am committed to continuing to carry out the mission and vision of District 62. I look forward to working with the faculty, staff, and students to foster a nurturing environment for our youngest learners.”
Ivan, a Woodridge resident, has spent the last eight years as an Early Childhood Special Education teacher and teacher facilitator, serving students and families at the Westerhold Early Learning Center. She has also served on various teams and committees in District 62, including the mentorship program and the Strategic Plan Team.
Ivan earned a bachelor's degree in early childhood education, with endorsements in English as a Second Language and special education, from Illinois State University. She recently obtained a master's degree in educational leadership through the Principal Preparation Program at North Park University.
• Marty Heffner was named the new principal of Mount Prospect District 57's Westbrook School for Young Learners.
Heffner comes to Westbrook with a background in education and administration. His professional journey includes roles as assistant principal at The Joseph Sears School, District 38, in Kenilworth and dean of students at Oliver McCracken Middle School, District 73.5, in Skokie.
“I am thrilled to join the Westbrook community and lead a school that is so dedicated to the foundational years of education,” said Heffner. “I look forward to working with the talented staff, engaged parents, and our youngest learners to create a nurturing and dynamic educational experience.”
Heffner holds a superintendent endorsement from Northern Illinois University and a Master of Education in school leadership from Northeastern Illinois University.
• Lt. Collin Long, a native of Hawthorn Woods, is serving aboard the USS Billings, a U.S. Navy warship operating out of Mayport, Florida.
Long joined the Navy five and a half years ago. Today, he serves as a surface warfare officer.
“I wanted to join the military for as long as I can remember,” said Long. “At 12 years old, I joined the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps, which motivated me to want to join the Navy specifically.”
Long, a 2011 graduate of Carmel Catholic High School, earned a bachelor’s in psychology from Illinois State University in 2015.
The USS Billings is a fast, optimally-manned, mission-tailored, surface combatant that operates in near-shore and open-ocean environments, according to Navy officials. Littoral combat ships integrate with joint, combined, manned and unmanned teams to support forward-presence, maritime security, sea control, and deterrence missions around the globe.
• The National Recreation and Park Association recognized the Waukegan Park District’s Javier Martinez, manager of Fitness & Aquatics, with the Robert W. Crawford Young Professional of the Year Award.
The Robert W. Crawford Young Professional Award is presented to an individual who has shown qualities and skills needed to attain positions of leadership through their contributions to advancing the field, their creativity in creating or managing programs, and their participation in professional organizations, such as the National Recreation and Park Association.
Since joining the Waukegan Park District in 2018, Martinez has overseen innovative recreation programs related to nature, culture, fitness and aquatics, and has been instrumental in the success of the SwimSmart Initiative.
Javier was also selected as one of the 2024 30 Under 30 honorees by the National Recreation and Park Association’s Young Professional Network and Parks & Recreation magazine.
• Send your Neighbors in the News items to ntwohey@dailyherald.com.