Staff Bios

Todd Nahigian is the CROYA Manager 

Todd grew up in Northfield and attended Glenbrook South High School. He studied Psychology at Miami University (Ohio), and earned his Masters Degree in Clinical Psychology at the IL School of Professional Psychology, now Argosy University.  Todd began working at CROYA as the High School Youth Worker in 1995, and became the Assistant Director of CROYA in 2000. Todd and his wife Amy have twin daughters (Addison & Brooke) who are 3 years old. Todd is an avid Cubs fan and still plays on a Men's baseball team in Chicago. On working at CROYA, Todd most enjoys "working with youth to provide them with opportunities where they can feel good about themselves as a person. Adolescence is a challenging time...anything I can do to help kids in their social-emotional development is rewarding to me."

Todd can be reached at 847-810-3982, nahigiat@cityoflakeforest.com

Joanne Yorro is the CROYA Program Manager

 Joanne grew up in Lake Forest and attended Lake Forest Country Day School and Lake Forest High School where she was a member of CROYA. She received her BS in Psychology from Syracuse University and was in medical school for 3 years before deciding the medical field was not for her. Joanne has been working at CROYA for 10 years coordinating all the community service projects, retreats, peer training, partnership with Lake Forest College and court mandated community service. She also hires, trains, and manages the part-time CROYA staff. Joanne enjoys working at CROYA because "I have become the person I am today because of the skills I have learned from being a part of CROYA during my youth. I want to make sure that I provide that opportunity for others. It is incredible to know that I can be a part of helping the youth build self-esteem and leadership."

Joanne can be reached at 847-810-3984, yorroj@cityoflakeforest.com

Jessie Urban is the Middle School Youth Worker

Jessie Urban joined CROYA in January 2011 as the new Middle School Youth Worker. Jessie is a graduate of Buffalo Grove High School. She has a Bachelor's degree in Psychology & Social Work from the University of Iowa. During her undergraduate years, Jessie worked with young adults at the University of Iowa Hospitals. She went on to earn her Master's degree in Social Work from the University of Wisconsin at Madison with a concentration in child & adolescent mental health to continue working with youth. Jessie enjoys being a part of CROYA and the opportunity to share in each CROYA experience with the students in the community. 

Jessie can be reached at 847-810-3985, urbanj@cityoflakeforest.com

Marilynn Bruns is the Administrative Assistant
to CROYA

Marilynn grew up in Lake Forest and attended St. Mary's grade school and Woodlands Academy. After graduating from Loyola University with a BS in Education in 1988, she became the CROYA Middle School Youth Worker from 1988 to 1990 before moving to Charleston, South Carolina.  She currently lives in Libertyville and has three children in high school.

Marilyn can be reached at 847-810-3980, brunsm@cityoflakeforest.com

Jean Odwazny, LCSW - Youth Advocate

Jean Odwazny received her Master's Degree in Social Work at the University of Illinois at Chicago, and obtained her School Social Work certification from Loyola University. She has worked in community and school settings for the majority of her career and has had an office located inside CROYA for the past six years. Jean is now affiliated with the Child, Adolescent and Family Development Center in Lake Bluff, where she also maintains an office.

Jean's approach to working with teens is based in mindfulness and positive psychology. She uses cognitive behavioral techniques, strength-based and goal-oriented approaches in her practice, and creates a laid-back yet challenging environment. Additionally, Jean understands the need to provide concrete and effective problem solving for clients with whom she works, thereby helping them to increase the meaning and satisfaction in their lives. Jean has a strong commitment to treating individuals and families who experience a variety of issues including: depression, anxiety, self injury, body image issues, family conflict, behavioral problems, parenting, and the impact of separation, divorce, remarriage, or death on individuals and families.

Jean can be reached at 847-363-3665, jodwazny@fsslc.org

Nick and Shelia Christofalos, Activator Academy Music School

Nick and Shelia's Activator Academy is located in lower level of the CROYA Student Union. Activator Academny offers dynamic Music Programs and Educational Tutoring for kids of all ages. 2010 marks the 10th year anniversary of Activator Academy!

Nick and Shelia can be reached at 847-810-3988, christos@cityoflakeforest.com