AVID Update


I have been teaching for 19 years (17 at WHS)! I graduated from University of Illinois and regularly teach math. I used to teach the junior level of AVID and am now back teaching freshmen! I have been on the AVID Site Team since its inception and I love being part of a program that truly changes the trajectories of our students' lives!! I love AVID and our WHS program!	Henry Brown Henry D. Brown is our new Associate Principal of Operations and Student Services. He was born in Cuba (Spanish is his first language) and immigrated to the U.S. with his parents and younger brother at the age of 6. Prior to arriving to WHS, he served as Dean of Students for nine years, and before that as a School Psychologist in the same district for nine years. He received a M.Ed. degree in Administration from Concordia University, a M.E. in Educational Psychology from Loyola University Chicago, and a Bachelor of Arts from NIU. He has been active in the field of education for over 19 years and has been a frequent contributor to Race & Equity discussions and changes amongst school staff and students.	Tyler VanVleet This is my first year teaching AVID, second year at WHS, and ninth year teaching overall. I received my Bachelors of Science in Mathematics Education in 2010 from Western Illinois University and my Masters of Science in Mathematics Degree from Central Methodist University in 2019.

I have been teaching for 19 years (17 at WHS)! I graduated from University of Illinois and regularly teach math. I used to teach the junior level of AVID and am now back teaching freshmen! I have been on the AVID Site Team since its inception and I love being part of a program that truly changes the trajectories of our students' lives!! I love AVID and our WHS program!

Henry Brown

Henry D. Brown is our new Associate Principal of Operations and Student Services. He was born in Cuba (Spanish is his first language) and immigrated to the U.S. with his parents and younger brother at the age of 6. Prior to arriving to WHS, he served as Dean of Students for nine years, and before that as a School Psychologist in the same district for nine years. He received a M.Ed. degree in Administration from Concordia University, a M.E. in Educational Psychology from Loyola University Chicago, and a Bachelor of Arts from NIU. He has been active in the field of education for over 19 years and has been a frequent contributor to Race & Equity discussions and changes amongst school staff and students.

Tyler VanVleet

This is my first year teaching AVID, second year at WHS, and ninth year teaching overall. I received my Bachelors of Science in Mathematics Education in 2010 from Western Illinois University and my Masters of Science in Mathematics Degree from Central Methodist University in 2019.


Antonia Arismendis My name is Antonia Franco and I am a WHS graduate. I graduated with my class in 2016, and I’m currently enrolled at Harper College in Palatine. I’m in my first year studying education. During my time at WHS, I was also enrolled in AVID. I’m excited to be here and look forward to learning more about the students.		Crystal Castellanos My name is Crystal Castellanos and I’m a tutor for AVID at Wheeling high school. I graduated in 2018 from Palatine high school. I’m now pursuing an elementary education major at National Louis University and earning a bachelors degree in 2022.

Antonia Arismendis

My name is Antonia Franco and I am a WHS graduate. I graduated with my class in 2016, and I’m currently enrolled at Harper College in Palatine. I’m in my first year studying education. During my time at WHS, I was also enrolled in AVID. I’m excited to be here and look forward to learning more about the students.

Crystal Castellanos

My name is Crystal Castellanos and I’m a tutor for AVID at Wheeling high school. I graduated in 2018 from Palatine high school. I’m now pursuing an elementary education major at National Louis University and earning a bachelors degree in 2022.