STAFF
Ashley Burk
Staff: Program and Outreach Coordinator
Ashley is The Break Teen Center’s Program and Outreach Coordinator and a proud alumna from the very first group of Break teens. For nearly four years, she has dedicated her work to building meaningful programs and connections for youth in Crystal Lake. Ashley oversees event planning and outreach, runs The Break’s one-of-a-kind community service program, and leads One Million Monarchs, a grief support group for teens ages 13–19. She is also the owner and proud mom of Grimlen, our therapy dog, who plays a special role in supporting teens at the center. Ashley has a passion for giving back and commitment to creating a welcoming, supportive place for the next generation of Break teens
Taylor Keller
Staff: Building Leader
Taylor graduated from Illinois State University in 2023 with a Bachelor's in Special Education and a minor in Civic Engagement and Responsibility. She recently began pursuing her graduate degree. Taylor works part time at The Break as a Building Leader. She helps with leading activities and doing regular check in with members. Taylor also leads the McHenry group for the Youth Empower Alliance (YEA). She helped co-lead this group last year and participate in the first ever YEA conference.
Michelle Mangin
Board Member: Secretary
Jackie Wittig
Staff: Building Manager
Jackie moved to Crystal Lake in 2005 and is the mother of three. She obtained a degree years ago in Early Childhood Education but has plenty of experience with teens being that hers are 21, 24 and 32. She enjoys spending time with her granddaughter Evelynn (who always keeps her on her toes). Jackie has been with The Break almost 4 years now and enjoys hanging with the teens and connecting with parents and community members. Jackie is instrumental in scheduling staff for activities and events for our members. She is the person behind the scenes shopping, finding deals and making our dollars stretch so our center can function and provide the best activities for our members.
Celeste Conner
Staff: Prevention & Wellness Specialist
Celeste recently graduated from Indiana University where she earned her degree in Psychology. During her academic journey she also minored in counseling and sociology allowing her to develop a passion for working with people and for mental health care. Celeste grew up in Crystal Lake and is very excited to be back in town and put her knowledge towards serving her community. In her free time she loves to read, dabble in writing, and paint. Celeste is so excited to aid those at The BREAK!
Lexie Zeppos
Staff: Prevention & Wellness Specialist
Lexie graduated from St. Lawrence University in 2023 with a degree in Psychology and Public Health. She is passionate about advocacy, harm reduction and is a certified domestic violence professional. Lexie plans to continue her education by pursuing a master's degree in public health. Outside of her professional work, she enjoys reading mystery and thriller novels, exploring photography, writing poetry, and spending quality time with family and friends.
Rob Napholz
Staff: Music Program Director
Rob Napholz is a multi-instrumentalist, composer, and live performer. Born in 1998, Rob started playing the guitar in 2004, went on to learn bass guitar in 2006, and in 2009 started to explore the drums. Additionally, he has had experience in live performance since 2007, been in/started local bands since 2008, and composed and recorded original music since 2009. With his knowledge in music theory, he has the ability to help him learn almost any song on the fly and learn new instruments in a matter of hours. Rob offers a variety of different lessons including electric and bass guitar, drums, and ukulele.
Grimlen Burk
Staff: Therapy Dog
Grimlen is a certified therapy dog trained through the Masonic Association of Service and Therapy Dogs (MAST Dogs). Since joining The Break in May 2022, he’s been a constant source of comfort, calm, and connection for both members and staff. Whether he’s greeting members at the door or offering quiet support during a tough moment, Grimlen has a natural gift for making people feel at ease. His gentle presence and steady
companionship have made him an important part of the team from the very beginning.