Woodland’s Parent Mentor Program leaders presented to community and state leaders at the Lake County Regional Office of Education on Oct. 2, 2026. They highlighted the powerful impact this program has on our students, staff, families, mentors, and community, in the hope of growing this program, not only for Woodland, but for other schools in Illinois, and around the country. 

District and community leaders and program participants shared program pathways, testimonials, and the many ways Parent Mentors strengthen connections throughout our schools. Whether it's between parent and student, parent and teacher, or district and community, there are so many ways this program has positively affected our learning community. 

Woodland’s superintendent, Dr. Machak, a longtime supporter, spoke about the importance of the program; of the value of students seeing their parents and guardians as leaders and having supportive adults in their classroom working alongside their teachers. 

“We are changing the trajectory of families’ lives at Woodland. Our teachers want mentors in their classrooms, our kids want them, our community wants them. It’s a win-win-win! Schools who don't have this program don’t even know what they are missing.”

Thank you to Lavonna Garner and Tanya Abbey for their leadership, dedication, and continued work in growing this incredible program! 

Thank you as well to our community and state leaders for taking the time to support this program. 

Visit our website to learn more about the program, how to join, and to see how Parent Mentors are making a difference across Woodland.