Meet our Staff

Estella Lee - Judicial & Criminal Justice Panel Aide

My most significant achievement involves engaging in meaningful discussions with constituents during panel meetings on criminal justice bills. I highlight the moments when constituents openly express their concerns, and Rep. Ammons shares her legislative experience. Beyond my passion for public service, I enjoy cooking and playing the guitar during my leisure time.

Noelle Smagala - Energy & Environment Panel Aide

I draft and present agendas featuring state house and senate bills related to energy, land use, infrastructure, and conservation. Engaging with diverse panel attendees, including groups like the Sierra Club and Citizens' Climate Lobby, I incorporate valuable feedback for effective bill structuring. Notably, my involvement contributed to advancing a bill on public pension fund fossil fuel divestment, with Representative Ammons joining as the chief co-sponsor (HB3037).

Beyond my legislative work, I immersed myself in an all-Spanish-speaking city in Spain during the spring 2023 semester, fostering both linguistic and personal growth. As a thrill seeker, I've embraced activities like skydiving and parasailing, with bungee jumping next on my list. I am very passionate about cooking, reading, and exploring new hobbies. I also aspire to work in a hostel abroad and join AmeriCorps/Peace Corps. As an avid traveler and concert enthusiast, memorable experiences include attending performances by Paul McCartney and the Weeknd.

JiBao Yu - Health & Human Services Panel Aide

As an Advisory Panel moderator, I research and track bills introduced in the General Assembly as the session progresses along the calendar. I organize weekly agendas with proposals for future public policies impacting our constituents' well-being concerning Health and Human Services.

Taking the role of legislative aid in Representative Ammons' office to have first-hand experience in the legislation process is my greatest triumph. Previously, I have worked with former State Senator Scott Bennett in constituent services. I have also interned and volunteered under AmeriCorps in the Champaign and Cook County Circuit Court to explore public interest legal procedures. A memorable moment in my career that stood out was Senator Bennett's award of State Recognition upon fulfilling my term in his office.

I enjoy art in many forms. I am most experienced with drawing in pen and pencil and digital illustration. Additionally, I adore journaling my thoughts and experiences while playing music of various genres. I enjoy pop, hip-hop, and classical for my playlists, but my ultimate favorite is Eminem.

Jonathon Brown - Government, Taxes, & Infrastructure Panel Aide

I am engaged in extensive research on government, tax, and infrastructure bills as a panel aide. I will be leading weekly panel discussions to keep constituents informed. I strive to provide the best information possible focusing on constituents' interests. My academic background includes a Sociology major and a music minor from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. I was honored to be part of the Alpha Kappa Delta Honor Society, elevating my commitment to academic excellence.

In the music community, I've led university ensembles and pursued solo projects. I have enhanced my leadership, team-building, and improvisation skills during my years at the University of Illinois. Outside of work, I am passionate about playing drums, spending quality time with friends and family, and watching Game of Thrones.

Jocylin Sada - Education Panel Aide

I am a dedicated researcher focusing on education-related legislation. I closely monitor bills introduced in the general assembly and facilitate community meetings to share updates on their progress.

My legal experience includes a rewarding summer as a law clerk at Rathbun, Cservenyak & Kozol LLC, where I delved into family law and trust & estate law. I crafted over fifteen communication and pleadings binders and aided attorneys in ongoing cases. Additionally, I played a crucial role in organizing systems for significant cases, ensuring efficient file management. I am fluent in Spanish and have served as an interpreter for Spanish-speaking clients. This was incredibly rewarding, as I advocate for accessibility in all manners.

I demonstrate my passion for sustainability as a member of the third cohort of the Environmental Leadership program at the University of Illinois. In my leisure time, I enjoy cooking, reading, listening to audiobooks and Spanish music, and nurturing my plant collection.

Nathan Jorgensen - Business, Trade, & Labor Panel Aide

I'm a dedicated professional with experience researching and presenting bills aimed at community benefit. My research focuses on business, trade, and labor. As a former door-to-door salesman in northern Illinois, I facilitated the adoption of solar panels among homeowners, honing my communication and negotiation skills. These experiences are invaluable for my future pursuits.

Outside of work, I enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and rock climbing, weather permitting. I am also passionate about listening to diverse music records.

Rachel Brunner - Constituent Service Intern

I lead the Constituent Services team and am dedicated to resolving constituents' issues. I efficiently handle emails, connect constituents with appropriate agencies, and address concerns via phone. My role involves tackling various life challenges constituents face by contacting the proper channels for resolutions and enhancing post-issue follow-ups.

A notable professional achievement was overseeing the mini-camp program at the summer camp I've been part of since my early years as a camper. I proudly work for Representative Ammons, and despite a limited career history, I find fulfillment in assisting constituents with various needs, such as obtaining licenses, navigating SNAP benefits, or aiding in releasing non-violent offenders.

Outside work, I maintain an active lifestyle, engaging in strength training, yoga, and distance running. I enjoy quality time with my roommates and indulging in reality TV when not pursuing fitness. Crocheting has been a long-standing hobby, and my identity was shaped significantly by my years at summer camp.

Yehoshua McClerkin - Constituent Service Intern

As an individual dedicated to constituent services in Representative Ammons's office, I address community issues through effective communication via letters and emails. Despite being relatively new, I have achieved professional success by fostering strong connections with local constituents, displaying empathy in all interactions, and deepening my understanding of the law.

Notable moments include meeting Representative Ammons, whose energetic demeanor motivates me to excel in politics. Another highlight was successfully assisting a constituent in my first call, overcoming initial nerves.

On a personal note, I'm an avid gamer striving for excellence in my favorite games. Additionally, I have a passion for exploring diverse music genres and artists. I pride myself on enjoying meaningful conversations, understanding perspectives, and embracing the uniqueness of individuals.

Joey Dowling - Constituent Service Intern

I guide community members through state and local government challenges in constituent services. I assist constituents or convey concerns to the Representative by facilitating prompt responses to inquiries. A highlight in my career was working for Representative Ammons, allowing me to contribute to state governance and my community.

Last semester, I ventured into canvassing in Champaign-Urbana, collecting signatures for various candidates—a milestone as a freshman at UIUC. This experience provided a unique chance to connect with the community and its people. Beyond work, I engage in campus activities with IlliniDems and Amnesty International. I enjoy reading, spending time with friends, listening to classic rock, and playing video games.

Shamar Betts - Constituent Service Intern

I'm proud to serve my community by aiding constituents and providing timely responses and local government resources. Overcoming challenges, I secured a position through State Representative Carol Ammons' Internship Program and contributed to DREAAM, a non-profit for young black males. Teaching chess at Urbana Middle School and publishing my first article in the newspaper marked standout moments in my career. My daily focus involves working at the internship, DREAAM, writing articles, attending events, and researching ways to address an unjust government label.

Passionate about making a positive impact, I continuously strive to improve my community through active involvement and dedication.

Brianna McCoy - Constituent Service Intern

I am a community advocate currently serving as a student support advocate at a local middle school. In this role, I connect community members with essential resources, mainly focusing on children who require support beyond the classroom. One notable achievement is inspiring a student to write about my positive influence in her life.

As a senior at Eastern Illinois University majoring in Human Services with a minor in early childhood administration, I aspire to pursue a master's in social work and delve into social policy. Alongside my academic pursuits, I founded Sisters with Purpose, a girls' empowerment group where I crafted the curriculum and mission statement.

Beyond my professional endeavors, I am a proud single mother of two amazing girls. I enjoy reading, have a great sense of humor, and am a devoted fan of 90s R&B and Beyonce. I also like attending concerts and comedy shows.

Jyothi Rajagopal - Communications Intern

I have a deep passion for social media management and content creation, and I execute that passion by handling the representatives' social media accounts. Outside work, I serve as the Director of Kolusis for UIUC Panhellenic. Formerly, I was the Director of Academics for Pi Beta Phi sorority. I also contribute as the Outreach Committee Chair for the Association of Minorities in Political Science. A pivotal moment in my journey was serving on the National Youth Advisory Board for Sandy Hook Promise during high school, where I felt the impact of making a real difference.

Beyond my professional life, I enjoy cooking, reading, and spending quality time with friends. My ultimate joy is attending concerts, with Taylor Swift being the latest memorable experience!

Peter Derrah - Communications Intern

I specialize in crafting clear communication on policy matters and understanding constituents' sentiments. Collaborating with community advisory panels, I extract insights on bill content and public opinion, ensuring transparent communication between Springfield and Champaign/Urbana. My diverse tasks include writing statements, creating social media posts, and crafting the policy panel newsletter.

I host a weekly news podcast with WPGU radio. I also work with the University of Illinois library. Formerly, I served on the executive board of my fraternity and represented them at a national convention in Lubbock, Texas. I've hosted a 2-hour music talk show on WPGU and am drawn to simple pleasures like walks, reading, and spending time with others. Proficient in Photoshop, I've recently ventured into drawing. One could say I am a politics enthusiast with a fondness for social sciences. New-wave is my favorite genre of music, although Oasis remains my favorite band.

Lourdes Medina - Communications Intern

As an intern, I showcase Representative Ammons' work through various responsibilities, including crafting the monthly newsletter "Catch Up With Carol" and collaborating on the weekly community panelist overview with Peter. Connecting constituents with Representative Ammons through my work is my daily goal, and I take pride in every task assigned.

Some recent highlights of my life include serving on my sorority’s, Phi Mu, executive board; I successfully planned events and budgeted for 2023. I also volunteered as a journalist for UI7 Live at Richmond Studio, where I expanded my journalistic knowledge. Currently attending the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, I embrace this internship as a pivotal moment in my career, deepening my understanding of political life from a woman's perspective. Highlighting female leadership in politics aligns with my aspirations.

Born and raised in Chicago, I cherish moments with family, friends, and my dog. I find balance through gym sessions, dancing, and journaling. My favorite music genre is Country, and my favorite color is blue.

Benjamin Campbell - Research Fellow

Currently, I am a Ph.D. student studying community health at the University of Illinois – Urbana Champaign. My research focuses on the intersection of policy and youth substance use. My project focuses on policies that drive or punish youth substance use and policies that impact the Social Determinants of Health and their effects on substance use.

In addition to my studies, I hold a Policy and Research Legislative Fellowship through the Center for Social and Behavioral Sciences at UIUC. Through this fellowship, Representative Ammons and I will conduct policy expertise and research in multiple areas, most notably higher education enrollment, PreK-12 education, criminal justice, and budgeting projects.

Before this role, I served as a substance use response consultant, working with cities and towns around the country to implement deflection programs – programs intended to connect community members living with mental health or other co-occurring substance use disorders to education, healthcare, employment, housing, and other community resources.

Jailene Aguirre - Research Fellow

I am a fifth-year doctoral student at the University of Illinois, Urbana Champaign (UIUC). I completed my Bachelor's degree at UCLA and Master's at UIUC. As a Guatemalan-American, first-generation college student from a low-income background, I have a unique perspective and genuine interest in understanding the lived experiences of historically marginalized and underrepresented individuals. My research aims to use research-to-policy initiatives to explore various contexts to create positive social change that will uplift families and their respective communities. My projects within Representative Ammons' office include drafting legislation, conducting research, analyzing policy, and collaborating with constituents and other legislators or stakeholders. Most notably, I co-drafted HR 453, which aims to reconnect descendants of enslaved persons to their ancestral homelands.