Founder: Christopher Chiakulas

Christopher Chiakulas (MA, M.Ed.) has been a high school counselor since 2013, specializing in college and career counseling. In 2018 Christopher was selected as the "ACT K-12 College and Career Readiness Champion" for the state of Illinois. In addition to his job as a school counselor, Christopher also serves as an adjunct instructor at a community college, teaching a course called, "College Success Seminar," as well as teaches a Graduate-level course for staff in his district called, "College Knowledge." His previous experiences in education include working as an Academic Advisor for undergraduate students at a large Catholic university and as a public high school Business Education teacher.

Christopher is a member of numerous professional counseling and college admission organizations including the National Association of College Admission Counseling (NACAC), Illinois Association of College Admission Counseling (IACAC), and the Illinois School Counselor Association (ISCA). Christopher has been a presenter at both the IACAC and ISCA annual conferences. He has also been selected to participate on the following boards/committees:

• IACAC Education and Ethics Committee (2024 - )

• NCAA Eligibility Center High School Advisory Board (2024-2026)

• Fox River Grove School District 3 Strategic Planning Committee (2024 - 2025)

• University of Iowa Out-of-State School Counselor Advisory Board (2024-2025)

• Ripon College (WI) School Counselor Advisory Board (2019)

Moreover, Christopher is the founder of Orthodox Christian College Counseling, a platform that assists Eastern Orthodox Christian teenagers and their parents in navigating the high school journey, focusing on the college search, application, and selection process from an Orthodox perspective. Christopher has worked with various Orthodox schools and ministries including Three Hierarchs Orthodox Christian High School (IL), St. Athanasius College (TX/Online), Orthodox Christian Fellowship (OCF), St. Raphael School (online), and St. Emmelia Ministries, and has contributed content to Ancient Faith Ministries' "Sowing Seeds" newsletter. His deep understanding and commitment to his faith make him a valuable resource in guiding individuals through this important life phase. 

Christopher lives in the Chicagoland area with his wife, Jourdan (who he met at the OCF College Conference), and their 4 children.