Brian Linhart, School Counselor by Brian Linhart

Who am I?

brian_linhart — 2021-07-19 04:26:02 UTC

My name is Brian Linhart and I am one of the school counselors here at BG. I use the he/him/his pronouns.

I grew up in Franklin Park, Illinois, which is a western suburb that is right by O'Hare Airport. My father was a factory worker for General Motors, and my mother worked at the elementary school I went to as a lunchroom supervisor, and then administrative assistant to the principal.

I have an older sister who also works in education. She is the Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources at Wauconda School District 118.

High School

brian_linhart — 2021-07-19 04:40:01 UTC

I attended West Leyden High School in Northlake, Illinois. While I was there, I was on student council, yearbook staff, Athletic Club board, and played baseball, and basketball.

Undergraduate Degree

brian_linhart — 2021-07-19 04:42:25 UTC

I attended Illinois State University. I graduated from the School of Kinesiology and Recreation with a focus on Physical Education, with endorsements in Athletic Coach and Social Sciences. While at Illinois State, I was a member of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity.

Graduate Degrees

brian_linhart — 2021-07-19 04:46:07 UTC

I have two master's degrees. One is from Concordia University - Chicago in Curriculum and Instruction. The other is from Northeastern Illinois University in Counselor Education, with a focus on School Counseling.

Doctoral Degree

brian_linhart — 2021-07-19 04:46:57 UTC

I successfully defended my dissertation, Analyzing the impact of motivational interviewing in a school counseling setting with academically at-risk high school students, in May of 2025 to complete my Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Counselor Education and Supervision program at National Louis University in Tampa, FL.

Kennedy Elementary School

brian_linhart — 2021-07-19 04:55:13 UTC

I was originally an elementary school physical education teacher at John F. Kennedy Elementary in Schiller Park for 7 years. I worked with 1st, 2nd and 3rd graders and yes...we used the parachute A LOT! Fun Fact: one year, one of my students set the national record for trips up and down the monkey bars (over 50 times!) and I was interviewed by CBS about it!

Elmwood Park High School

brian_linhart — 2021-07-19 04:57:46 UTC

I started my school counseling career at Elmwood Park High School. I was only there for a year as a school counselor, but I did work there for 6 years prior. I was a boys varsity assistant basketball coach, and then became the head girls varsity basketball coach.

Buffalo Grove High School

brian_linhart — 2021-07-19 05:00:01 UTC

I have been working at BGHS since the '12-'13 school year, and I LOVE IT!!!! Not only have I been a school counselor here, but I also taught driver education a couple summers.

Tableau / Website / LGBTQIA+ liaison

brian_linhart — 2021-07-19 05:02:05 UTC

In the Student Services Department, I maintain our BGHS counselors' website, educate our department on different ways to utilize Tableau Software to identify students that may need additional support and/or resources, and serve as an ally to support and advocate for our students that are a part of the LBGTQIA+ community

Bison Academy

brian_linhart — 2021-07-19 05:03:31 UTC

I used to run our Bison Academy. It was an opportunity for students to get academic support with free tutoring from teachers and NHS tutors. It occurred around 5 times a semester, and was either after school or on Saturdays.

Girls Basketball

brian_linhart — 2021-07-19 05:04:48 UTC

I used to coach girls basketball here. I was a varsity assistant for 5 years. I am very proud of the student-athletes here at BG and felt honored that I was able to work with some of them. During my five years coaching here, we won a Conference Championship and a Regional Championship.

St. Baldrick's

brian_linhart — 2021-07-19 05:08:07 UTC

For 5 years, I had organized our St. Baldrick's event. This is an organization that helps support children battling cancer and fund research to try to put an end to it. During the time I lead it, we raised over $60,000 towards the fight, and I am very proud of the commitment BG has had to this amazing organization. To stand in solidarity with those in the battle, we raise money and shave our heads.

Prom Red Carpet

brian_linhart — 2021-07-19 05:11:02 UTC

The past couple years, I have hosted Live from the BGHS Red Carpet. It is a live stream on YouTube where I interview students as they walk in to Prom. It's pretty awesome...you can check this YouTube playlist to see all the streams we've done.

Brain Injury Survivor

brian_linhart — 2021-07-19 05:13:41 UTC

In 2017, I suffered a traumatic brain injury that put me in a coma kept me out of school for almost 3 months. Since then, my memory hasn't been the same, at times I struggle staying focused, and I no longer have a sense of smell. If you ever need to talk about struggles you are having or situations going on that are tough to deal with, trust me...I will definitely be an empathetic supporter for you!

The Office

brian_linhart — 2021-07-19 05:14:57 UTC

I am OBSESSED with The Office. Now that I am mentioning this, you are probably just now noticing that my background is the talking heads interviews from the show. Whenever my oldest daughter, Ava, sees Steve Carell in a movie she says "Daddy! Michael's in this movie!" Need more proof: this was a birthday cake of mine a couple years ago.

Duke Basketball

brian_linhart — 2021-07-19 05:17:38 UTC

I am also obsessed with Duke Men's Basketball. So much so that one year a student asked me to write them a letter of rec for a college application to Duke because "I think it would look good if an alumni of Duke wrote my letter." I did work Coach K's basketball camp at Duke University for a couple years, and it was like being in heaven! If you are a UNC fan, please don't talk to me 😉

Hobbies

brian_linhart — 2021-07-19 05:20:32 UTC

I'm really into working out. I have a Peloton bike and treadmill in my basement, and I am on it as much as I can. If you have one, look up "BrianSpinhart" and friend request me!

I also really like video games. If you are a Playstation person, you can find me at "Linhart" (I know...real original). If you play NBA 2K...let's go. I also have an Oculus Quest 2 where I pretend I know how to golf and play table tennis well.

I love old school video games, too. In my basement, I have an NBA Jam cabinet, a Mortal Kombat cabinet, an NFL Blitz cabinet, a virtual pinball machine, and if you come in my office, I have a system hooked up to my monitor that has a ton of video games, including EVERY original Nintendo game, and a mini NBA Jam arcade machine.

Tech Nerd!!

brian_linhart — 2021-07-19 05:30:43 UTC

I am really into technology. I probably don't have to tell you that, seeing as most of you probably got here through my custom URL shortener (BrianLinhart.com). During the 2020-2021 school year, I had 5 different cell phones because I had to see what each new phone could do. If you look at my viewing history on YouTube, chance are it is all full of unboxing videos and reviews of products I am thinking of getting.

DJ?....yup

brian_linhart — 2021-07-19 05:34:03 UTC

Nope...that's not a picture of someone that auditioned for *NSYNC or The Jersey Shore....that's me!!! I used to be a club/rave DJ in college. This is why a lot of times I am asked to provide music at different events here at BG. It is also no coincidence that most of my 5 year old daughter's favorite songs are EDM songs. If you thought my hair was wild now, look at it back then!!!

The OneBG Podcast

brian_linhart — 2021-07-19 05:38:28 UTC

Yes...you read that right: I used to run a podcast for BG called "The OneBG Podcast." I used to update listeners on what was going on at 1100 West Dundee, and interview staff members to let people get to know them a little better. Now, our Multimedia program run a new podcast, and probably do a MUCH better job than I did. But yeah....the episodes are still up there, so check them out. Kinda cool you get to say that your counselor is on Spotify right? NBD.

Grief Group

brian_linhart — 2021-07-19 14:31:59 UTC

During the second semester of each school year, I run a counseling group for students who have lost a parent. It is not only a support group, but also what is called a "pyschoeducational" group, which is a fancy way of saying that it also provides education and information on the grieving process. This group is made up of some very strong and amazing students. If you, or anyone you know, has lost a parent, please reach out to me.

Save my Contact Info to your Phone or iPad

brian_linhart — 2021-07-20 03:13:27 UTC

Click/tap/copy https://BrianLinhart.com/ContactInfo and my contact info will be added as a new contact to your device.

Email

brian_linhart — 2021-07-20 03:14:27 UTC

Brian.Linhart@d214.org

Office Phone

brian_linhart — 2021-07-20 03:14:39 UTC

847-718-4069

Number for Mass Messages

brian_linhart — 2021-07-20 03:14:55 UTC

Text one of the following messages to the phone number 81010 to receive my text messages related to your grade level:

Class of '27: @Linhart27
Class of '28: @Linhart28
Class of ‘29: @Linhart29
Class of ‘30: @Linhart30

I strongly recommend that you sign up for your grade-level!! This, along with mass emails to students on my caseload, is one way I use to get important information out to large groups of students. While you can message me through this, the best way to reach out to me is via email, setting up a meeting with me on my site, or calling my office line.

Virtual Office

brian_linhart — 2021-07-20 03:16:30 UTC

https://BrianLinhart.com/Office

Here you will be able to find just about all the links to resources and information you may need. If you check it out, it would be a good idea to bookmark it.

Set Up a Meeting with Me

brian_linhart — 2021-07-20 03:16:53 UTC

https://BrianLinhart.com/Meeting

Zoom

brian_linhart — 2021-07-20 03:17:39 UTC

https://d214.zoom.us/my/linhart
or
code: 8477184069

...and one more!

brian_linhart — 2021-07-20 03:30:55 UTC

I was a featured guest on a podcast! It was for The Cutting Edge Conversation, which is a podcast for school counselors. I am episode #4, and you can listen to it on Spotify at https://open.spotify.com/episode/48L4v0DPzwVCt8FNDE9KFq?si=cVr5KWoKQZGRu5tGPGquBA&dl_branch=1, or search "Cutting Edge Brian Linhart" in your podcast service of choice.

Office

brian_linhart — 2021-07-22 03:48:53 UTC

G187

Right across from the Theater

We aren't

brian_linhart — 2021-08-06 11:45:17 UTC

Seems like at least once-a-week I get a student asking me if I am brothers with Mr. Kolodziej, who is currently at Elk Grove HS but previously was one of our deans here. Students even confuse me for him and ask me questions as if they are talking for him. Let me clear the air: we are not brothers. Kids must think we look alike. I don't see it...

...and another one...

brian_linhart — 2022-03-03 04:09:29 UTC

Speaking of the Multimedia program at BG that runs our new podcast, I was a guest on there podcast as well! Go listen to it at https://open.spotify.com/episode/7hpMF28njEy74ZtE3u1Cdo?si=fb67493a62044db3

Chi Sigma Iota

brian_linhart — 2022-06-09 18:38:53 UTC

I am a member of Chi Sigma Iota, which is the honors society for counseling students, counselor educators, and professional counselors. I am a part of the inaugural inductees at National Louis University.

ISCA / ASCA

brian_linhart — 2022-06-09 18:48:15 UTC

I am a member of the Illinois School Counselor Association and the American School Counselor Association, both of which empower school counselors with the knowledge, skills, linkages and resources to promote student success in the school, the home, the community and the world.

MINT

brian_linhart — 2022-06-09 18:52:52 UTC

I am a member of the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT). This is an organization that promotes good practice in the use, research and training in motivational interviewing, and the quality applications of motivational interviewing across cultures, languages, and contexts.

As of the time of me updating this, I am the only school counselor in the state of Illinois that is a member of MINT.

DePaul University

brian_linhart — 2022-08-05 18:00:50 UTC

I am adjunct faculty member in Department of Counseling & Special Education in the College of Education at DePaul University. In the Spring of 2026, I taught the first course at DePaul solely focused on Motivational Interviewing.

BG Mindful Movement

brian_linhart — 2022-08-15 02:51:38 UTC

I, along with Mrs. Hackman-Cushing (Social Sciences) and Ms. Henry (counselor), sponsor a group of students here that focuses on one's mental health. Many times we forgot to address our social and emotional needs, which are just as important as our physical needs. You will hear more about us as we do events at BGHS, but if you are interested, please reach out to me to join.

My Daughters

brian_linhart — 2022-08-23 03:03:25 UTC

I have two daughters: Ava is 9 years old and in 4th grade at Longfellow, and Bella is 6 and is in 1st grade. Sometimes the are with me in the mornings, so feel free to come down and say hi!

Because of them, at random points during the week you may see with me with glitter lipgloss on, my nails painted, a Bluey or Minnie Mouse picture on my computer, or I might have a pulled hamstring because we had a makeshift gymnastics session the night before. #girldad

Human Rights Campaign

brian_linhart — 2022-09-06 14:22:51 UTC

I am a member of the Human Rights Campaign (HRC). This group strives to end discrimination against LGBTQ+ people and realize a world that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.

Association for Counselor Education and Supervision

brian_linhart — 2022-09-06 14:25:47 UTC

The Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (ACES) is a group that is dedicated to advancing counselor education and supervision in order to improve the provision of counseling services in all settings.

brian_linhart — 2022-09-09 12:45:37 UTC

I am a member of the American Counseling Association, which enhances the quality of life in society by promoting the development of professional counselors, advancing the counseling profession, and using the profession and practice of counseling to promote respect for human dignity and diversity.

Northeastern Illinois University

brian_linhart — 2022-09-09 12:49:23 UTC

Currently I serve on the Alumni Advisory Board for the Counselor Education program at Northeastern Illinois. This is a collection of NEIU professors and alumni whose goal is to ensure the counselor education program is held to the highest standards to prepare future counselors.

brian_linhart — 2022-12-21 23:47:38 UTC

I am currently an adjunct faculty member at National Louis University in the College of Psychology & Behavioral Sciences. I have instructed courses that were cohorts for school counseling interns, counseling for career development, school counseling theories, issues, and practice, and clinical techniques in counseling. I teach out of the Wheeling campus.

GSA Sponsor

brian_linhart — 2023-06-14 16:26:51 UTC

I was the co-sponsor of the Gay Straight Alliance with Mr. Eriksson (English) and Officer Franzen (SRO). This is a group to help build community and organize around issues impacting the school and community.

Past Presentation: ASCA 2023

brian_linhart — 2023-09-11 02:48:37 UTC

I presented at the 2023 American School Counselor Association's Conference in Atlanta, GA about using MI

Past Presentation: ISCA 2023

brian_linhart — 2023-09-11 02:53:54 UTC

I gave a presentation at the Illinois School Counselor Association's Conference in 2023 titled "Motivational Interviewing with Students: How Do I Start?"

Past Training: MI Center for Change

brian_linhart — 2023-09-11 02:56:04 UTC

In November of 2023, I offered a free training through the MI Center for Change about the use of motivational interviewing in schools.

Past Training: Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS), 2023

brian_linhart — 2023-09-11 03:08:47 UTC

I worked with counselors and members of the mental health support services in training them in using motivational interviewing with their students in 2023.

Past Training: Park County School District #1 (WY)

brian_linhart — 2024-01-06 21:26:45 UTC

In the summer of 2024 I had the pleasure of going to Park County School District #1 in Powell, Wyoming to train their staff in how to incorporate motivational interviewing with their students!

Past Presentation: ASCA 2024

brian_linhart — 2024-01-06 21:32:45 UTC

During the summer of 2024, I had the honor of co-presenting with Dr. Reagan North, author of Motivation Interviewing for School Counselors, at the 2024 American School Counselor Association's conference in Kansas City, Missouri. Our presentation was titled "Motivational Interviewing Techniques", and covered a wide spectrum of using MI in schools.

NEIU Chi Sigma Iota initiation

brian_linhart — 2024-04-04 14:40:21 UTC

In March of 2024, I had the pleasure of being the speaker at the Chi Sigma Iota initiation at Northeastern Illinois University. It was an honor and privilege to talk to and meet the future leaders of the counseling world!!

2024 ISCA SCOY Finalist/Honoree

brian_linhart — 2024-06-18 17:07:53 UTC

In 2024, I was given the honor of being named a finalist for Illinois School Counselor Association's School Counselor of the Year. With that, I was recognized as an honoree for my nomination.

Past Training: KIPP Chicago

brian_linhart — 2024-06-18 17:11:40 UTC

In July of 2024, I worked with Kipp Chicago, part of the national Knowledge is Power Program, and trained their staff on incorporating MI with their students! It was super exciting to do a training in my home state!!!

Past Presentation: ISCA 2024

brian_linhart — 2024-08-15 03:25:35 UTC

I presented at the Illinois School Counselor Association's Conference. My breakout sessions is titled: "Beginner's Guide to Motivational Interviewing: How to start and when to use it."

ISCA PD Committee

brian_linhart — 2024-12-10 16:26:05 UTC

I am a member of the Illinois School Counselor Association's Professional Development Committee, which is responsible for providing continuing education opportunities to counselors across the state.

Past Presentation: Starting Strong!

brian_linhart — 2025-02-11 16:28:14 UTC

I ran a webinar in 2025 for the Illinois School Counselor Association titled "Starting Strong: Strategies for Early Success in School Counseling." It was geared for counselor education students and counselors new to the profession to provide support and guidance on ways to ensure best practices within the field.

Past Training: District 211

brian_linhart — 2025-04-22 19:25:26 UTC

In the spring of 2025, I worked with Township High School District 211 and trained staff from numerous roles across the district on incorporating MI with their students! It was very exciting to do a training with our neighboring district, and being able to work with some former colleagues, interns, and friends again!!!!

Blue

Past Presentation: ISCA 2025

brian_linhart — 2026-07-26 09:57:34 UTC

I presented at the Illinois School Counselor Association's Conference. My breakout sessions is titled: "Motivational Interviewing to the Next Level!!"

Past Presentation - ASCA 2026

brian_linhart — 2026-07-26 10:04:39 UTC

During the summer of 2026, I presented twice at the American School Counselor Association's conference in New Orleans, LA. First was co-presenting with Dr. Reagan North, author of Motivation Interviewing for School Counselors, in a session titled "Hands-On Motivational Interviewing." My other session was titled "Harness the Power of Google."

Upcoming Presentation - NOLA CCAN

brian_linhart — 2026-07-26 10:07:15 UTC

In November of 2026, I will be presenting at the New Orleans College & Career Attainment Network Conference in New Orleans, LA about Motivational Interviewing.

Upcoming - Chapter Published

brian_linhart — 2026-07-26 10:49:50 UTC

I had the privilege of co-authoring a chapter about Motivational Interviewing with Dr. Reagan North for a textbook titled School Counseling Theories and Techniques: A Practical Approach which should be published later in 2026.