Advisors

I am currently pursuing a Master’s in Data Science at Vanderbilt University and completed my undergraduate degree there as well, with a B.S. in Public Policy and Economics. Throughout my undergraduate and graduate studies, I have used data science and research to explore complex questions in healthcare, public policy, and national security. Having navigated both undergraduate and graduate admissions, I understand how overwhelming the application process can be. I work with students to make that process more strategic and manageable by building a tailored school list, identifying the strengths that make them stand out, and developing compelling personal statements that showcase their goals and experiences. My goal is to help students tell their stories authentically and confidently. I believe the strongest applications are clear narratives that connect a student's experiences, interests, and aspirations. I enjoy getting to know each student individually and working collaboratively to identify what makes them stand out. Whether you are just beginning to think about college or are putting the finishing touches on your applications, I am excited to partner with you throughout the process.

I've always loved helping students recognize their potential and take the next step toward their goals. My journey in education began in college admissions at James Madison University, where I worked with prospective students and families to navigate the admissions process, understand financial aid, and build stronger college applications. That experience gave me valuable insight into what colleges look for—and how students can tell their unique stories in an authentic way. Since then, I've spent nearly a decade as an educator, working closely with students and families to create personalized plans that help every child succeed. As Chesapeake Public Schools' 2024 Citywide Teacher of the Year, I've had the opportunity to mentor students, support fellow educators, lead district initiatives, and collaborate with families from a wide variety of backgrounds. Throughout my career, one thing has remained constant: I believe every student deserves individualized guidance, encouragement, and someone who truly believes in them. I know the college admissions process can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. I love getting to know each student's strengths, interests, and goals so we can build a college list that's the right fit, craft applications that genuinely reflect who they are, and make the journey as rewarding as the destination. My goal is to help students feel confident, supported, and excited about what's ahead.

Trevor attended Dartmouth College, where he majored in Psychology and assisted the Chair of the Education Department as an editor for a series of anthologies featuring Dartmouth, Harvard, and Williams students' autobiographical essays, which were published by Cornell University Press. Trevor's students have been admitted to Harvard, Stanford, Yale, Oxford, Cambridge, Dartmouth, Duke, Columbia, Cornell, Brown, UChicago, Northwestern, Johns Hopkins, Swarthmore, Wellesley, Georgetown, Berkeley, UCLA, Carnegie Mellon, Emory, Tufts, NYU, etc. He has presented in Shanghai and Beijing with current and former Directors of Admission from Stanford, Duke (Kunshan), and NYU (Shanghai), and served as Dartmouth's Social Rep in Shanghai, where he presented the Dartmouth Book Award to students at top international high schools and helped organize Ivy League alumni mixers.

Yujin Angolio is a Princeton University alumna (B.S. Mechanical Engineering, Class of 2023) with deep expertise in narrative development, constructive essay feedback, and holistic college application strategy. She has guided high-achieving students, including first-generation, low-income, and international applicants, through the full admissions process. As a Princeton Alumni Schools Committee Ambassador (2024–present), she conducted in-depth interviews with 12 prospective students from Central Ohio and East & West Africa, submitting detailed written evaluations that directly informed admissions decisions. Previously, as a Private College Admissions Advisor and Matriculate College Advising Fellow, she coached students to acceptances at selective institutions including The Ohio State University (Honors Program), Washington University in St. Louis (Early), Georgia Tech, Lehigh University, and Agnes Scott College. Drawing from her own journey as an international student admitted to Princeton, Dartmouth, Duke, and Amherst, she delivers personalized, voice-preserving feedback that helps students craft compelling applications.

Hi, I'm Karissa! I'm a graduate of Drew University's 7-year accelerated BS/MD program with Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, and I'm now an M1 there myself, so I've been through every step of the journey I now help students navigate. I specialize in BS/MD admissions and know firsthand what these programs are really looking for beyond just grades and test scores. I've worked with students applying to programs including Brown PLME, NJMS, University of Pittsburgh, and Case Western PPSP, helping them tell their story in a way that's authentic, compelling, and true to who they are. I also enjoy working with traditional pre-med students, since much of what makes a BS/MD application strong — a genuine narrative, meaningful experiences, real self-reflection — is exactly what makes any pre-med application stand out.

I bring an insider's perspective paired with a clear, structured strategy, from finding the right-fit programs, to shaping a standout activities list and essays, to prepping for interviews. I enjoy helping students move from feeling unsure to genuinely confident in their path to medicine, whatever stage of that journey they're starting from.

Suzie has over 12 years of advising experience, helping students prepare their applications and be admitted to colleges large and small across the country, including Stanford, Brown, Berkeley, UCLA, and NYU. She is especially skilled at advising students interested in Ivy+ schools and the University of California system, and those interested in pre-med tracks and arts portfolio/audition programs. Her strategy focuses on a "matchmaking" approach to find the right fit for students across location, culture, and academic offerings, and expanding college research to identify new possibilities for a happily-ever-after. Suzie's students complete the application process with a more transparent understanding of admissions and a greater enthusiasm for their futures.

Her background includes teaching at both the high school and university levels, serving as an English Department faculty member at the Windward School in Los Angeles and at Columbia University in New York City, where she also acted as a consultant in Columbia's Pre-Health Advising Office. This work endowed her with firsthand knowledge of college academics and student life, useful to families who want an insider view. She is able to connect easily and quickly with students and parents, forming a trust that eases the application process and relieves some of the stress. Most importantly, Suzie emphasizes integrity and reflection to help students complete their applications with pride and without regret. She looks forward to working with you!

I graduated Summa Cum Laude with a B.S. in Bioengineering: Bioinformatics, where I was honored to study as a Regents Scholar. I am currently a first-year medical student with a strong passion for mentorship and education. Throughout my undergraduate career, I gained extensive experience tutoring students in foundational engineering courses and developed a proven track record of helping students achieve academic success. In addition, I have mentored and supported several students through the college application process, including reviewing applications and providing personalized guidance throughout admissions. Having personally navigated the medical school application journey, I’m passionate about helping students reach their academic and professional goals. I would love the opportunity to work with you!

Greetings! My name is Matthew, and I'm very excited to assist you throughout your college application journey.

I graduated from the University of Wisconsin - Madison with a B.S. in Mathematics and currently work full-time as a Cost Engineer. Advising is one of my passions, and I look forward to helping others achieve their educational and career goals, specifically for those planning to enter a STEM profession.

Below is a little bit more about my background. If any of these are areas of interest to you, let's schedule some time to chat!

I recently graduated from the University of California, Davis with a Bachelor of Arts in Design and a minor in Computer Science. During my time at UC Davis, I focused on human centered design, communication, and user experience, which helped me build strong problem solving skills and an understanding of how people navigate complex systems. Professionally, I have over three years of experience in student support and advising. In my current role as a College Coach at Beyond 12, I work with a caseload of over 267 first generation and underrepresented college students, helping them navigate academic planning, financial aid, and college persistence. I provide consistent one on one support, help students break down goals into manageable steps, and connect them with campus and community resources when they face academic or personal barriers. This work has strengthened my ability to build trust quickly, communicate clearly, and support students through challenges in a way that is both structured and compassionate. Previously, I worked as a paraeducator in a school setting supporting students with individualized education plans, where I gained experience working with diverse student needs, collaborating with staff, and maintaining confidentiality while supporting student success. I also held a supervisory role in a university computer lab, where I managed scheduling, trained staff, and helped ensure daily operations ran smoothly in a fast paced environment. Across all of my roles, I have consistently worked in environments centered around student success, communication, and problem solving. I enjoy helping people navigate systems, whether that is academic requirements, school resources, or day to day challenges, and making those processes feel more manageable and supportive. Outside of work, I am bilingual in English and Spanish, and I value roles where I can continue supporting students and contributing to environments that are organized, collaborative, and focused on helping people succeed.

I have spent over two decades guiding students and families through the complexities of the admissions process, first at Long Island University and then for seventeen years at Columbia University School of Nursing. Over the course of my career, I have managed thousands of applications across both undergraduate and graduate pipelines. At Columbia, I oversaw the full admissions cycle for a highly competitive graduate nursing program, articulating policies and procedures, leading the Admissions Committee and partnering with Financial Aid to ensure a seamless experience from application through enrollment. At Long Island University, I counseled prospective students individually and in groups through every stage of the postsecondary process — including applications, financial aid, and program selection. Together, these roles gave me a comprehensive, hands-on command of admissions from both the institutional and student-facing sides.

Hey there! Former Yale and Johns Hopkins admissions professional here. For nearly seven years, I worked in HigherEd admissions, helping students navigate important educational decisions and evaluating applications across a wide range of programs. Most recently, I served on the admissions committee for Yale School of Management's Master of Asset Management program, where I reviewed more than hundreds of applications annually and helped identify candidates who would thrive in a highly selective academic environment. I hold a BFA in Sculpture and a BA in International Relations from Boston University, as well as a Master's in Data Analytics and Policy from Johns Hopkins University. My own educational journey taught me that there is no single path to success- and that's a perspective I bring to every student I work with. My advising style is equal parts strategic and supportive. Whether we're building a college list, brainstorming essay topics, refining applications, or preparing for interviews, my goal is to help students tell their story authentically while maximizing their opportunities. I especially enjoy working with first-generation students, students with interdisciplinary interests, and those applying to highly selective colleges and universities. As someone who has spent years on the admissions side of the table, I'm excited to help make the process feel a little less overwhelming- and maybe even a little more fun!

Hello! My name is Sruthi Kannajoshyula, and I am a dedicated Pre-Med Specialty Advisor passionate about helping students navigate the complex, competitive journey of college and medical school admissions. Having graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a minor in Nutrition from East Carolina University, and as an incoming Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences student at the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine, I understand firsthand what it takes to build a standout academic and extracurricular profile.

As a medical school graduate and clinical research expert, I offer a wealth of experience in BS/MD program coaching. I have mentored aspiring students by providing strategic guidance on college admissions, curriculum planning, and internship placement to facilitate successful transitions into medical school and other graduate programs. I guide students through the complexities of standardized science and graduate entry examinations, ranging from the ACT Science section to the MCAT and GRE. I complement this technical preparation with personalized academic coaching, ensuring students are fully equipped to thrive at top-tier universities and in their graduate studies beyond. My passion lies in equipping students with the confidence and strategy needed to excel in their academic careers. I focus on securing entry into top-tier institutions, as these environments offer the high-caliber resources and competitive networking required to turn academic interest into a successful career. I currently work as a medical researcher in the field of pediatric neurology. In addition to my work, I find immense joy in mentoring students. My goal is to help candidates bring their stories to life, bridging the gap between a written application and the individual the admissions committee meets in person, ensuring that committees see the unique individual behind every application.

As a teacher of English language, literature, and writing, I've served students from middle school through graduate school. Over my 20 years experience, it's been a joy to support many types of learners as they develop the critical thinking skills and confidence to identify, articulate, and reach their goals. The students I've taught have gone on to careers in teaching, business, law, medical practice and research, drama, creative writing, journalism, and the visual arts. I've come to understand that a strong foundation in literacy, writing, and speaking makes all the difference to professional success and personal growth. My experience as an editor has prepared me to assist writers of expository prose and works of imagination to find their voice and communicate their vision. The writers I've worked with have found me to be an observant reader who asks the questions and offers critiques that help them produce their best work. After living on both coasts I've returned to Chicago, my sweet home, where I'm continuing to teach as a private tutor and to work with writers as a freelance editor, proofreader, and indexer. I'm an avid reader of classic and contemporary fiction and poetry and a continuing student of philosophy and theology. I write, knit, draw, paint, garden, cook, and enjoy Chicago's excellent music and performance scene with my husband, sisters, and friends.

I have worked in highly selective admissions offices at both Yale University and Johns Hopkins University, where I have read and evaluated thousands of applications from students across a wide range of academic interests and backgrounds. At Yale I currently serve as Assistant Director of Admissions, overseeing applicant communications, analyzing admissions data, and contributing to strategic decision-making. I have guided prospective students through every stage of the admissions process. Previously at Johns Hopkins, I reviewed thousands of applications, giving me a deep understanding of what distinguishes successful applicants. Much of my work has focused on international students. I have led admissions work for students across the Middle East and other global regions, working closely with applicants from diverse educational systems and cultural backgrounds. This experience has given me insight into the unique challenges international students face, from translating academic experiences into a U.S. context to navigating different expectations around extracurricular involvement and personal storytelling. I am especially passionate about helping international students present their experiences in a way that feels both authentic and compelling to admissions committees. In addition to my admissions work, I have experience supporting students directly through teaching and mentorship, including leading writing workshops and helping students develop clear, confident communication skills. I have worked with students pursuing a wide range of interests, including the humanities, social sciences, engineering, and natural sciences. My advising approach centers on helping students tell a cohesive, authentic story about who they are. I believe the strongest applications go beyond achievements. They reflect voice, perspective, and potential. Applying to college can feel overwhelming, but with the right guidance, it can also be an exciting opportunity for self-discovery. My goal is to make the process both manageable and meaningful for every student I work with. Outside of my professional work, I enjoy running, reading, and experimenting with new recipes.

I graduated from Duke University with a B.A. in International Comparative Studies and Arabic and completed my Master of Science in Global Public Health at Duke. I am currently completing my Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at the University of Miami, and I am based at Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School for my clinical psychology internship with the Center for Health Outcomes and Interdisciplinary Research. My academic and clinical work focuses on mind–body interventions, anxiety, trauma, and emerging research in chronic pain. I have over seven years of experience advising students through the college and graduate admissions process, including essay development, personal statement coaching, supplemental strategy, interview preparation, and long-term application planning. My past advisees have earned admission to selective institutions such as Georgetown University, Brown University, American University, the University of Miami, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and the University of Tampa. I also mentor applicants in public health and clinical psychology, drawing on my own experience securing competitive awards including the Fulbright Research Grant (Jordan), the Boren Fellowship, and the Foreign Language and Area Studies (FLAS) award. In addition to admissions coaching, I tutor students in English Language Arts, writing, Arabic, and foundational math, and my background as both a clinician and a yoga/mindfulness teacher allows me to support students with anxiety, stress, and perfectionism in academic settings. My advising style is structured, warm, and grounded in helping students express their most authentic voice while navigating the application process with presence, self-compassion, and confidence. Outside of academics, I enjoy teaching and practicing yoga, and engaging in community-based wellness and mental health programming.

Hi everyone, I'm Deena Henderson and I am thrilled to bring my passion for student-centered support to the CollegeAdvisor team. I graduated from Penn State University with a B.A. in media production and with that started my television production career of 20 years. I have worked with some amazing media companies and learned from some of the best in my field. While in my television career, a unique opportunity presented itself that was out of my comfort zone and it was to help with an internship program. What started out as just making sure students are reporting to work, turned into something more meaningful and changed the trajectory of my career. In addition to my primary role, I managed an internship program for 8 years which included recruiting, hiring, application review, training, supporting and mentoring both high school and college students yearly, in-person & virtually. I implemented and led onboarding, new student orientation, group check-ins, and guided students through academic and professional challenges helping them stay on track . I facilitated one-on-one advising sessions and networking workshops which created a trusting rapport with all students. Throughout the years, I have built trusting and collaborative relationships with students by maintaining open communication, offering one-on-one support, and encouraging self-advocacy and personal growth. I absolutely enjoy creating strong relationships, tailoring my communication to student needs and goals, and creating a positive inclusive environments where learners can be at their best academically and professionally. With my background in supporting students, I’m eager and excited to help the student population navigate their college career, overcome challenges, and achieve their academic goals. I’m always committed to making sure students have the best positive experience while supporting their professional and academic journeys.

FUN FACT: I absolutely enjoy traveling. My first international experience was while I was attending grad school. The opportunity to travel to Turkey presented itself and I haven't looked back since. I'm also part of a travel group called The Travel Divas. Since joining this amazing group, I have ventured to South of France, Spain and Africa. I'm hoping my next venture will be somewhere in Asia.

Hello and welcome to your college admissions journey. My name is Cliff-Simon, and I am so excited to support you in your process. As a first-generation student, I understand how difficult this can all be. Rest assured, we are here to support. After I graduated High School in Queens, New York, I moved 6 hours away from home to attend The State University College at Oswego. I completed my Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences with a minor in Health Sciences. In Undergrad, I was very involved in many student-led organizations, which led me to take a bit of a pivot and move to Buffalo, New York to complete a Master of Science degree from the Higher Education and Student Affairs Administration (HESAA) program at Canisius (College) University. My educational journey is not yet over, as I am currently completing a doctoral degree in Educational Administration at the University of Rochester, with a specialization in Higher Education. Currently, I work at the Unity Center, a student life office at Ithaca College, whose mission is to create safe spaces where students can be their whole selves and thrive. I also work in a scholarship program that reviews and makes admission decisions. Previously, I worked at Cornell in Residential Life and the specialized PreCollegiate Summer Scholars Program.
My mission in life is to remove barriers to your success and to ensure that students like you have access to Higher Education. I look forward to supporting you on your journey. As Nelson Mandela shared:

"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world."

I am a current fourth year medical student at the John Sealy School of Medicine at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, Texas applying for Internal Medicine Residency. I attended Texas A&M International University and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology as part of a combined BA/MD dual-degree medical program, which was one of the four combined medical programs I was accepted. Since 2019, I have been a professional advisor, helping high school students gain admission to competitive universities and dual-degree medical programs by helping with applications, essays, and interview prep. have been able to help over 50 students gain admission to their dream college or medical program with acceptances ranging from Ivy League universities to some of the most selective BS/MD programs in the country. I love helping enthusiastic and hard-working students who have a strong desire to succeed.

I received my bachelor's degree in advertising from the University of Florida. I started my higher education journey working as an Admissions Officer for the University of Florida in 2022 where I helped and advised thousands of students throughout the application process from beginning to end. I am now currently working for University of Massachusetts Amherst within the same role.

As a First-Gen student who did not know much on how to navigate the college process during high school, it is my goal to give back and advise students on how to approach picking the right school for them, help them throughout the application process, and guide them throughout their college application journey in order to make the transition as seamless as possible. My job is to take away as much of the stress as I can and coach students in order for them to reach their goals and get them to their dream destination.

Hey there! I’m Ms. Villalva Salas, and I’ve spent the last five years helping students get ready for college and beyond. Before becoming an advisor, I worked in college admissions as a Senior Admissions Fellow at Connecticut College, where I interviewed prospective students and learned what colleges are really looking for. I’m also a Posse Scholar and Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellow, programs that support leadership and help underrepresented students pursue advanced degrees—experiences that shaped how I guide and support others on their own journeys. I studied English and Education at Connecticut College, where I also received a certificate in Public Policy and Social Justice. Later, I earned my Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction from Boston College, focusing on Social Justice Leadership.

I love helping students uncover their strengths, tell their stories, and feel confident about their next steps. When I’m not advising, you’ll probably find me traveling, planning events, or practicing new languages.