Advisors

Hello, my name is Sidra! I am a Second Year OB/GYN Resident. In high school, I decided I wanted to pursue medicine. I went to University of California: Davis, to embark on my Pre-Med Journey and graduated in 2017. I am excited to share my passion for medicine with you but also show you other ways you can help people outside of medicine.
Expertise: Pre Med Advising, Pre Health Advising, Interview Preparation, Resume Review, and Academic and Career Counseling.
Looking forward to supporting your journey!

I hold a Bachelor of Arts degree in French Language and Literature, and Secondary Education from Mount St. Mary’s University, and a Master of Science degree in School Counseling from Johns Hopkins University. I also hold a Post-Master’s Certificate in School Counseling from the State University of New York at Brockport. I am a permanently certified school counselor in Maryland, New York and New Jersey. I have been an educator for more than a decade; education and serving students is my passion. I started my career as a classroom teacher, teaching French in the Maryland and D.C area. I taught middle school and high school French courses at varying levels for 5 years. I then returned home to New York City, where I continued my career, working as a school counselor at the high school level, with a specific focus on college counseling for 5 more years. During my years as a high school college counselor, I gained a tremendous amount of experience working with college access, becoming an expert in college financial aid and planning. I am well-versed in national and state specific opportunities for college bound students. I am also seasoned in working with first-generation college students and families. Over the years, I have run webinars and presented to families regarding filling out financial aid applications for college, opportunity programs, and the college essay. My goal with students is to serve as a door-opener. I enjoy working with students and families, learning what they are passionate about, what they want for themselves, what support they may also need and guiding them to that pathway. It is truly enlightening to see a student walk through their perfect “door” with so much ahead of them on the other side! Exploration is key during the college process and during college itself. The college application and admissions process can feel overwhelming for students and families alike. I work to be a student’s reprise in this; to serve as a reassuring presence. I believe that focusing on their strengths and possibilities can bring a sense of hope and excitement. My job is to be an energetic, knowledgeable, encouraging (and sometimes even funny!) advisor. Many paths can lead to the same destination- it is all about discovering those options together and choosing the right one for you!

I graduated from Duke University with a Bachelor of Arts in Neuroscience with a Minor in Psychology. During my time in college, I worked as a resident assistant fostering community for first-year students and mentoring pre-med students. Since I graduated from Duke University in 2021, I have dedicated myself to promoting equity in college access for students from rural and underserved communities. For three years, I worked with Duke College Advising Corps in Sampson County with over three hundred students over their senior year to help them realize their post-secondary goals. I have also volunteered with the Duke Center for Girls & Women with ADHD for over a year. I am currently pursuing my dual master's in Social Work and Public Administration at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill to continue my work toward increasing access to healthcare and education for women with mental health concerns. I have worked with prospective students interested in being Pre-Med, Pre-Law, and studying Engineering, Computer Science, and Communication and Media Studies. College advising is an opportunity to foster independence, introspection, and growth within students. I will be with my students every step of the way, ensuring they understand their options and find joy in choosing their next steps forward!

I graduated summa cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania with a B.A. in creative writing in 2016. I find mentorship and advising truly energizing and have sought to integrate that into my career whenever possible: I've served corporate clients as an analyst for the management consulting firm McKinsey & Company; I've worked with writers and directors in the film and television industry; and I've created and run college essay workshops for local high school students in multiple cities. I've also directed my creative energy into writing three novels for young adult audiences, all of which have been published by major publishing houses. I believe in the college admissions process as an opportunity for reflection, as an act of finding one’s voice, and as a means toward self-actualization. Students are often daunted because they don’t know “what they want to do with their lives” or “what is important enough to write their essays about,” and in the overwhelming panic and pressure of college admissions they lose sight of the fact that reflecting on those questions can be tremendously valuable in and of itself. I hope to make the admissions process a process of curiosity (via collaborative reflection), pride (by highlighting all the great things the student has accomplished in their lives so far), and fun. Finally, in my role as an advisor, I think it is important to support students academically and holistically—as students, yes, but more importantly, as people. The most rewarding moments of college advising are when I am able to connect authentically with students in their passions, interests, challenges, fears, and joys.

I am a dedicated advisor with a diverse background in sales, sales management, developing sales strategies, legal assistance, personal finance, and extensive experience in motivating and increasing productivity. Currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in Economics at California State University, Fullerton, I am committed to leveraging my extensive professional experience to guide and mentor students, helping them secure admission to their dream universities.

Hello! I'm a graduate of Columbia University, where I studied English and Human Rights. I've advised and mentored students for several years now, and love the opportunity to work with such brilliant and dynamic young people. I specialize in essay strategizing/editing, standardized test prep, and scholarships/financial aid but have worked with students on a wide variety of issues. In working with students and their families, I prioritize confidence. College admissions often feel opaque and stressful, but developing a sense of confidence—by harnessing and showcasing the student's unique experiences and strengths, by developing a broad sense of what schools are out there and what programs they have to offer, and by taking an organized and methodical approach to each set of applications—makes the process feel much more tangible. Outside of CollegeAdvisor.com, I've taught courses for a mental health advocacy organization and spent substantial time in LGBTQ+ mentorship roles. I spend my free time on creative things—playing piano, learning to crochet, cooking, and writing. Working with students is so important to me; I'm so grateful for the chance to help young people achieve their dreams!

Hello! My name is Kaitlyn, and I graduated from the University of Virginia with a Bachelor of Science in Education – Youth and Social Innovation, and a minor in Anthropology. My journey through college allowed me to gain valuable experience in the areas of student development, mentorship, career advising, and coaching through leadership positions across various student affairs departments. Through my roles as Orientation Leader for Orientation and Transition Programs, and Resident Advisor at the International Residential College, I led small and large group presentations on navigating college including attaining academic excellence, extracurricular experience, and maintaining a balance for freshmen, upperclassmen, and international student populations. As Career Peer Educator in the Exploration and Education, Counseling, and Youth Development Communities, I served as an ambassador of the Career Center to the student body. I led outreach presentations elaborating on career development topics such as networking, attending a career/job fair, interview preparation, salary negotiation, and navigating the job/internship search process. During weekly office hours, I supported undergraduate and graduate students on their resumes and cover letters while providing individualized feedback. Through these leadership roles, I aimed to create an inclusive and safe environment, while encouraging students to achieve personal and professional development. I worked as Program Coordinator for the Earl Woods Scholar Program, which is a comprehensive scholarship program that provides ongoing support for students from under-represented communities to thrive in school and life. I supported high school and college students in the Los Angeles, CA; Anaheim, CA; Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia regions, to achieve their post-secondary dreams. I empowered students to succeed in college through ongoing financial aid, mentorship, specialized internship opportunities, skills development, career readiness resources and annual enrichment workshops. Providing undergraduate students and youth with the necessary educational tools and career development resources is an essential part of preparing career-ready graduates. In addition to guiding students through the college application process to gain admittance to their top choice schools, former students I have worked with have also gained national, institutional, and local scholarships including QuestBridge, Posse, Gates Millenium, College Board - BigFuture, the DC-CAP Scholarship, and more. Over the past six years, I have been actively involved in the education and non-profit sectors, where my primary focus and involvement has been supporting students in realizing their aspirations for post-secondary education. Currently, I am supporting high school and university scholars in pursuing careers of excellence and leadership in the non-profit/higher education field, and I aspire to attend a business graduate school in the future. Outside of advising you can find me spending time with family and friends, running,

Hi! My name is Robert Pena and I’d be happy to be your student’s advisor! I am a former physician (M.D.) turned Science Teacher (Physics) turned High School Counselor. I am entering my fifth year as a counselor and have successfully guided hundreds of students from all backgrounds through the college application process. In fact, several of my students this past year earned full rides to Notre Dame, UCLA, Texas A&M, and the University of Texas at Austin!

Here are some fun facts about me:
Fun Fact #1: I delivered 35 babies in med school/residency
Fun Fact #2: I wanted to be a Southwest Airlines Pilot as a kid. However, my eyesight is terrible!
Fun Fact #3: I worked as a school photographer and vet tech while in college.

Due to my previous work as a physician, I am often called upon to work with students that are interested in the medical profession. Pre-med students are generally very intelligent. They do their research and can read everything there is to know online. What they often seek is the information that is not as easily discerned. What does it really take to become a doctor? What are the benefits of the B.S./M.D. program versus applying broadly? What can I do NOW to get a leg up on the competition? What can I do to set myself apart now and later once I am in college? What questions should I be asking that I haven’t considered?

Advising Philosophy: Reflect and know thyself. The best applicants are those that have put in the time and have found their voice. They have found their motivation and are invested in the application process. They can answer the “why” questions and speak at length about what they are looking for in a career/college. Helping students reach this point is crucial to putting out a great application.

Applying to college is an exciting process and I look forward to being your student’s personal guide during this important journey!

Hi! My name is Morgan and I am a student at Massachusetts Institute of Technology studying Engineering, with interests in the built environment, climate change/adaptation, and computer science. I am from Brooklyn, NY and am a current Junior (class of 2026). I grew up with a low-income immigrant single mother from the Caribbean, and attended boarding school from 9th through 12th grade. I have done a lot since starting my degree, with many of my activities revolving around engineering, research, career exploration, leadership, and the college application process. For example, I have worked in two labs during my undergrad, one of which is focused on computer science, architecture, and engineering. I have worked there for 1.5 years. Currently, I am working in a UCL lab focusing on tsunami engineering and disaster prevention. Back at MIT, I am a part of MCG (MIT Consulting Group), a club that allows me to work on real consulting cases as an undergraduate student. I understand the difficulty of the college application process, as I went through it a few short years ago. In my cycle, I was able to receive acceptances from many prestigious universities, some of which being Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Brown, Duke, and many more. With that being said, I am a huge proprietor of open and honest communication; I am here as a resource to demystify the college application and help the student reach their fullest potential. In my free time, I like to read and try new cuisines. Hope to be in contact with you soon!

My journey to where I stand today, ready to mentor and inspire as an advisor at CollegeAdvisor.com, has been as unique as the students I aim to guide. Bringing my love for technology and a bit of entrepreneurial flair into the mix, I believe I can leverage my diverse background and perspective to help students navigate the challenging college application process. I, too, have once struggled with finding my true voice in essays, deciding on majors, and choosing the right school. Therefore, I am eager to lead the next generation of innovators to their perfect match school with empathy and insight.

Hi! I’m Adonis, a 3rd-year PhD student studying Immunology at Stanford University School of Medicine. I graduated from Stanford in 2021 with a degree in Biology, focusing on microbes and immunity. Initially, I entered college as a pre-med student and completed the first two years of pre-med coursework before discovering my passion for biomedical sciences and deciding to pursue a PhD. Throughout my undergraduate years, I conducted research on viruses and vaccines at renowned institutions, including Stanford, the Pasteur Institute in France, the Chan Zuckerberg Biohub in San Francisco, and Genentech. These experiences have given me a deep understanding of the field and a global perspective on biomedical research. Before joining CollegeAdvisor, I worked at CollegeVine for two years, where I helped students secure admissions to prestigious schools like Stanford, Brown, and UC Berkeley. I’m here to answer your questions about the college application process, campus life, interviews, internships, studying abroad, and more. I’m excited to meet you all and am committed to being highly accessible as we work together to find your dream school!

I received my Bachelor's degree in Instrumental Music Education from Florida State University. I also received my Master's degree in Music Performance, with a Euphonium concentration, from Carnegie Mellon University. With over nine years of experience working in college admissions and advising, I am deeply committed to providing tangible support and resources to marginalized populations through an intersectional lens. In my time at Florida State University, I served in multiple roles involving university admissions and student enrollment advising. I served on the Student Board of Advisors (BOA), and provided specialized academic advising to new freshmen and transfer students to the FSU College of Music. Additionally, I served the CoM Admissions Office as an admissions administrator. In this role, I was the first point of contact for undergraduates, guiding students and their families through all aspects of the admissions process including: program information, application procedures, audition days, and ensuring that students met all requirements to be admitted into the university. I continued working in admissions during my graduate studies at Carnegie Mellon, as a graduate assistant. My responsibilities in this position were the same as my previous roles, but also allowed me to also meet one-on-one with families to lead information sessions on the School of Music's undergraduate and graduate degree programs. After completing my graduate degree, I continued working as a freelance musician while also serving as a Senior Admissions Coordinator for the University of Pittsburgh's School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (SHRS). I was the first point of contact and application administrator for prospective undergraduate and graduate students at the 30 programs offered at SHRS. I guided applicants through each phase of the admissions process, prescreened application materials, hosted virtual admissions meetings with applicants and families, and distributed final decision letters. Additionally, I collaborated closely with SHRS academic leadership on using data-driven research to implement best practices for holistic admissions. I currently serve as co-founder and Director of Operations for Chromatic Brass Collective: a nonprofit organization for brass musicians that celebrates, performs, and educates in an effort to increase the visibility of racially and ethnically underrepresented women and gender non-conforming people throughout the brass world.

07/22- Present Director of Recruitment, Wesleyan College Macon, GA

• Institutional Enrollment Manager
• Organizational Capability Facilitator
• External Relations/Public Affairs Leader
• Appointed Official for the Office of Athletics
  10/21-07/22 Regional Admissions Counselor, College of Coastal Georgia Brunswick, GA
• Talent & Retention Manager/Minority Affinity Student Academic Liaison
• South Atlanta & Middle Georgia Regional Recruitment Manager
• External Relations/Public Affairs Leader
  12/18-10/21 Enrollment and Academic Support Counselor, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College Tifton, GA
• Expert Talent & Retention Specialist
• Communications & Social Media Leader
• Georgia and South Carolina Talent & Recruitment Manager
  10/17-12-18 Pharmacy Technician, Lindsey’s Hometown Pharmacy Nashville, GA
• Medication and Durable Medical Equipment utilization, and safety training facilitator .
  08/18-12/18 Marketing and Outreach Intern, ABAC Stafford School of Business Tifton, GA
  10/15-10/17 Customer Experience Coordinator/Alpha Captain, TJ Maxx Companies Tifton, GA
• Customer Service Capacity Leader
  09/15-12/19 Student Administrative Assistant, ABAC Dean of Students Office Tifton, GA

Hello there! I'm Ertrell Harris, and I'm excited to introduce myself as a Senior Advisor. Originally from South Carolina, I've always believed in the power of education to transform lives. Growing up as a first-generation college student in a low-income household, my journey to higher education was driven by my determination to overcome obstacles. My educational path began at Howard University, where I pursued my undergraduate studies and discovered my passion for higher education and college access. Building on this, I earned a master's degree in sociology from George Washington University. Drawing from my own experiences, I've spent over a decade empowering students like myself to navigate the academic landscape. Throughout my career, I've been privileged to work with two college access programs dedicated to supporting minority and economically disadvantaged students. My students have received scholarships from organizations like Questbridge, Posse, the Gates Scholarship, and more, and have attended a diverse range of colleges, from local community colleges to prestigious institutions like Harvard, Princeton, and Yale. Additionally, I've gained valuable insights from working in three different admissions offices, where I've assisted students in making crucial decisions about their future—choosing a college that aligns with their goals and financial circumstances. In my roles, I've been deeply committed to helping students pursue higher education while minimizing financial barriers. What I find most fulfilling is establishing meaningful connections and empowering students to realize their full potential.

My experience in higher education is from working as an Assistant Dean of Admissions at Wake Forest University. I reviewed thousands of applications, served as a voting member on application review committees, and interviewed hundreds of applicants. I aided in the implementation of several systems to create an equitable review process to give all applicants a fair chance. While working in Undergraduate Admissions, I made it my mission to offer the best support to families and counselors while navigating the college application process. I educated families on the uniqueness of a liberal arts education and how the holistic nature of it can be beneficial. As a first-generation college graduate and woman of color, I provided extra support to students of underserved backgrounds to help them understand the college application process and help them on their journey. I now even mentor some of those enrolled students to this day! Higher education is something that I'm truly passionate about. I look forward to working with all families from all walks of life!

Mikayla is an Associate at Soul Equity Solutions, a firm that specializes in recruiting executive talent for middle-market private equity firms, including deal teams, business developers, operating partners, and value creation teams. Mikayla is primarily responsible for recruiting, supporting, and placing Analyst-Vice President candidates on the internal deal team of middle-market private equity firms nationwide. As the first full-time employee at Soul Equity, Mikayla has played an instrumental role in building the company from the ground up. To maintain her college counseling/admission reading skill set, Mikayla has spent the past two reading cycles as a Seasonal Admission Reader for New York University. Before launching her career in recruiting, Mikayla was a former Assistant Director of College Counseling with extensive experience leading prospective college students through the college process from early exploration through post-graduation matriculation. Mikayla is a dedicated leader with a proven track record of building robust relationships with clients and colleagues and has served her candidates well. Mikayla graduated from Denison University in 2018 with a B.A. in Biology and Psychology Minor. She is from Cleveland, OH. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, hot yoga, traveling, and spending time with her new husband.

Over the past decade, I've immersed myself in guiding college-bound students from across the country through the admissions process. With experience from institutions like the University of Delaware, University of Maryland College Park, and George Washington University, as well as working with Johns Hopkins School of Nursing at the graduate level, I've witnessed firsthand the transformative power of education. My journey is fueled by a passion for fostering inclusivity and accessibility in higher education. Through workshops, outreach events, and personalized guidance, I empower students from diverse backgrounds to navigate the admissions maze with confidence. Working closely with the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing deepened my understanding of the challenges faced by aspiring healthcare professionals and reinforced the importance of mentorship. As I reflect, I'm grateful for the relationships formed and lives touched. My dedication to empowering students remains steadfast, driven by the belief in the transformative impact of education and the boundless potential within every student.

Hello! I graduated Cum Laude from Harvard University in 2020 with a bachelor's in economics and will start my J.D. program this fall at Harvard Law School. While in college, I helped high school students with standardized test prep, application essay edits, and resume edits. Having gone through two stressful application cycles (college and law school) myself, I know how helpful it can be for students to have support on their applications to achieve their full educational and professional potential. I believe I can especially be helpful for students interested in Business and/or Law, as I have professional experience and aspiration in those fields. Before transitioning to law, I worked for three years as a management consultant in Washington D.C. Outside of academic and career interests, I enjoy trivia, soccer (in all forms), spikeball, and playing piano.

My journey in higher education started at my undergraduate institution, Stony Brook University, where I worked as a tour guide for 3 years. I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and a minor in Latin American and Caribbean Studies. Immediately after, I earned a Master of Arts in Higher and Postsecondary Education from Teachers College, Columbia University. I have over 7 years of experience working in both undergraduate and graduate admissions. While completing my Master's program, I simultaneously worked at Columbia University's School of Engineering and Applied Science. I have also worked at Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs, Baruch College, and Vassar College. Through my roles, I have always been a champion for increasing and retaining students of underrepresented backgrounds. I served on various committees for diversity recruitment and pioneered campus-wide programming highlighting the unique aspects of each institution. Outside of work, I like to spend my time with my family. I enjoy traveling, visiting quirky bookstores, and trying new food. I've been to 17 countries so far. I'm a native New Yorker and can tell you without a doubt, we have one of the best food scenes around! My goal is to equip students and families with quality and valuable information to make the best decision regarding college selection. This is an exciting time, yet it can also be overwhelming. I work hard to demystify the admissions process to make it as seamless as possible. In my role, I will assist you in finding the college that best aligns with your values and goals, and preparing the best application that best represents you.

Darryl Tiggle has acquired more than three decades of expertise in his field, with 20 years of experience working in college admissions before moving on to lead a successful college counseling office at Friends School of Baltimore. Previously Darryl was Senior Associate Director of Admissions at Tufts University where he gained valuable insight into the world of highly selective college admissions. He began his career at Union College (NY), his alma mater, in 1992 as an admissions counselor and rose to the leadership role of Associate Dean. Darryl is nationally recognized for his expertise in every aspect of the college admission process. Throughout his career, he has been featured in several admissions publications including the NY Times best-selling book, “Who Gets in and Why.” In 2021 he was recognized by The Colleges that Change Lives (CTCL) organization as a Counselors Who Change Lives. Darryl has an extensive network of college admissions professionals with whom he continually collaborates. He has sat in on admissions selection for a variety of highly selective institutions, including colleges in the Ivy League and NESCAC like Dartmouth College and Middlebury College. Darryl has also served on selection committees for prestigious scholarships at Davidson College and Lafayette College. He regularly trains new admissions professionals and conducts presentations and workshops for organizations including The College Board and the National Association for College Admission Counseling. Mr. Tiggle is a regularly invited guest on admissions podcasts including The Admissions Beat and College Guidance Network. Mr. Tiggle is called upon often for his insights on topics in college admissions. He sits on the advisory board for the College Board’s College Counseling Advisory Group (CCAG) and their Counseling Admissions Advisory Council (CAAC). Darryl is also a member of Southern Methodist University (SMU) advisory board. Darryl is passionate about sharing his knowledge to make the college admission process more accessible and less mysterious. He has a special interest in how the admission process is perceived from the student and parent perspective and is known for putting families at ease.

As of 2024, I have earned a B.A. in Economics and German with a minor in Music from Kalamazoo College and a M.S. in Economics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW). I am currently a Ph.D. candidate in Education Policy at Michigan State University (MSU). My career in college admissions began soon after graduating from Kalamazoo College in 2016. I served as a college advisor within Michigan College Access Network (MCAN), a statewide policy program affiliated with Americorps intended to boost postsecondary enrollment in the state of Michigan. In that role, I acted as the personal advisor for a high school of approximately 400 students for two years. I provided one-on-one meetings, lectures on student loans and financial literacy, organized scholarship nights, college fairs, resume building, essay writing, and much more. After my two-year term limit through Americorps expired, I moved to Madison, Wisconsin for two years to complete my M.S. in Economics where I also joined the UW-Madison admissions office as a Graduate Admissions Officer. At UW, I evaluated applications from around the world, provided customer services through phone, email, and in-person, and helped work recruiting events around campus. My time between both positions elucidated my understanding of the college admissions process from both sides and compelled me to take my knowledge and understanding towards research. The next logical step for that entailed beginning my doctorate at MSU in 2020, so in addition to working for CollegeAdvisor.com, I am currently working on my dissertation at MSU. My dissertation topic concerns postsecondary access and equity in the United States, particularly in Michigan where I am using econometric and qualitative research methods to analyze the efficacy of various college access programs. As a returning college advisor and admissions officer, I loved my work then and I am excited to get back into it. Know that if you have me as an advisor or officer, I will work with you to the best of my ability to help you achieve your dreams both in college and beyond. As a college advisor, I worked tirelessly to make sure every graduating senior had a solid plan, and as an admissions officer, I made sure every question was answered thoroughly and applications were fully considered. It brings me joy when former students reach out to share something, ask for advice, or just say thank you. So, thank you for considering me and I look forward to working with you!