Advisors

I’m a first-generation college Cum laude graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from Mississippi State University and a Master of Science in College Student Personnel Services & Administration from the University of Central Arkansas. My own journey navigating college as a first-gen student fuels my passion for guiding others through the process. Over the past decade, I’ve worked in college admissions, career advising, and student success programs at major universities across Florida and Arkansas. I’ve coached students on everything from essay writing and interview prep to securing scholarships, navigating pre-med pathways, and planning for future careers. Currently, I lead recruitment efforts for a national nonprofit dedicated to helping first-generation and low-income graduates break into careers in tech and business. I understand the challenges of balancing school, extracurriculars, and life while preparing for college. My approach is to make the process clear, supportive, and empowering—helping students and families move through each step with confidence and authenticity.

Outside of advising, I enjoy sports, traveling, concerts, and discovering new experiences. I’m excited to help students from all backgrounds see what’s possible and achieve their educational goals.

I studied Mechanical Engineering at Northeastern University (NEU) with minors in Robotics and Mathematics. While at Northeastern, I also studied abroad in Dublin, Ireland. When I was back at NEU, I completed four internships/co-ops—three with medical device companies in Boston and one with the Department of Defense in NJ. I also held leadership roles in several student organizations, including the Robotics Club, Swim Club, Water Polo Club, and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME).

I'm currently working as a Mechanical Engineer in San Francisco.

Feel free to learn more on my LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ethanfmuhlon/

Darleene is a graduate student at Columbia University studying Population and Family Health with a certificate in epidemiology. She graduated from UC Berkeley with degrees in Molecular Cell Biology, specifically in Cell Development and Physiology and Public Health,with an emphasis on maternal, child, and adolescent health. She has worked with the UC Berkeley Undergraduate Admissions Office and the School of Public Health, supporting traditional, transfer, and first-generation students. In her undergraduate career, she has held research positions at UCSF, UC Berkeley, and Stanford, doing both qualitative and quantitative work, including clinical, wet-lab, community-based participatory action (CBPR) and computational research.

She also has experience with curriculum planning, choosing or changing majors, finding research opportunities, and applying to graduate school. Many of the students she has worked with in the past have had aspirations to develop their professional and academic STEM careers. Her expertise lies in helping students amplify their authentic voices and develop passion projects. She hopes to be a supportive player in your college admission journey to make the process less daunting and set you up for success once you arrive on campus!

I am currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science at the Georgia Institute of Technology, specializing in HCI and Artificial Intelligence. Throughout my college experience, I’ve earned both Dean’s List and Faculty Honors for academic excellence. My work bridges AI, software engineering, UX design, and product innovation, with experience building impactful technology solutions across various industries. In my professional and academic experience, I have designed AI-powered applications, created interactive user experiences, and contributed to projects that improved efficiency and accessibility. Beyond technical work, I am passionate about mentorship and education. I have led and supported technology-focused programs that empower students, particularly underrepresented groups in STEM, to develop coding skills and complete projects. I have worked with students pursuing Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, and AI-related fields to help them refine both their technical portfolios and their personal narratives for applications and interviews.

My mission as an advisor is to help students bring their unique story and technical strengths to life on paper, making the process of applying to college both strategic and inspiring. I believe in tailoring the approach to each student’s strengths while ensuring their college admissions journey feels empowering. Outside of academics, I enjoy playing pickleball, making pottery, and baking with friends!

Hello! My name is Bethany Berhanu, and I am originally from Houston, Texas. I am a first-generation college graduate with a bachelor's degree in Asian Studies and Psychology from Bowdoin College. I am also a QuestBridge Scholar and successfully matched with Bowdoin during my senior year of high school. In high school, I was fortunate to be part of a college-access nonprofit and had a wonderful mentor who not only made my QuestBridge and college application process much less confusing but also inspired my interest in college advising. After graduating from college, I worked as a college advisor for a nonprofit in Chicago, where I met one-on-one with a caseload of students from 9th through 12th grade. I provided hands-on support with college research, building college lists, personal statements, and scholarship applications, while also supporting students’ academic and leadership development.

I have worked with students who had a wide range of academic interests—from Sociology and Political Science to Pre-Med and Biology. My favorite part of working with students is getting to know their true selves and helping them translate that into a strong and authentic application. I know the college application process can feel daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. That’s why my advising philosophy centers on demystifying the process in a way that best fits each individual student’s needs.

Outside of advising, I enjoy taking dance classes, baking new recipes, and spending time with friends!

Hi, I'm Nick! I recently graduated from Northwestern University with a BS in Theatre and a minor in Film and Media Studies. During my time at Northwestern I participated in dozens of student-led theatre and film productions and played cello in the NU Philharmonia orchestra, all while maintaining a well-balanced courseload across Northwestern's schools. Since graduating, I have honed my skills as an advisor by working full-time at a private school in Andersonville, Chicago. I work with students of all ages and all learning styles to help them develop into well-rounded and independent young adults. I have simultaneously pursued an acting career in Chicago theatre, working with numerous storefront theatres as an actor and a cellist, and become a member of the Evanston Symphony Orchestra.

I look forward to my next chapter with CollegeAdvisor, helping prospective college students achieve their dream schools with care and dedication!

I graduated from Miami University with a bachelor's in Sport Leadership & Management and a minor in Business Management. I then graduated from Tulane University with a master's in Health & Wellness Management. While at both schools, I was heavily involved with college athletics, and served as a Graduate Assistant for the Tulane University athletic department. I then worked as the Director of Communications for Atlantic Hockey America, a Division I men's and women's ice hockey conference.

Prior to College Advisor, I also worked as an Admissions Advisor at Purdue University. I have worked with students who major in Arts and Humanities, Media Studies, Computer Science, Nursing, Business, Psychology, Engineering, and Education. My mission while advising is to provide exceptional customer service while being the one-stop shop for all admissions information. The college application process can be overwhelming, and I take pride in my ability to maintain a healthy mindset while finding an effective approach that is customized for each student.

I am an experienced educator and Program Manager with a B.A. in English and Spanish Language and Literature from the University of Chicago. My passion for guiding students through pivotal transitions has been a driving force throughout my career. From assisting elementary students with daily lessons and homework as an NSP Tutor to helping high schoolers navigate college applications as a College Counselor Assistant, I've consistently focused on fostering academic growth and personal development. My early roles also included boosting school visibility as a PR Coordinator Assistant and building community connections through Alumni Outreach, creating vital opportunities for graduates. My expertise in student support deepened significantly through my teaching and tutoring roles. As a Response-To-Intervention/Test Prep Teacher, I crafted individualized, data-driven lesson plans that led to tangible improvements in middle school Math and ELA. As a 9th Grade English TA/Relay Fellow, I meticulously tracked student progress, and later as a 10th Grade Lead English Teacher, developed engaging curriculum and promoted social-emotional learning. More recently, as a Specialized Tutor and Advisor at a remote tutoring company, I focused on academic and social growth, I've mastered personalized academic support, coordinating complex schedules and tailoring instruction to individual needs, resulting in substantial gains in student test scores and grades.

Currently, as a 12th Grade College Access Program Manager at EMERGE, I leverage my comprehensive background to passionately guide high-achieving, low-income students through the college application and financial aid process, achieving a remarkable 99% college acceptance rate. This role allows me to combine my skills in curriculum development, data management, and direct student mentorship to empower the next generation. My dedication ensures that every student can confidently approach their next chapter, making the complex journey of college applications as exciting and fulfilling as possible.

As a former Associate Director of Admissions for the past 3 years and a total of 7 years in higher education, I am driven by the importance of assisting students and their families pursue their designated path. I led strategic outreach and recruitment efforts, specializing in holistic admissions review and student engagement. I served as both director and liaison for precollege initiatives, where I designed and delivered curriculum for grades 9–12, focusing on college readiness and application preparation. My work included guiding students—particularly first-generation scholars—and their families through each stage of the admissions process, from understanding institutional fit to essay development and navigating complex application systems. My other work passions outside of admissions, is entrepreneurial business focused as I work with small business organizations to strategically enhance operations, I am currently a full time student pursuing my masters in management and I volunteer with a local nonprofit ministry assisting in their management and operations efforts.

For fun, I love to travel, spend time with friends and family specifically my nieces and nephews. I also love all things performing arts! Like singing, songwriting, poetry and creating memorable video projects for special celebratory occasions!

With all that I do, I hope you are inspired that through your admissions journey to pursue ALL of your passions! I would love to help you get there!

My name is Karen Droisen. I am an engaged, dedicated, supportive college counselor working remotely with students throughout the country. I earned my BA in English from Barnard College, Columbia University. I went on to earn an MA and PhD in English literature at the University of Virginia. After completing my doctorate, I joined the University of Nevada, Las Vegas as a tenure-track assistant professor of English. In subsequent years, I worked as a fundraiser for local and international non-profit organizations. In 2015, I returned to my first love – education – and became a full-time college counselor. I share my love of learning to create a collaborative, student-centric experience. When it is time for your student to begin the college search, I can provide comprehensive services to find the schools that are their best matches academically, socially, and financially. I guide families through all phases of the process, including course selection, activity planning, interview prep, and application strategy -- helping reduce stress along the way! I am committed, flexible, and enthusiastic advisor from start to finish, from creating the college list, to helping students craft their unique personal statement, to clicking the "submit" button. I will review every detail and ensure that your student presents a well-crafted application that reflects their gifts, personality, and voice. After the acceptances arrive, I help my families weigh the pros and cons of each school and chose the best one for their student.

As a mom of two boys now in their early twenties, I have been through the application process myself fairly recently! With this lived experience, I can anticipate challenges and support my students through them so that excitement replaces stress.

Above all, I enjoy getting to know my students as people first, and helping them grow in confidence throughout the process. Choosing a college is the biggest decision most of them will make as young adults. I empower my students to push through the challenges along the way and embrace their final decision.

I have been the English Department Chair at a boarding school in New England for the last 22 years. I teach various high school level English classes, including AP Literature and AP Research, coach and advise many students each year on their college application process. I am a former college athlete (track and field) and I also enjoy working with students who hope to play athletics at the collegiate level. I am an academic advisor to several students each year, coordinating their coursework and communicating with their families on any academic, social or emotional needs. I love working with young students who are motivated and wish to achieve, and I have extensive experience working with students on successful college essays and supplements. I know what top level colleges are looking for, as I was also a former alumni interviewer for the admissions department at my alma mater for many years. My current school is quite global--we have students from all over the world--so I am very fond of working with international students who wish to study in the US. I am an avid traveler, an avid reader, and I love to hike, play tennis and pickleball. However, my proudest achievement has been raising my three children and seeing them off to various top level colleges.

I have 10 years experience as an Educational Counselor for MIT. Additionally, I have been faculty and can provide an in-depth inside view to college life and how to navigate college successfully. When searching for programs, I assist students to catch all of the missed information about programs, departments and professors because of this experience in academia. I can see that students are anxious about their futures and careers and know how much a mentor can help to alleviate this stress. For the past 4 years, I have been working with students on crafting outstanding portfolios based on doing good, global citizenship and STEAM for Good. These activities not only serve to differentiate your college application, but to genuinely build strong, confident and resilient teens (who have excellent soft skills and know how to network to find opportunities).

My areas of expertise include pre-med, health sciences, biotechnology, business, technology management, sustainability/environmental studies at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Aside from assisting with admissions to US schools, I can fully assist with admissions into Canadian schools.

I am currently a college counselor at an independent school in San Diego, CA. Prior to college counseling, I worked in college admissions for 28 years. On the admissions side, I most recently served as the Associate Dean of Admissions for Providence College, managing all student recruitment activities on the west coast and helped to create the first Counselor Advisory Board for PC. I also served in California regionally-based roles for Brandeis University and Xavier University where I was responsible for all western region application review (including transfer students), supported diversity and inclusion efforts in the admission process and assisted with international recruitment. Prior to my regional Brandeis appointment, I served as the Associate Director of Admissions and Financial Aid at Allegheny College. There I managed a variety of important admissions programs, including athletics’ admissions, minority student recruitment and co-chairing the scholarship committee.

I am a member of NACAC and WACAC and have volunteered my time to assist students in their college search with several community-based organizations across southern CA including, Explore Solutions and the Aaron Price Fellows (part of the Price Philanthropies).

Martin holds a B.S. in Environmental Science from Allegheny College in Meadville, PA.

I have recently graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor’s in Biochemistry and Neurobiology and a minor in Chemistry. At Penn, I served as an advisor for Matriculate, guiding academically distinguished high school students through every step of the college admissions process. I also worked as a Biochemistry tutor and Organic Chemistry teaching assistant, which allowed me to share my enthusiasm for science and mentor my peers in subjects I enjoy. Beyond academics, I have been a figure skating coach for the past nine years, reinforcing my commitment to the importance of individualized coaching. I firmly believe that every student is unique, and my goal with advising is to help each one uncover and articulate their personal story, ultimately creating a final product that is both authentic and something they can be truly proud of.

I aim to make the college admissions journey more approachable for students and their families, drawing upon my experience working with those focused on engineering and on the pre-med track. Currently, I am spending my gap year working at a clinic before starting medical school. Beyond academics and my career interests, I enjoy listening to music, running, and hunting for my next read.

Hello! My name is Edwin. I hold a bachelor's degree in Political Science from UC San Diego and a master's degree in Higher Education Administration and Policy from UC Riverside. Since 2018, I’ve worked extensively with high school students on the college application process, guiding them in selecting schools that align with their unique goals and expectations. My support includes creating personalized reach, target, and safety school lists, as well as reviewing and providing feedback on over 10,000 college essays.

Drawing on my experience as a former Admissions Officer at UC San Diego, I bring a deep understanding of the University of California admissions process and a student-centered approach to every application journey.

I am a recent graduate from the University of Toronto with a bachelor’s degree in biology and political science. During my time at UofT, I worked in our new student team reviewing applications from high school students and making admissions recommendations, gaining first-hand experience in the admissions process. I also worked for a year conducting outreach to prospective students, learning more about the college landscape in the process. Prior to CollegeAdvisor I also worked privately in admissions advising, with a primary focus on the essay writing process (my favorite part of applications!). My advising style centers on bringing students towards a better understanding of who they are and where their interests lie. By helping students first know themselves, we can work together to build the strongest and most representative application for the schools that best suit your dreams and ambitions. The college process may be daunting, but I strive to help students find the process not simply bearable but also enjoyable and rewarding. I have worked with students across a wide variety of backgrounds and interests, studying everything from Mathematics in Canada to Theater Performance in California. As a student who struggled during my admissions process to narrow down my academic interests, I am passionate about supporting multidisciplinary learners or passionate students who may not know yet exactly where their interests lie. I am also happy to speak with students who may be interested in considering Canadian universities.

I am currently enrolled as a student at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health studying Computational Biology. In the future I aspire to work in epidemiology and public health research. Beyond my academics, I enjoy reading, swimming, and watching standup comedy.

As a full-time college counselor and the proud owner of a small independent counseling business, I get to live my passion every day: helping students navigate the exciting yet sometimes overwhelming world of college admissions. With over 25 years of experience in both high school and higher education settings, I’ve had the privilege of working closely with students, parents, and college representatives alike to create smooth and successful paths toward higher education. Currently, I’m thrilled to serve as a College Counselor at private high school in New Orleans, where I bring my expertise in every facet of the college application process. From crafting personalized essays to guiding families through campus visits and application timelines, I make sure each student feels confident and supported every step of the way. I even created a comprehensive 4-year college counseling curriculum that ensures students start strong and stay on track throughout their high school journey. Before this role, I spent an incredible 10 years at an all-boys high school as their College Placement Counselor, where I became known for my personalized approach and my knack for making the whole process feel less like a marathon and more like a sprint toward success. I also had the privilege of organizing large-scale college fairs and helping students with everything from resume building to strategic essay editing, not to mention writing highly effective letters of recommendation that helped students stand out. My career started in college admissions, where I managed application reading, transfer credit evaluations, and even planned recruitment events. These years in higher education gave me a behind-the-scenes look at how colleges make their decisions, knowledge I now bring to my counseling clients to give them a real edge.

Whether I’m leading a college tour for juniors, advocating for students in the admissions process, or brainstorming essay topics that showcase the unique strengths of each student, I’m all about making college admissions not just manageable, but exciting! My track record of successes speaks for itself, but at the end of the day, it's the students' growth and accomplishments that bring me the most joy.

Hello! My name is Sara Hernandez, originally from North Carolina. I graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a Bachelor of Arts in Latin American Studies with minors in Education and Latino/a Studies. As a first-generation college student, I received support from a college advisor in a community-based organization. Through the personalized, intentional, and empowering college advising I received I was able to accomplish my dream of attending UNC at Chapel Hill. My passion for college advising began in undergrad supporting first-generation low-income students from rural communities through the college application process. In my professional career, I have served as a private school in Costa Rica and an educator at community-based non-profit organizations. Over the last two years, I have supported first-generation low-income students at a community-based non-profit. I have advised high school students from ninth to twelfth grade through academic development, leadership development, career exploration, financial aid, and college and scholarship application processes. I have successfully advised students from receiving a twenty thousand dollar scholarship in the eighth grade to receiving national full scholarships in their senior year.

In my 2025 Cohort, I have supported 10 seniors through scholarship interviews and essay editing. Allowing for my students to receive over $180,000 in external scholarships.

My goal in advising students is to intentionally empower them to share their stories authentically to achieve their goals. The journey to college can be challenging but with an advisor, the process can become more manageable!

I am looking forward to supporting you to and through the college application process!

Hello, I’m Erin! I recently graduated from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where I majored in Computer Science and Molecular Biology and minored in Environment and Sustainability. At MIT, I was involved in biomedical research, athletics, teaching, dance, and leadership. I have continued my love of scientific research into my post-graduate career, currently working on environmental genomics at the University of Copenhagen.

I have always been passionate about mentorship, and at MIT loved getting to help students learn more about college as a campus tour guide. As an advisor, I encourage students to learn more about themselves and their interests throughout the application process, and help them successfully convey their narrative through their essays and extracurriculars. I am looking forward to getting to work with you!

I worked for Stanford University's undergraduate admissions office for 5 full cycles, 3 as a territory manager overseeing applications from San Diego County and the state of Oregon. For 2 cycles, I worked as a part-time seasonal reader and read applications from the Midwest and South (in addition to San Diego County). Prior to working at Stanford, I worked for 3 years as a Counselor for Collegiate Directions, a college counseling nonprofit in the DC-area serving low-income and first-generation-to-college students. I helped my students with everything from determining which standardized test to take, when to take it, strategizing high school curriculum & extracurricular activities, building best-fit college fits, essay editing, financial aid applications, and, most importantly, deciding where to go to college! Personally, I spent my first year of college at Santa Monica College, a community college in the Los Angeles area. I then transferred to the University of Chicago where I obtained my BA in Sociology with Honors. I obtained 2 graduate degrees. First, I went to the University of Michigan (Go Blue!) and obtained my Master of Public Policy, concentrating in social policy. Second, I went to the University of Virginia (Go Hoos!) and obtained my Master of Business Administration, concentration in strategy consulting and entrepreneurship/innovation. As a proud "scholarship kid" (I received full tuition scholarships at all 3 of my institutions), I am a firm believer that a little grit goes a long way!

In my free time, I am a passionate endurance athlete and have completed 6 marathons and 1 triathlon. I'm currently training for my 7th marathon and my first full-distance Ironman. I also enjoy thought-provoking television and movies, my adorable cat Winston, and my new-found passion for plants.

I am a California college admissions expert and pre-law mentor with over seven years of experience helping students gain admission to top UC, CSU, and private colleges across the state. Whether you're aiming for UCLA, UC Berkeley, UC San Diego, Cal Poly SLO, USC, or any other competitive school in California, I know exactly what it takes to stand out. As a graduate of the University of Southern California (USC) and a current law student, I specialize in guiding students through the highly competitive UC and CSU admissions process and helping those interested in law careers build a strong undergraduate foundation for law school success. I’ve mentored students into nearly every UC and CSU, teaching them how to craft compelling personal statements, strengthen their extracurricular profiles, and present applications that catch the attention of admissions officers. My approach is highly strategic—I don’t just help students meet admissions requirements; I teach them how to differentiate themselves in one of the most competitive college landscapes in the country. Beyond admissions advising, I specialize in essay writing, extracurricular development, and strategic application planning, ensuring students present themselves as standout candidates. I know what makes an application memorable, persuasive, and competitive, and I work tirelessly to help students maximize their chances of getting into their dream schools. As a law student focusing on business law, employment law, and trial advocacy, I also provide specialized guidance for students considering pre-law, political science, or legal careers. Whether you want to attend a top California college or build the strongest possible application for law school, I’ll help you craft a path that sets you up for success.

When I’m not working with students or immersed in my legal studies, you’ll find me taking my dog to the dog park, watching baseball or football, playing CATAN, or diving into a legal textbook.

Let’s work together to build a standout application and get you into the school where you belong!