We have a passion for guiding students
College Admissions Counselors
Nicole Kelman
Founder/College Counselor
Nicole Kelman served as a Director of Undergraduate Admissions for ten years at many top selective universities including Muhlenberg College, Stony Brook University, Brandeis University and Bentley University. She holds a Master of Science in Higher Education Administration and is a member of Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA).
Leading admissions committees has given her much insight into the decision-making process of several admissions offices. She is experienced in working with a variety of students from academically gifted, students with learning support needs, and student-athlete recruits. She has also been the Director of Admissions at a private high school in New England. Nicole has a passion for counseling families through course selection, school decisions, and the college process while sharing her expert knowledge on how students are evaluated. Nicole will make the education decision process fun and worry-free for your family.
Leading admissions committees has given her much insight into the decision-making process of several admissions offices. She is experienced in working with a variety of students from academically gifted, students with learning support needs, and student-athlete recruits. She has also been the Director of Admissions at a private high school in New England. Nicole has a passion for counseling families through course selection, school decisions, and the college process while sharing her expert knowledge on how students are evaluated. Nicole will make the education decision process fun and worry-free for your family.
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"Finding the perfect fit college changed my life. My college environment gave me confidence, helped me find my passions, prepared me for my career and introduced me to lifelong friendships. I want to help my students find the same experience." |
Education
Drexel University, Master of Science in Higher Education Administration, 2012
Amity Regional High School, Woodbrige, CT, 2004
- Masters Thesis in "College Admissions Advising: Which Advising Resources Best Predict College Choice Satisfaction"
Amity Regional High School, Woodbrige, CT, 2004
experience
Fusion Academy, Director of Admissions & Outreach
Bentley University, Associate Director of Undergraduate Admissions
Brandeis University, Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admissions
Stony Brook University, Admissions Counselor & Athletics Liaison
Muhlenberg College, Senior Assistant Director of Admissions
Bentley University, Associate Director of Undergraduate Admissions
Brandeis University, Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admissions
Stony Brook University, Admissions Counselor & Athletics Liaison
Muhlenberg College, Senior Assistant Director of Admissions
Off Duty NikiWhen Niki isn't working with students, you can find her playing fetch with her Terrier/Chihuahua mix rescue pup named Bella. Niki is a self-proclaimed "foodie", she loves to try new restaurants and you can find her in the kitchen cooking and baking frequently. Niki has also always had a talent in art and she is the owner of a makeup artistry business as well, www.nikiartistry.com.
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Michelle Smith
Private School Placement Counselor/Parent Coach
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Michelle has served as an educator and leader in independent schools for over 25 years. Earning her Bachelors Degree in Music Education with an emphasis in Oboe Performance from Ithaca College and a Masters Degree in Oboe Performance and Education from the New England Conservatory of Music, Michelle began her professional career as a music director in area independent schools. Following the completion of her studies in Educational Leadership and Supervision at Johns Hopkins University, she began a career in Educational Administration. Michelle has served as Dean of Students, Principal and Head of School in Independent schools in Maryland and Massachusetts. As a parent of four children, Michelle brings a wealth of professional and personal experience to this role, allowing her to serve students and families in a most unique and authentic manner.
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Kim Steinberg
College Counselor
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Kim Steinberg holds a current State of Connecticut Certification in School Counseling. For 7 years she served as a school counselor in Fairfield County where she worked with students in grades 9-12 supporting them with their high school career, post secondary planning and providing social emotional support. Her in-depth knowledge of post high school planning comes from years of working with high school juniors and seniors to assist them in finding their perfect college match. Kim enjoys working with students from all backgrounds and believes there truly is a college for every student. As a stepmother to two college daughters she has firsthand experience going through the college process as a parent.
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EDUCATION
The College of New Rochelle, Masters in School Counseling 2010
Western Connecticut State University, Bachelor of Arts, Communications 2008
Western Connecticut State University, Bachelor of Arts, Communications 2008
EXPERIENCE
Fairfield Ludlowe High School 2012- 2019, Fall 2022 – School Counselor
Allora Coffee and Bites – 2019- 2021 – Owner, Operator
Westport Youth Field Hockey – Field Hockey Coach 2013 – 2017
Allora Coffee and Bites – 2019- 2021 – Owner, Operator
Westport Youth Field Hockey – Field Hockey Coach 2013 – 2017
Annie Chiorazzi
College Counselor
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Annie served as an Assistant Director of Admissions at Brandeis University and Johns Hopkins University. She holds a Masters degree in Higher Education from Boston College, Lynch School of Education, where she also worked in graduate admissions for the school. Annie is particularly passionate about helping students navigate what can be an opaque selection process and shedding light with her years of college admissions experience to help students find schools that are the right fit for them. Each applicant is as unique as the universities they are applying to and together we will find a great match for you.
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EDUCATION
Boston College Lynch School of Education, Masters in Higher Education, 2013
Brandeis University, Bachelor of Arts in Politics and American Studies, 2011
Catalina Foothills High School, Tucson, AZ, 2007
Brandeis University, Bachelor of Arts in Politics and American Studies, 2011
Catalina Foothills High School, Tucson, AZ, 2007
Experience
Johns Hopkins University, Undergraduate Admissions
Brandeis University, Undergraduate Admissions
Brandeis University, Undergraduate Admissions
OFF DUTY ANNIEAnnie lives in San Francisco, CA and loves spending her weekends with her 110 pound baby, Tofu, a 4-year old Great Pyrenees, and her husband, Zach. Annie moved to the Bay Area from D.C. in 2021 and loves exploring all of the hikes, seaside-walks, and natural beauty Northern California has to offer. Although she now calls California home, she will always be a proud member of Red Sox Nation after spending a decade in the Greater Boston Area.
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Jen Hinkle
Essay Coach
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A graduate of Brown University with dual degrees in American Civilization and Urban Studies, Jen went on to pursue a career in magazine journalism. Her work has appeared in GQ, Cosmopolitan, Real Simple, and In Style, among others. In addition to publishing a book and writing for numerous corporations, she’s conducted hundreds of interviews with the world’s top athletes, celebrities, and industry experts. Today, Jen continues as a freelance writer, but spends the majority of her time working with high school students on college essays. She began as an alumni interviewer for Brown University in New York City and Connecticut, but felt she was meeting the students too late in the process and wanted to get more involved. 15 years later, Jen’s services are in high demand with a wide range of students (including her own three kids!) and she’s become well-versed in the admissions process. Above all else, Jen loves working with teenagers. Really. Jen has been a guest speaker at the Fairfield Public Library, Wakeman Boys and Girls Club, and for the National Charity League. For the past two summers, Jen has also taught a college essay workshop through Westport Continuing Education.
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OFF DUTY JenJen is a “compulsive” volunteer who is deeply involved in her community. Her experience includes board positions with The Fairfield Museum and History Center, The Junior Women’s Club of Fairfield, PEO Chapter H, Greenfield Hill Congregational Church, and The Friends of the Fairfield Public Library. Jen’s second business, Hinkle’s Twinkles Custom Cookies, fills much of her free time. Jen lives in Fairfield, CT with her husband, Dave, and three fabulous children. She loves reading, baking, tennis, and teen pop culture.
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"Magazine articles actually share many similarities with college essays – capturing the reader’s attention with a catchy opening, using language that entertains and informs … all while addressing a single topic."
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Natalia Kilpatrick
COLLEGE COUNSELOR
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Natalia knew she had a passion for Education as early as High School where she worked with her School Counselor to apply to Colleges offering School Counseling programs in order to pursue her dream of working with students like herself one day. She started her career in Higher Education, working as a College Admissions Counselor at the City University of New York and then later at Mount Olive College in North Carolina. She holds a School Counselor License in New York and in North Carolina. She has worked in Raleigh, NC in the Wake County Public School District for the past 9 years; first as a School Counselor supporting High School students in their career planning, post secondary planning, and social emotional development. Her experience in College Admissions knowledge assists her in helping High School juniors and seniors find their perfect college "match". For the past 2 years, she has been working as a Career Development Counselor, helping students find their strengths and weaknesses, which later helps them to develop a career path. Natalia's true passion is working with students and families to guide them through the college searching experience. Let's work together to make this process as easy and seamless as possible!
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Education
Long Island University, CW Post Campus - Masters in School Counseling - 2007
Quinnipiac University - Bachelors in Psychology & Sociology - 2005
Quinnipiac University - Bachelors in Psychology & Sociology - 2005
Experience
Wake County Public Schools, Raleigh NC - School Counselor, Career Counselor, 2013 - Present
Mount Olive College - NC - Admissions Counselor, 2010-2012
The City University of NY - NYC - Admissions Counselor 2007 - 2010
Mount Olive College - NC - Admissions Counselor, 2010-2012
The City University of NY - NYC - Admissions Counselor 2007 - 2010
Off Duty NataliaNatalia lives in Raleigh NC with her Husband Dan and her daughter Shay. She is a native Long Islander, and moved to Raleigh in the winter of 2010 to escape the snow. She is an avid reader of mystery novels who enjoys traveling and relaxing on the weekends with her family.
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