We have a passion for guiding students

College Admissions Counselors

Private School Counselor & Parent Coach

College Essay Coach

Certified Career Coach

Nicole Kelman
Founder & CEO/Head College consultant

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 the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA) and the New England Association of College Admissions Counselors (NEACAC).
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.
Nicole has been awarded Westfair Business Journal's 40 Under 40 2023 and Fairfield Chamber of Commerce Volunteer of the Year 2023. Nicole serves on the Board of Directors for the Fairfield Chamber of Commerce. She is regularly featured on Fox61 News in CT as a college admissions expert contributor. New England Education Consultants was awarded Best of Westport 2023!

"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
  • Masters Thesis in "College Admissions Advising: Which Advising Resources Best Predict College Choice Satisfaction"
Muhlenberg College, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Minor in Business, 2008

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

Off Duty Niki

When Niki isn't working with students, you can find her playing fetch with her Terrier/Chihuahua mix rescue pup named Bella as well as fostering new rescue dogs. 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. Niki also serves on the Board of Directors for the Fairfield Chamber of Commerce in CT and was awarded 40 Under 40 in Fairfield County. You can find her on TV as an expert contributor for Fox61 News.

Michelle Smith
Private School Placement Counselor/Parent Coach

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.

Kim Steinberg
College Counselor

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.  

​EDUCATION

​The College of New Rochelle, Masters in School Counseling 2010
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

Jen Hinkle
Essay Coach

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. 

OFF DUTY Jen

Jen 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.

"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."
 

Natalia Kilpatrick
COLLEGE COUNSELOR

​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!

Education

Long Island University, CW Post Campus - Masters in School Counseling - 2007
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

Off Duty Natalia

Natalia 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.  

Emma bartolucci
COLLEGE COUNSELOR

Emma most recently served as Senior Associate Director of Admission at Bentley University but has also worked for Providence College, Colby College, Stonehill College and Babson College throughout her twelve years in college admission counseling. She has graduated from Providence College with degrees in Biology and Sociology and also holds a Masters degree in Organizational Leadership from Western New England University. Emma finds that her experience at a number of universities with varying specialties has really helped her understand the value and importance of fit in the college search. She loves helping students and families find the perfect fit. The college process can be very stressful and Emma's goal is to help demystify the process and to help your family have fun while finding your students next home. 

EDUCATION

Western New England University, Masters in Organizational Leadership, 2017 
Providence College, Bachelors of Arts in Biology and Sociology, Minor in Education, Moreau Honors Program Certificate, 2011
Mount Abraham Union High School, Bristol, VT 2007 

EXPERIENCE

Providence College - Undergraduate Admission Office Intern
Colby College - Undergraduate Admission Counselor 
Stonehill College - Senior Assistant Dean of Admissions
Bentley University - Senior Associate Director of Admissions
Babson College - Admission Application Reader 

OFF DUTY Emma

Emma lives north of Boston with her husband, two-year old daughter and rescue pup, Bauer. In her free time she loves hiking with her family and exploring new beaches throughout the North Shore and Cape Cod. She also loves traveling - which she is excited to do more and more with her daughter as she gets older! While a New Englander at heart, her father hails from the Buffalo area and you'll often find her repping her Buffalo Bills attire with pride - Go Bills! When not traveling, watching sports, or out exploring with her family, you'll find her curled up on the couch with a good fiction novel. ​

Sheila Mahony
Career Coach

Sheila Mahony is a certified career coach and has served as an educator and leader in higher education for over 10 years. She is focused on empowering her students and clients to become the best version of themselves. In her work as a career coach, she does this by supporting students and clients as they navigate times of transition in their academic and career journeys. At times, this means partnering with high school juniors and seniors to discuss possible career aspirations and major selection. Other times, this means connecting with current undergraduates and/or recent graduates to support them in their internship or full-time job search. Sheila is currently the Assistant Director of Coaching and Education at the Johns Hopkins Carey Business School. 
In addition to that, Sheila is a current Ph.D. candidate at Notre Dame of Maryland University in the Higher Education Leadership program. She holds a Masters degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) from Wilkes University. She has a bachelors degree in English form Muhlenberg College, where she also earned her Secondary Education teaching license.

EDUCATION

Notre Dame of Maryland University, Ph.D. in Higher Education Leadership in Changing Populations, anticipated 2024
Wilkes University, Master of Science in Education: Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages 2013
Muhlenberg College, Bachelor of Arts in English; Secondary Education Certification 2011

EXPERIENCE

Johns Hopkins Carey Business School, Assistant Director of Coaching and Education 2022-current
Notre Dame of Maryland University, Director of Admission and Advising for Graduate Initial Certification, Adjunct Faculty 2019-2022 
Alvernia University, Head Women’s Basketball Coach, Adjunct Faculty, First Year Advisor 2015-2019
The University of Scranton, Assistant Women’s Basketball Coach 2013-2015
Wilkes University, Assistant Women’s Basketball Coach 2011-2013

certifications

Career Coach, earned 2022
Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages, grades PreK-12, earned 2013
English, grades 7-12, earned 2011

OFF DUTY Sheila

Sheila and her husband live in Baltimore, MD with their 100+ pound dog, Duke. She serves on the School Board of a dual language PreK-8 Catholic School in Baltimore City, and you can catch her trying to claim the top spot on the leader board on the Peloton. ​

Sasha Francesconi
COLLEGE COUNSELOR

Sasha served as an Assistant Director of Admissions at Bentley University and an Admissions Counselor at Wentworth Institute of Technology. She graduated from Assumption University with a degree in Economics. Sasha holds a Masters degree in Higher Education from Salem State University where she also worked in graduate admissions for the school. She currently works in digital marketing as a Director of Creator Partnerships. 
 
Sasha firmly believes her experience in both higher education and business allows her to provide students a deep understanding of the college admissions process and insight into life after college. She has a passion for helping students during such a pivotal time. While the selection process can seem stressful, it doesn’t have to be. Each student is unique, and Sasha is dedicated to tailoring your student’s experience to their individual goals.
 
Sasha lives in Brooklyn, NY with her husband Tom and their seven-year-old English Bulldog, Ham. Originally from Boston, Sasha lived in Santa Monica, CA for over five years before recently moving back to the east coast. In her personal life, you can find Sasha reading, working out, and exploring all the great NYC restaurants. ​

EDUCATION

Salem State University, Masters in Higher Education 2015
Assumption University, Bachelor of Arts, Economics 2010

EXPERIENCE

Bentley University- 2016-2017- Assistant Director, Undergraduate Admissions 
Wentworth Institute of Technology- 2015-2016- Admissions Counselor
Salem State University-2014-2015- Admissions Assistant 

Courtney Kipp Nardo
COLLEGE COUNSELOR

Courtney has spent her professional career devoted to helping institutions shape their incoming undergraduate classes and guiding students on their higher education journeys. Courtney began her work in college admissions as a student at Boston College, where she volunteered as a tour guide and held a work-study job in the Office of Undergraduate Admission. Courtney quickly recognized her deep interest in the higher education landscape and her passion for working with students and families during what can be a complex process. From 2010 through 2021, Courtney worked in undergraduate admissions at three institutions. She most recently served as Associate Director of Admissions at Northeastern University, where she worked with students from around the world and oversaw the D1 athletic recruitment admissions process. In summer 2021, Courtney transitioned to the “other side of the desk” and began her work as Associate Director of College Counseling and Grade 11 Dean. Courtney loves the energy of a high school environment and strives to make a genuine connection with each student as she helps them navigate the college process.

Courtney is a proud first-generation college student, and she deeply believes in the transformative power of higher education. Courtney’s goal is to help each student and family engage in deep reflection to help them better understand themselves through the application cycle. This will help each student find their best match for college and beyond. Courtney’s experience in selective college admissions combined with her overall understanding of the ever-changing educational landscape make her extremely knowledgeable about the many colleges and universities students may encounter during their college search. She holds a Doctorate in Higher Education Administration, and her areas of expertise include the impact of students’ socioeconomic statuses on their college choices and experiences, and first-generation students and their unique struggles from application to graduation. ​

EDUCATION

Northeastern University, Ed.D, Higher Education Administration 2019
​Boston College, M.T.S Medieval Church History 2012
Boston College, B.A. in French and Theology (magna cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa) 2010

EXPERIENCE

Greenwich Country Day School, Associate Director of College Counseling, 2021-present
​Northeastern University, Associate Director of Admissions, 2014-2021
Providence College, Admissions Counselor, 2012-2014
Boston College, Undergraduate Admission Graduate Assistant, 2010-2012

OFF DUTY Courtney

Courtney lives in Westchester County, NY with her husband, Danny. Originally from southeastern MA, she goes back to Massachusetts often to visit her parents and return to her beloved city of Boston. Courtney studied French and Theology in college, and she loves traveling, especially to cities in Europe where she can imagine medieval theology in action. Courtney spends most of her free time staying active through running and fitness classes, and her favorite guilty pleasures are bad reality television shows and word games (because balance is important!).

Michael Brosseau
COLLEGE COUNSELOR

Mike most recently worked for Bentley University as a Senior Assistant Director of Admission, where he worked with international student-athletes, student-athletes, first generation, low-income and LGBT+ students. After ten years in college admissions, Mike realized he wanted more opportunities to work with students in identifying post secondary opportunities. A graduate of Marist College in Poughkeepsie, New York, Mike began his career at Northeastern University where he worked in admissions while pursuing a Master's Degree in Sports Leadership. After Northeastern, Mike spent over five years on Boylston Street with Emerson College, before joining Bentley University in 2021.  Working at three distinctive types of universities has given him a unique ability to understand the value of fit when navigating the college process.

​EDUCATION

Northeastern University - Masters in Sport Leadership, 2016
Marist College - Bachelor of Arts, Sports Communication, 2014

EXPERIENCE

Bentley University, Senior Assistant Director of Admission
Northeastern University, Admissions Assistant
Emerson College, Admission Counselor
​Marist College, Tour Guide/Student Ambassador

OFF DUTY Mike

Mike currently lives in Boston, where he spends his free time playing in the Boston Gay Basketball League and is a certified IAABO Official as well. In addition, he referees in the FLAG Flag Football league in Boston. When not involved in sports, he can be found drinking coffee and planning another trip, having visited 5 new countries in the last year alone! An avid Boston Celtics fan, he eagerly awaits more championships coming to the City of Boston and looks forward t becoming a dog dad one day.

Brian Hastings
COLLEGE COUNSELOR

Brian has an extensive background in post-secondary and secondary education.  Most recently, he served as Director of Student Life at the Wooster School, an independent day school serving grades 5-12 in northern Fairfield County. As Director of Student Life, Brian oversaw all non-academic areas of the community, including athletics, Dean’s Offices, clubs & activities, and served on the admission committee throughout his time at the school.
Brian graduated from Lake Forest College with a degree in Politics and holds a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from the University of New England.
Brian has also served as an Undergraduate Admission Counselor and Transfer Coordinator at Concordia University - Chicago, where he also served as Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach for the University. 
Brian’s wealth of experience in both independent school education and post-secondary school admissions helps him better serve his clients. His focus on uncovering each student's unique skills and dispositions provides a clearer vision of what environments might best challenge and support each student. Brian works well with student-athletes, students with learning differences, and academically gifted students.

​EDUCATION

University of New England, Master’s in Educational Leadership, 2009
Lake Forest College, Bachelor’s in Politics, 2003
Forman School, Litchfield CT, 1999

​EXPERIENCE

Wooster School, Director of Student Life
Marvelwood School, Faculty & Director of Community Service
Concordia University- Chicago, Transfer Admission Coordinator & Undergraduate Admission Counselor
Lake Forest College & Concordia University, Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach

Brian Johnson
COLLEGE COUNSELOR

​Brian has worked in higher education admissions and college counseling since 2008, serving in a variety of roles from Counselor to Director across secondary schools, undergraduate colleges, and graduate programs. Throughout his career, Brian has guided a diverse range of students—including artists, athletes, and international students through every stage of the college selection process. Most recently, Brian served as Director of College Advising at North Broward Preparatory School, where he led a student-centered, holistic college counseling program focused on individualized guidance and family partnership. Prior to that, he was Director of Admissions at Emmanuel College in Boston, and led new enrollment initiatives at the New York Film Academy and Iona University.
Brian served as Assistant Director of Graduate Business Programs at Hofstra University’s Zarb School of Business and worked as a Client Strategist at a marketing and communications firm, partnering with higher education leaders to drive enrollment success. While these experiences deepened his strategic understanding of the admissions landscape, he ultimately discovered that his greatest passion lies in working directly with students and families.
As a college counselor, Brian brings the full breadth of his experience to support students in finding their best-fit college environment. He believes deeply in the power of personalized, student-centered advising and is committed to helping each person navigate their unique path with clarity and confidence.

​EDUCATION

Harvard Business School, Graduate School of Education
​Certificate: School Management and Leadership, Leading School Strategy and Innovation
Iona University, Master of Business Administration: Marketing Concentration
Advanced Certificate: Sports and Entertainment Studies
Iona University, Bachelor of Arts in History; Minor in Pre-law

EXPERIENCE

North Broward Preparatory School (FL), Director of College Advising
Emmanuel College (MA), Director of Admissions Recruitment & Marketing
St. Thomas More Academy (NC), Instructor
Hofstra University Zarb School of Business (NY), Assistant Director
Spark451, Inc. (NY), Client Development Strategist
New York Film Academy (NY), Director of Admissions
Iona University (NY), Associate Director of Admissions

OFF DUTY Brian

Brian spends his off time with his wife Meagan, children Maggie and Pádraic, and rescue dog Sheila. They love swimming along the beaches of Florida and Long Island, hiking the mountains of North Carolina, and cooking delicious food wherever they are. Music has been a part of everything he's done, including college, where he earned a scholarship playing bagpipes at Iona.

Kate Brown
COLLEGE COUNSELOR

Kate has spent the past decade helping students and families figure out what comes next after high school. She started her career in college admissions and eventually made the jump to college counseling. Currently, Kate works full-time at Dexter Southfield, where she serves as Assistant Director of College Counseling, teaches college seminars, serves as an academic advisor, and spends her spring afternoons coaching on the softball field. On the admissions side, Kate most recently worked at Northeastern University, managing recruitment and evaluation for both domestic and international students.
Kate studied Government and Education at St. Lawrence University and earned her Master’s in Higher education at the Harvard Graduate School of Education (HGSE) while also working as a Graduate Assistant in the HGSE Admission Office . She also spent some time in executive search at a top-tier firm, learning about leadership, communication, and how people make big decisions—which she now brings into her work with high school students figuring out their own paths. Her approach to college counseling is rooted in both empathy and the use of data to help every student find their best path. With her knowledge of college admissions and years as a college counselor, Kate is experienced in crafting a tailored approach to each student's desires and needs.

EDUCATION

Harvard Graduate School of Education, Master in Education, Higher Education Concentration, 2018
St. Lawrence University, Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with Honors, Double Minor in Education and African Studies, 2015

EXPERIENCE

Dexter Southfield School, Assistant Director of College Counseling (Present)
Spencer Stuart, Associate
CollegeAdvisor.com, Admission Officer and Advisor
Northeastern University, Assistant Director of Admissions
Harvard Graduate School of Education, Graduate Assistant for Marketing and Recruitment
Hiram College, Admission Counselor

OFF DUTY Kate

Kate has lived in Boston for the past 8 years, but often travels home to Vermont to visit her family and spend some time in the mountains. As an avid dog-lover, Kate is almost always surrounded by a canine companion, be it her own dog, Ellie, (pictured here), or one she is watching for the weekend. Otherwise, Kate is often found with her nose deep in a book, or out for a long walk through the city. 

Lindsey Pike
COLLEGE COUNSELOR

Lindsay Pike has spent over a decade navigating the world of highly selective college admissions. Most recently, she was an Associate Director of Admissions at Tufts University, where she led teams in evaluating tens of thousands of applications annually. Lindsay oversaw key initiatives, including the admissions process for Bachelor of Fine Arts candidates and the Tufts University Prison Initiative, which expanded access to higher education for incarcerated individuals. She also designed innovative recruitment strategies and cultivated strong relationships with schools across the Northeast, building a trusted reputation among educators and families alike.
Lindsay's love of storytelling directly influences her work, helping students ask big questions of themselves to craft applications that reflect who they are. She brings a warm, student-centered approach to every conversation, making the college application process feel manageable and exciting. Whether brainstorming essay ideas or offering guidance, Lindsay focuses on helping students present their most authentic, confident selves. Her extensive experience and nuanced understanding of the evolving higher education landscape empower her to provide thoughtful, personalized support to every student she works with.

​EDUCATION

Bard College, Bachelors of Arts in Art History with concentrations in Religion and Classics, 2012

EXPERIENCE

Tufts University, Associate Director of Admissions
Bard College, Associate Director of Admissions  

OFF DUTY Lindsey

As a New Yorker turned New Englander Lindsay’s life is fueled by creativity, strong coffee, and meaningful connection. She can be found listening to live music somewhere in Boston, out in the woods or at the beach, is always ready to host a board game night, and has been working her way through a five-year-long Dungeons & Dragons campaign with friends. Lindsay is also deeply committed to community involvement and serves on various committees for the Combined Jewish Philanthropies, Refugee Support, and the Somerville Backpack Program. Additionally, Lindsay founded the Creative Somerville Series, a lecture series dedicated to uplifting local businesses in her neighborhood. When she’s not diving into new adventures, you can find her throwing clay in the ceramics studio or devouring books at an alarming pace. 
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new england education consultants, LLC

Established 2019