Profile: Meet Annie Hilton

PCACAC has a new Executive Assistant! We sat down with Annie Hilton, to learn a little bit about our new EA. Spoilers: she's pretty awesome.

Give us some background! Where are you from, where did you grow up, a little info on your most recent job with The Covenant School, etc.  

I grew up in Orange County, Virginia not too far from where I live now.  Before the age of 6, I traveled quite a bit and lived overseas.  Alas, my memories are few.

Can you share anything about your own college advising experience? 

I didn't explore my options for college as much as I should have.  I applied to three different universities and was fortunate enough to be accepted to all three.  I didn't give my final decision much thought and just went with my first choice.  I'm pretty certain I would not have gone wrong with any of my options, but sometimes think I should have looked at the programs more carefully to balance these with my interests and strengths.  Regardless, my counselor was as helpful as possible, but I could have asked more questions and been a more deliberate in planning. 

What’s a special or hidden talent that you have? 

I love to paint and create art.  I hope to enroll in a stained glass class in the near future.

What did you think you wanted to be when you were 5 years old? 

I remember pretending to be a teacher when I played.  This is probably because my father was a teacher and administrator.  

What drew you to PCACAC? 

Great people, volunteers, and mission.  Members of PCACAC truly touch the future in positive ways.

What are you most looking forward to, in your new position with PCACAC? 

I look forward to completing the first year so that I can begin to work from experience and not always direction.  I believe that most positions, particularly those associated with an academic year or cycle, one will begin to accomplish tasks more efficiently after completely one cycle.  After completing a year in the Executive Assistant role, the basic learning curve will be complete, and I will begin to facilitate efforts beyond the basic responsibilities of the PCACAC Executive Assistant.  Also, I want to connect names and faces without hesitation.

Having now attended a PCACAC Conference, what was your favorite part? What did you like about the conference? 

 Using some slang acquired from my teenage daughter, the PCACAC "peeps" were definitely the best part of the conference.  It is inspirational to be around people passionate about their professions and volunteer efforts. These folks are quite accomplished.  It is worth repeating that the PCACAC people were my favorite part of the conference, and the 10-layer, Smith Island cake served by Liquid Assets was pretty incredible as a runner-up. 

What’s one thing we definitely have to know about you?

I love coffee!

Profile: Judy Edwards

Judy Edwards

College and Career Center Specialist

Lake Braddock Secondary School (VA)

How long have you been in admissions/college counseling?

I have been working in college advising for 14 years at Lake Braddock Secondary School.  I absolutely love my job!  I started working at LBSS 18 years ago as an instructional assistant, after being a military stay at  home wife/mom.  A year later I started working in the office of School Counseling as the registrar and was very fascinated as to what our Career Center position had to offer.

How did you get started in college counseling?

I applied for the position three times before the job was offered to me.  On two occasions applicants with direct experience were selected over me.  I never was discouraged I learned from those folks and I guess it paid off, third time was a charm and I was selected.  In the last 14 years I have had the pleasure of serving on numerous college advisory boards, mentored four new FCPS Career Center Specialist and have become very involved in PCACAC serving various committees.

The job is never boring and you learn something new every day.  The opportunity to travel and meet new people is just one of the many perks of the position.  Watching students develop a plan and achieve their goal is one of the most rewarding experiences to witness.  I enjoy working with the students helping them explore post-secondary options.  I value the relationships I have fostered working the wonderful college admissions folks from all kinds of colleges.  You meet some of the most hardest working people in the world and their passion to help students is never ending.  I have made some of my most cherished friends through this position.

What’s your favorite admissions /counseling memory?

That’s a tough one to answer.  I have had so many wonderful memories of students accomplishments.  My very first year I had student who did not get into her first choice school, she was crushed, I tired consoling her and found myself in tears along  with her.  Four years later I happen to be on a greater Pennsylvania college tour and was visiting the school she was a senior.  I ask the admissions folks if it was possible to meet with her and they were able to contact her and she came and had lunch with me. When she arrived she was in a beautiful dark navy suit she looked confident and beaming; she had just presented her Senior thesis for graduation.  She said to me, “Do you remember the day I sat in your office, crying about not getting into my first choice school?”  I said, “Yes I do”.  She smiled and said to me, “ you were right it did work out the way it was supposed to, I cannot imagine having gone to any other school and could not be more happier about my college choice.”   I smiled and said, I am so glad you feel this way.  She now has her PH.D and teaching at a university on the west coast.  I have many more memories and I  cherish and keep them close to my heart.

What advice would you give to someone looking to pursue leadership or membership in PCACAC and NACAC?

Do not wait! The resources available are limitless and there is always someone willing to help you along the way or guide you in the right direction.  Start small and things will evolve as you feel comfortable.  There are some amazing people who are part of these organizations.  Great networking opportunities with both these organizations.

If not working in admissions/college counseling.  What else could you see yourself pursuing?

I would like to work at a college/university Career Center.

What’s one thing that most people don’t know about you?

I recently have been introduced to country music and I have fallen in love!  I have had the pleasure of seeing several country singers in concert and I am hooked: Lady Antebellum, Hunter Hayes, Garth Brook, Trisha Yearwood, Sam Hunt, Little Big Town, Brad Paisley, and I have tickets to see Luke Bryan in June. 

What’s a current trend or future issue you’re passionate about right now? 

Testing!  I think it is wonderful that so many schools are going test optional and taking into consideration a four hour test on a Saturday morning will not measure a student’s potential success in college.  It is refreshing to see schools put more value on demonstrated work in the classroom than a test.  Don’t get me wrong there is value in both the SAT/ACT but for some students is not an an accurate measure of performance to be admitted to a college.

Profile: Judy Hingle

Judy Hingle

College Access Fairfax (VA)

How long have you been in admissions/college counseling? Share your journey story!

After many years as a mortgage loan office, I needed a change of direction into a better personal fit.  My ambition was to find a job that I would be happy to volunteer for.  A friend asked if I had ever considered school counseling, since I was an active volunteer in the schools.  I began the school counseling MEd program at Virginia Tech and worked as a sub in the local schools to gain both academic and on the job experience. As a part of a career counseling course, I interviewed a Career Center Specialist at Mount Vernon HS and discovered my focus - post secondary counseling.  After completing my degree program, I elected to job share in that same Career Center rather than take a school counselor position.  The pay was less, but the fit for me was better.  In eight years at MVHS, I had the opportunity to work with a wonderfully wide variety of students and learned something new every day.  Student goals ranged from being a first generation ESL high school graduate to continuing family traditions of highly selective college graduation.

After eight years in Fairfax County Public Schools, I was intrigued by an opening at NACAC in their Professional Development department. I applied on a whim, and ended up with the fantastic opportunity to work with college admission professionals from around the globe to provide the college admission training and resources for their unique environments.  As Director of Professional Development, I was fortunate to learn from professional association staff and fantastic volunteers about college opportunities for students in a much broader context.

Once again, a friend played a role in career change for me, when she encouraged me to apply for the position of Career Connections Specialist at the central office for Fairfax County Public Schools.  My school counseling degree, school experience and NACAC background all came together to prepare me to act as the training and resource specialist for K-12 school counseling professionals in this large public school district.  

How did you get started in college counseling/admissions?

I've always been a planner, looking forward to the next step, the next possibility.  Working with the college process, including all post secondary destinations, matches my future focus.

What's your favorite admissions/counseling memory?

I have a distinct memory of a a presentation to Juniors in a "regular" high school English class. When I talked about the many paths to college and all the colleges that accept and support those "regular" students, once student looked up at me and asked, "There's a place for me?"  That student turned a mediocre transcript into a upward trending documentation of determination, started at community college and eventually completed a Bachelor's degree.  

What advice would you give to someone looking to pursue leadership (or membership) in PCACAC and/or NACAC?

It's important to realize how much this group learns from each other.  This is an ever-evolving profession and no one has all the answers all the time.  Be open to learning and sharing from everyone you meet.

If not working in admissions/college counseling, what else could you see yourself pursuing? 

Is there a professional reading position available?  I love to gather new information and experiences from the thoughts and words of other people.

What's one thing that most people don't know about you?

My wedding anniversary is April Fools Day.  We've been discussing who was the bigger fool for 44 years.

What's a current trend or future issue you're passionate about right now? And why?

There are two areas I've chosen to continue working with in retirement - financial aid and professionalism in college counseling.  I work with a local organization, College Access Fairfax, to provide FAFSA completion support for families and early awareness for about paying for college for middle school parents. Paying for college has become a perceived deterrent  for many families.  Offering updated information and advocacy for for affordability is vital to the future plans of most students.

I am also a commissioner for the American Institute of Certified Educational Planners, a non-profit group that offers certification for public and private school counselors and independent educational consultants in the areas of college, schools, and other special needs alternatives. Our profession should have standards that expect all of us to demonstrate extensive knowledge, expertise and experience in the field of educational planning. Our students and families deserve no less.

Profile: Ginger Miller

Ginger Miller

Associate Director of College Counseling

Landon School

How long have you been in admissions/college counseling? Share your journey story!

Ten years as College Counselor

I always thought I would be a psychologist because I love people and trying to understand how they think. I majored in American Studies and minored in Psychology in college and earned an M.Ed. in Counseling and School Administration at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. College counseling seemed a good fit.  

How did you get started in college counseling/admissions?

As an English and AP US History teacher, I always wrote recommendations. Also in my early teaching years, I worked on admissions committees at Choate Rosemary Hall and at Noble and Greenough School. Later I served as Associate Director of Admissions for The Langley School in McLean, Virginia where we also had to find placements for eighth graders heading to high schools. Finding the best matches for students whether coming into a school or going out from a school has always interested me. There are so many wonderful colleges, and I enjoy the process of helping students explore their options.   

What's your favorite admissions/counseling memory?

At a NACAC meeting I ended up in the elevator not once but twice with a prominent director of admissions from a prominent university, and it just happened to be the first choice of a qualified student who had a very complicated home life. I decided on the second time to share this student’s story. The director told me to email him and admitted this student who has remained in touch with me while I college. He has now asked me to help with his PPE application. I take students’ stories one at a time and try to see where I can help. When they come back and let me know that the college placement has served them well for life, I add these stories to my favorite memories.

What advice would you give to someone looking to pursue leadership (or membership) in PCACAC and/or NACAC?

Get involved now because life is short. Getting involved is the best way to remain aware of trends and to have meaningful conversations about significant issues in our field. Currently, I serve on the PCACAC Affiliate to NACAC for Government Relations. The people with whom I serve are some of the best in the field. I continue to serve my college, Wheaton College (Norton, Massachusetts) as a class office and member of its alumni council because I am grateful for the strong liberal arts education I received there. (Recently, I checked, and Wheaton was tied for ninth among liberal arts colleges with the most Fulbright Scholars and one of the most successful colleges in the country naming Rhodes Scholars). I think it is important to try to make a difference in the world.     

If not working in admissions/college counseling, what else could you see yourself pursuing? 

I think I would be working to make sure each child has a great start to his education including three meals a day and medical care. Head Start was one of the first places I volunteered, and I was certified in K-8 education in college when I volunteered in a preschool and student taught in third grade.  Or I would be helping to train new young college counselors in the same way I used to supervise teachers in training for the Harvard Graduate School of Education. 

What's one thing that most people don't know about you?

I play competitive tennis with a coed group and also race sailboats. I attended two colleges and one of them called me back about four years ago to give me a Varsity letter for having played two varsity sports, field hockey and tennis because Title IX happened after our time, and only men were awarded varsity letters then. This experience was exciting to think perhaps we had made a difference for women in sports.  

What's a current trend or future issue you're passionate about right now? And why?

I am passionate about reducing the ratio between students and college counselors in public schools.  I attended a public high school and still see that the demands on school counselors include advising students about curriculum, psychological counseling, and college counseling. I think public high school counselors deserve professional days for training and the opportunity to visit colleges. They also need better definitions to their jobs so they have more time with students in a complex, constantly changing college landscape. 

Profile: Crys Latham

Crys Latham

Director of College Counseling

The Washington Latin Public Charter School (DC)

How long have you been in admissions/college counseling? Share your journey story!

Officially, I am on my 16th year, but I include a couple years of my undergraduate experience volunteering in the admissions office at my alma mater, Mount Holyoke College, because I was doing work that early in my career, I hired professionals to do!

How did you get started in college counseling/admissions?

I'd known since my first day of kindergarten that I wanted to be a teacher.  As I got to high school, I'd figured out that I wanted to teach high school students music and/or Spanish since I excelled at both.  I got to Mount Holyoke and joined Concert Choir, was selected for a chamber ensemble within the Concert Choir, was asked to join an a cappella group, played in an instrumental ensemble (B-flat clarinet), and signed up for the English handbell choir.  I figured out that I just wanted to continue to have music in my life, not necessarily teach it.  And because I'm quite an introvert, I've always disliked speaking in front of groups.  Having to speak in a language not my own in my 200-level Spanish class my first week at MHC (sadly) cured me of wanting to teach Spanish.  But I fell head-over-heels, love-of-my-life in love with MHC and felt the need to share that with every. single. prospective. student. who set foot on campus, and thus began my journey in admissions.

I landed in senior year, not wanting to return to my home state of OH, but also not ready to be certified to teach in MA despite continuing with Education as one of my majors.  That's when Mount Holyoke created their Admissions Fellows program, which was basically an entry-level admissions counselor position.  That's when I realized, "Hey, I could work in college admissions!"  It became like my college search all over again, finding the best fit for me.  I chose Oberlin for my first job.  After a few years, I was still in love with my work at Oberlin but also realized I had no problem telling a kid that Oberlin may not be the best fit for them...but they should look at schools A, B, and C that I had come to learn about in my down time at college fairs.  It was then I realized that, while I still loved working in admissions  - and would go on to work in admissions at two more colleges - that maybe I should start considering the other side of the desk!  Fast forward several years, and I am now completing my sixth year as Washington Latin's Director of College Counseling.

What's your favorite admissions/counseling memory?

This is a tough one because there are so many - I don't think that's uncommon in our profession.  I would have to say that my favorite memory encompasses the 2011-2012 school year.  It was my second year at Washington Latin, and we were graduating our first senior class.  I'd sacrificed a lot and spent immeasurable blood, sweat, and tears creating a college counseling program at an unproven charter school.  I was seeing our first graduating class receive their - and our school's - first college acceptances, first scholarships, first Posse Scholar winners...  Lots of firsts with that graduating class, but it simply reminded me that all the hard work that my colleagues and I had put into this first senior class was worth it!

What advice would you give to someone looking to pursue leadership (or membership) in PCACAC and/or NACAC?

I have to give loads of credit to PCACAC.  The membership is filled with phenomenal people who genuinely want to do right by our students and their families and each other.  It is also a group of professionals who also want to grow its members in the counseling and admissions fields, providing so many opportunities for professional development and social opportunities for networking.  Because of people like Judy Edwards, Jayne Fonash, Jeff Smith, and Kathleen Martin, who took me under their wings early on and saw something special in me, I grew to be more confident in submitting proposals to present at our spring conferences and NACAC's national conferences and pursuing a spot on the Admissions Practices and Current Trends/Future Issues committees.  If you want to learn or step outside your comfort zone, there are plenty of people in PCACAC who are willing to help you do that.  It's cliché, but just ask!  We're all here to help!

If not working in admissions/college counseling, what else could you see yourself pursuing? 

In charter schools, you wear more than one hat.  It's the nature of the beast, so not only am I the school's college counselor, but I have an advisory (homeroom) and I proctor a study hall and I teach four sections of Financial Literacy most semesters, also a curriculum I created for Latin.  I was even the principal/director of our summer program for three years.  I'd never wanted to do anything but teach, though, which is ironic considering how introverted and shy I tend to be.  A few years ago, though, I realized that I don't ever think it was really about teaching.  I just wanted to be in school for the rest of my life because it was always such a happy experience for me in a childhood that wasn't always happy.  School was my refuge, but when you're five-years-old, you don't know yet that there are lots of things you can do to be in school forever.  You know just "teacher".  Even though I still don't like talking in front of groups of people, I do love teaching my Financial Literacy classes.  I love that I get to share my knowledge and passion for the topic with my students and that I work at a school that encourages that.  I'm just blessed that I get to do what I'm called to do and what I thought I wanted to do.  At the end of the day, I'm still working with the same age group and moving them toward the same cluster of goals, which are graduating and figuring out what comes next.

What's one thing that most people don't know about you?

When I was in college, I had three jobs every summer and Christmas break.  One of them was working in the meat department of a grocery store.  Yes, I used to haul and cut huge slabs of meat.  Not a pretty picture, but oddly enough, I enjoyed doing that, too.

What's a current trend or future issue you're passionate about right now? And why?

Can I say this without starting riots in the street?  The Coalition App.  I think the Coalition has their heart in the right place, but I think there is a lot that can be done that can make it a valuable tool for those at whom it is directed - and to support those who will be working with those students.

Profile: Samuel Shoge

Samuel T. Shoge

Assistant Director of Admissions

Washington College (MD)

Chair, Government Relations Committee - PCACAC

How long have you been in admissions/college counseling? Share your journey story!

4.5 years at Washington College. 

How did you get started in college counseling/admissions?

I happened to apply to a vacant admissions counselor position at Washington College a couple months after graduating from college. I was trying to figure out what I wanted to do with my life and there just so happened to be an opening at Washington College where I lived 5 minutes away from. I kind of got caught up in how fast things moved because 3 days after applying, I had an interview and an offer. It was hard to say no to my first job offer right out of college. My first day on the job was attending Summer Institute at Bucknell.

What's your favorite admissions/counseling memory?

My favorite admissions stories revolve around working hard to recruit students you know would be excellent fits at your institution. Nothing beats seeing that student deposit after a long journey of meeting them at their high school, seeing them on campus for tours, and counseling their parents through the FAFSA process. 

What advice would you give to someone looking to pursue leadership (or membership) in PCACAC and/or NACAC?

For those looking to get more involved with PCACAC and NACAC, the best thing to do is dive right on in. I see to many people express the desire to get involved but hesitate because they overthink the time commitment and their schedule. Look, everyone is busy in this profession but if you really want to make connections in this profession, get your name out there as a mover and shaker, and make some great friends, you just simply have to get involved. Yes, it is A LOT of work and requires true organization skills but it's a time commitment that pays dividends in this professions and one can honestly look at it as an investment. 

If not working in admissions/college counseling, what else could you see yourself pursuing? 

I eventually see myself doing something that revolves around city planning/public policy/public administration. 

What's one thing that most people don't know about you?

One thing a lot of people don't know is that I am training to be a volunteer firefighter.

What's a current trend or future issue you're passionate about right now? And why?

Affordability is the name of the game right now in terms of trends and issues I am following closely. I like how it is a hot-button issue in national politics and being addressed by state legislators. As someone who graduated with student loan debt, I am a first hand example of how so many things in life have to be delayed because of student loan payments. A political figure cannot reasonably talk about fixing the US economy without addressing the student loan issue. An entire generation delaying or canceling major purchases because of student loan obligations is no way to get the economy back on track, especially when that economy depends on modest population growth and people buying cars, homes, and just stuff in general. 

Profile: Lucy Neale Duke

Lucy Neale Duke

Assistant Director of College Counseling

McDonogh School

Owing Mills, MD

How long have you been in admissions/college counseling? Share your journey story!

I joined Georgetown University's admission staff in 1982.  After two years there, I moved to the secondary side and spent 11 years at Connelly School of the Holy Child in Potomac, MD. Next, eight years home with my children, and then I re-entered the college counseling world at City College, Baltimore's humanities magnet high school.  After three years at City, I read very part-time for Hopkins's admission office and then went to Cristo Rey Jesuit High School, where I founded the college counseling office. I left CRJ after six years, and tried a year of mostly-retirement, only to land back at McDonogh School this year, where I enjoy working as a part-time Assistant Director of College Counseling.

How did you get started in college counseling/admissions?

I was a history major with vague notions of going to law school, although I'd also met with my university's admission dean for an information interview while I was still in college. I did NOT enjoy my first job in DC as a legal assistant at a large, corporate firm, and I found myself thinking a lot about my own college counselor and an admission dean from a college I didn't attend, both of whom were exceptionally helpful to me when I applied to college.  So, I contacted Georgetown, they had a few openings in admissions, and here I am, almost 34 years later.

What's your favorite admissions/counseling memory?

Too many to choose, but here's a sample: Visiting my former college counselor (who'd moved to a different independent school) as a Georgetown admission rep - he kindly treated me with professional deference, even though I'd been on the job for two months. My helpful and fun colleagues at DC-area independent schools in the 1980s and early 1990s. The freezing cold PCACAC conference luncheon at The Carousel where we sat atop a thin plywood floor covering the ice rink, the last time our conference was in Ocean City. Renewing friendships with admission and counseling colleagues after my eight year hiatus. Sitting with a City College senior as she called her grandmother in tears to tell her she'd won a scholarship and could afford to attend college (I was a puddle). CRJ's first graduation in 2011, with everyone heading off to two-and four-year colleges. Seeing many first gen students thrive and grow in college and beyond.

What advice would you give to someone looking to pursue leadership (or membership) in PCACAC and/or NACAC?

PCACAC members are generous, experienced and well-informed. When I returned to college counseling after eight years at home with my children, it was huge to still have professional connections and friends who remembered me through PCACAC; they helped me get up to speed. Volunteering with PCACAC and/or seeking office is a great way to become a better counselor and to learn more about the profession.

If not working in admissions/college counseling, what else could you see yourself pursuing? 

Not sure!

What's one thing that most people don't know about you?

My most popular hors d'oeuvre is my mother's cheese pennies recipe.

What's a current trend or future issue you're passionate about right now? And why?

Access, and all its components: quality education and counseling starting in Pre-K; financial aid; college counseling for low-income, first generation students; effective college retention and graduation programs.

Profile: Aaron Arenas

Aaron A. Arenas

Admissions Counselor, Freshman Admissions

Enrollment Management & Student Success

Drexel University

How long have you been in admissions/college counseling? Share your journey story!

Professionally, this is my second year working in admissions for Drexel University in Philadelphia, PA. I’m originally from Virginia, but made my way to Philly for this job at Drexel. I knew a lot of friends from college who were from the Philadelphia/South Jersey area and were always raving about how great it was, so I thought I’d check it out myself and haven’t regretted my decision.

How did you get started in college counseling/admissions?

My first taste of college admissions was actually during my undergrad experience at George Mason University when I was a student ambassador for the admissions office there. That experience, as well as other experiences I had as a student leader in undergrad, had an impact on me in trying to figure out what I wanted to do after I graduated from college. I knew I wanted to work in education and work closely with students to help them figure out what their future plans should be after they graduated from high school. This all lead me to explore a possible job in admissions, which landed me at Drexel.

What's your favorite admissions/counseling memory?

Although I’ve only been working professionally in college admissions for two years, I’ve developed a ton of memories and experiences that would make it seem as if I have been working for 10+ years. Out of all of them though, I don’t think anything tops working an Accepted Students Day at Drexel. I find myself driven by excitement and “hype”, so being able to see hundreds of students who are excited to be at Drexel and are looking forward to going to college is definitely a reminder as to why I’m so passionate about education and student life. Seeing students walk into our admissions office who are ready to submit the enrollment deposit, then seeing the smile on their face after it’s done, knowing they were going to be a Drexel Dragon, is probably one of the most rewarding looks you could ever see on a student’s face. That makes this job all worth it.

What advice would you give to someone looking to pursue leadership (or membership) in PCACAC and/or NACAC?

Do it! I think the network opportunities and the amount of knowledge you can get by attending conferences and college fairs is definitely helpful in professional development. A lot of us who work in education, constantly tell students to get involved and become leaders. It’s only right that we practice what we preach!

If not working in admissions/college counseling, what else could you see yourself pursuing? 

Hmmm….. I have SO MANY interests that it can be a bit difficult to point out one thing that I could possibly pursue at any given time. At this point in time, I think it would be something in either politics or sports. I don’t see myself running for a political office and being the face of a campaign, but to be able to work on a campaign and game plan behind the scenes is definitely something I would enjoy. I am also a sports junkie, so pursuing something in professional sports or college athletics, like scouting or athletic recruitment, is something I would like to do.   

What's one thing that most people don't know about you?

I think it would be that my number one passion is cooking. It’s definitely a great stress reliever and a way to just remove myself from the “real” world for a moment. Being able to try out new recipes and altering others is a great way to get my creative juices going. I’m by no means a five-star chef nor do I see myself as the best cook in the world, but, in terms of passion, I like to see myself as a poor man’s Gordon Ramsay with a lot less yelling and cursing.

What's a current trend or future issue you're passionate about right now? And why?

Something that I’ve always been passionate about is college preparedness and retention within a higher educational institution. There are a lot of students out there who are not necessarily ready to tackle the college experience and sometimes drop out or fail college because of this. This definitely isn’t the fault of any one particular section of the student lifecycle, but to be able to work in conjunction with high school counselors, admissions representatives, student affairs staff, and college academic departments to help bridge any gaps is definitely something that I think is important for both the college and the student’s sake.

Profile: Olander Fleming

Olander Fleming

Assistant Director of Admissions

Longwood University

How long have you been in admissions/college counseling? Share your journey story!

I’m in my sixth year working in admissions at Longwood University.

How did you get started in college counseling/admissions?

Being an admissions counselor wasn’t on my radar as a potential job after I graduated.  A friend from college called me a few weeks after graduation and said his father (then Dean of Admissions at Longwood) was wrapping up a search for a bilingual recruiter who didn’t mind traveling Maryland through Connecticut.  I graduated with a degree in Spanish from Hampden-Sydney College and knew I wanted to use the language in my profession, as long as it wasn’t teaching, so I applied.  I went through the interview process and was hired as the Admissions Counselor for Emerging Populations at LU.

What's your favorite admissions/counseling memory?

One of my favorite memories happened during an Accepted Student Open House a few years back.  Rewind a couple months before the program to mid-January when we did the “fun” phone-a-thons encouraging students to apply.  I called an individual to encourage her to apply as we had her transcripts and test scores and her application was the last document we needed to make a decision.  Fast forward to the Open House, her mother approached me to thank me for the call to her daughter.  I was unaware the student was suffering from a variety of health issues her senior year and with each set-back, saw her dream of attending college slowly fade away.  My phone call encouraging her to apply brightened her day and motivated her to finish the year off strong.  I was glad she approached me as it helped show there are some things in admissions we sometimes don’t care to do and aren’t as motivated to complete but if we give it a 100%, it could mean the world to a student.

What advice would you give to someone looking to pursue leadership (or membership) in PCACAC and/or NACAC?

Don’t be afraid to network. If you have a passion or consider yourself an “expert” or “the best” on that subject, seek ways you can participate in regional or national leadership/conferences to offer your expertise.  If you aren’t sure where to begin, approach someone who holds a leadership position and ask them about their journey from where they began to where they are now. 

If not working in admissions/college counseling, what else could you see yourself pursuing? 

One of my minors was in International Affairs and as a final project I researched and presented on the disappearance of the Afro-Argentine in Argentina.  If you’ve ever visit the country, you’ll notice it isn’t a very diverse country when it comes to skin color.  What I found that while the color of their skin was much lighter than most of Latin America, some people had physical features more similar to those of African descent.  There isn’t much published information available on the subject so if not working in admissions, I could see myself in Argentina conducting more research on the Afro-Argentine. 

What's one thing that most people don't know about you?

I love to collect baseballs from stadiums, museums, theme parks and cities I visit as I travel.  I’ve been doing so since high school and have them displayed in my house. 

What's a current trend or future issue you're passionate about right now? And why?

I’m very interested in providing information in Spanish to Hispanic families who need it.  The parents are a very tricky group to present to as some speak Spanish, others don’t. Some never attended college, others did but in another country.  A small percentage is undocumented or under DACA status. No matter what their background is, the Hispanic population is growing and consists of a large number of individuals who don’t know much about the higher education system here.  There aren’t many resources available in Spanish that cover the college search process and financial aid and I enjoy being called upon to help share information on the process.

Profile: Hannah Wolff

Hannah Wolff

College & Career Center Specialist

Langley High School (VA)

How long have you been in admissions/college counseling? Share your journey story!

I have been college counseling for seven years in Fairfax County. I started at West Springfield High School, and transferred over to Langley four years ago.

How did you get started in college counseling/admissions?

Prior to moving to Virginia, I worked in New Hampshire as the Director of an early college awareness program for middle school students. Then I worked as a motivational speaker for a campaign working to increase teen aspiration rates in the state of Vermont. I traveled the entire state and met with over 9,000 students in grades 6-12. While I loved working with kids, I was never sure how much of an impact I was truly having on them, and I really wanted to pursue a job that allowed me to help students through the entire college process.

What's your favorite admissions/counseling memory?

I have several of them, but I think my favorite is working with a student late in his senior year, who had never really thought he was "college material". I helped him through the entire process, including studying for senior year mid-terms, as he was struggling with astronomy, a subject I know little about! He is currently in graduate school and already has a job secured after graduation.

What advice would you give to someone looking to pursue leadership (or membership) in PCACAC and/or NACAC?

Get involved! The networking and knowledge gained from being a part of PCACAC and NACAC make it easy to stay current in the world of college admissions. Attending conferences or drive-ins, volunteering for a committee, and utilizing the resources of PCACAC and NACAC will keep you feeling connected, supported and relevant.

If not working in admissions/college counseling, what else could you see yourself pursuing?

I have so many ideas, although I am not sure I would enjoy them quite as much as I do my current job. Something in the medical field I think, working with kids, or perhaps something working with rescued animals!

What's one thing that most people don't know about you?

I studied Radiation Therapy in college and I was an all New England saxaphone player (both of which were a LONG time ago)

What's a current trend or future issue you're passionate about right now? And why?

Trying to convince families and students that rankings are not equivalent to best fit schools! I don't know if I will ever win that battle, but if I can get families to look beyond the rankings to see how many amazing colleges are out there, then I may be doing something right!

Profile: Kathleen Voss

Kathleen Voss

Regional Director

Office of Undergraduate Admission

Georgia Institute of Technology

How long have you been in admissions/college counseling? Share your journey story!

23 years. I started in admissions at Regis College in Weston, MA in 1993.  Working at Regis, which at that time was a small women’s college, gave me the opportunity to wear many hats.  If you want to know what hard work is…work at a women’s college!  My experience at Regis provided me with the fundamentals of college admission, as well as discovering the importance of mentorship, both giving and receiving. 

After leaving Regis as the Associate Director in 1998, I ventured out into the corporate world… banking no less. I worked at Fleet Boston Student Loans until getting married in 2001.   It was an incredible, beneficial experience, albeit cut throat and stress inducing.

In 2002, we moved to Virginia and Bill Bissett was kind enough (considering I was 7 months pregnant) to hire me as a Regional Rep for Manhattan College in New York City. Manhattan College was one of the first schools to use regionals in the area.  Bill had found success with the program in New England and saw the potential in the mid-Atlantic.  Manhattan College offered me the opportunity to join PCACAC and meet many of you.

I have been with Georgia Tech since August of 2013, and can honestly say that I have never been happier.  I feel as though I have come full circle, starting at a school that admitted 250 women in 1993, to a school that reviews over 30,000 applications in a year!  I learn something new every day… it’s like I am a rookie again and I love it.

How did you get started in college counseling/admissions? 

My dad, Chris Kiernan, worked in admissions for many years at Assumption College in Massachusetts, Saint Joe’s in Maine and finally at Salve Regina University in Newport, RI.  I grew up on college campuses, stuffing search pieces and licking envelopes over the summers in my dad’s office.  It sort of just fit.  I may be the only person in the field who actually planned to get into admissions as a career.

What's your favorite admissions/counseling memory?

Watching Josette Auguste from West Roxbury High School graduate from Regis College in the mid 90’s.  She was a brilliant kid and a beautiful person with a dream of becoming a doctor. She was a member of the first class that I recruited.  We had worked together during the admissions process and then while she was a student tour guide and ambassador.  When she and others from that class graduated, I felt as though I had really accomplished something special.

What advice would you give to someone looking to pursue leadership (or membership) in PCACAC and/or NACAC?

Go for it!  Your perspective is important and ideas are needed.

If not working in admissions/college counseling, what else could you see yourself pursuing?  Radio City… Kick Line…Rockettes!

What's one thing that most people don't know about you?

I used to DJ at clubs in Newport RI.

What's a current trend or future issue you're passionate about right now? And why?

Assisting Military and Veteran students in the enrollment process. As the wife of a veteran, I consider myself honored to have had the opportunity to counsel vets, their children and spouses, however, I was overwhelmed by the bureaucracy.  Continuing to streamline the process for this population, as well as educating admission’s professionals about the policies on their campus or in their states will help to provide access to our nation’s servicemen and women.

Profile: Steve Maczynski

Stephen 'Steve' Maczynski

Director of College Counseling Services

Commonwealth Academy (Alexandria, VA)

How long have you been in admissions/college counseling? Share your journey story!

I evolved from the teaching profession into college counseling. I had written so many recommendations since I taught AP US Government that my interest grew in the field.  I began actually working as a College Counselor twenty years ago.

How did you get started in college counseling/admissions?

I worked as an AP instructor.  I slowly evolved into a hybrid-position at Georgetown Prep in North Bethesda as a counselor/teacher.  It was great to learn from wonderful mentors who had a long history in the profession. Membership in NACAC and PCACAC put me in touch with incredible resources so that I could adapt to a fast-paced job-setting.  Eventually, I also pursued my licenses as a therapist in both Virginia and Maryland.  Since I was constantly asking adolescents about their identities and their direction in life, I needed to be equipped in handling emotional difficulties.  This also helped with family interactions.  I spent a short time working as Director of Counseling Services as Westfield High School in New Jersey.  I commuted during the week, and I established a private practice in Virginia that works with middle school and adolescents on emotional health.  Now I work as Director of Counseling at Commonwealth Academy in Alexandria while still maintaining my practice.

What's your favorite admissions/counseling memory?

My favorite counseling memory was watching an inner-city student who was largely abandoned by both parents- mom had a drug addiction and dad was absent- gain acceptance to Brown University.  It showed me that admissions can truly work the way that it is supposed to when a student works hard and believes in his dreams.  He gained that acceptance through diligence and perseverance.

What advice would you give to someone looking to pursue leadership (or membership) in PCACAC and/or NACAC?

I have served on committees in PCACAC that have put together seminar presentations.  PCACAC is invaluable for renewing one's vision about the profession, especially when one gets depleted from helicopter parenting.  

If not working in admissions/college counseling, what else could you see yourself pursuing? 

When not working in college admissions, I am active in my private practice. Project SAFE- Strategies Aimed at Family Empowerment- is located on South Washington Street in Alexandria, Virginia.

What's one thing that most people don't know about you?

Most people do not know that I initially worked in the stock market after graduating from Georgetown University. It was a hectic time to work in that arena because there were lots of mergers and acquisitions.  Everyday was a roller coaster.

What's a current trend or future issue you're passionate about right now? And why?

I am passionate about the high cost off post-secondary education. It is having a negative effect on educational opportunity.

Profile: Julia Ross

Julia Ross

Professional Tutoring, LLC (Fairfax, VA)

Have long have you been in the college counseling/admissions profession?

21 years, since 1994 when I founded Professional Tutoring, LLC

How did you get started in college counseling/admissions?

Once I started working with students in tutoring and SAT/ACT preparation, I saw a need to help students really evaluate themselves and search for their college fit.  At Professional Tutoring, we work to help students and families understand that college admissions officers are advocates for students, that they want to admit and retain students and do not act as gatekeepers!!

What advice would you give someone looking to pursue leadership in PCACAC and/or NACAC?

I would definitely advise that new members get involved in everything college admissions.  Visit colleges, attend admissions seminars and tours, sit in on classes, particularly the freshman seminar, get to know admissions officers, join and attend as many NACAC and AACRAO conferences as possible.  Research, study and learn.  And, be open to new ways of learning, leading, interacting. 

What is your favorite admissions/counseling memory?

One of my favorite memories is receiving a call on April 30 from a senior named Brandon.  We had been working with Brandon since July.  Brandon was stubbornly trying to fit his round peg into a square college hole.  All year long, we had said, “please, please, please visit this college.”  He just would not budge.  So, on April 29, Brandon finally visited “our” choice college.  He called us on April 30 to say, “Mrs. Ross, I LOVE Ole Miss!  Why didn’t I know that I would like it so much?”  Brandon is a senior this year, majoring in business.  He is a leader on campus, president of his fraternity, Sigma Pi, and headed to a bright future.   

If not working in admissions/counseling, what else would you see yourself pursuing?

Before beginning in the education field, I worked in urban planning for the Federal Government.  I graduated from UVA with my Masters of Urban Planning in May and launched Professional Tutoring that September.  I cannot imagine not working with young people; if I had to choose another profession, I would return to the dynamic world of urban planning.

What’s one thing that most people don’t know about you?

This is a loaded question!  Seriously, though, our family is dedicated to international causes and children.  Between us, we speak six languages and speak Spanish and English at home.  We have also hosted 26 foster children, medical exchange and exchange students since 1994. 

What’s a current trend or future issue you’re passionate about right now?  And why?

I am really interested in the changing landscape of affirmative action.  I think that we, as admissions professionals, need to be able to support students on their socio-economic circumstances and opportunities, or lack thereof, rather than on their race, religion, etc. 

Profile: Eli Clarke

Eli Clarke, MSW

Director of College Counseling

Gonzaga College High School (DC)

How long have you been in admissions/college counseling? Share your journey story!

I have been in admissions and college counseling for 24 in total (8 years admissions, 16 years at my current school).

How did you get started in college counseling/admissions?

I got started at my Alma Mater Loyola University New Orleans...I had no clue what being an admissions counselor really was so when I was told I would be traveling for the school, I was really surprised and was proud to represent Loyola to people all over the US.

What's your favorite admissions/counseling memory?

The memory that pops up automatically for me was when I was in admissions working with a young woman and her mother on financial aid matters and after a long process, it all came together. I remember talking to both of them in my office detailing the package and when all was said and done (and many questions and clarifications), the mom asked me "is it ok if I give you a hug?" 

What advice would you give to someone looking to pursue leadership (or membership) in PCACAC and/or NACAC?

Advice - if you start getting involved on any level, it can be such a rewarding experience on so many levels. Just volunteering at check-in or scanning people into sessions can open the door to many other opportunities so always be open to helping out whenever you can. 

If not working in admissions/college counseling, what else could you see yourself pursuing?

I don't know what I would be doing...that's a scary thought as I have been doing this a long time. I did have a dream of being a game show host early on in my life. 

What's one thing that most people don't know about you?

I can still be such a kid at times - there are times I will come home after a long day at Gonzaga and play video games on my Xbox (yes its weird but I find killing zombies or pirates very relaxing)

What's a current trend or future issue you're passionate about right now? And why?

I think we as a profession need to deeply explore the affordability and financing college education issue...it become a bigger component every year and we all have families now across the board who not only can't afford but make blanket decisions about even looking at schools they think they cannot afford. I get concerned that this line of thinking prohibits the notion of best fit for students and families and rightly so in many instances. We have to explore any and all areas where we can make college affordable for everyone.

Profile: Mandy Williams

Mandy Williams

Program Coordinator for Regional Recruitment

Virginia and Washington, DC

Office of Admissions, Undergraduate 

West Virginia University (WV)

How long have you been in admissions/college counseling? Share your journey story! 

I have worked as a college admissions counselor for 13 years.

How did you get started in college counseling/admissions? 

After I graduated from WVU, I was working in the hospitality industry at a resort in Morgantown. After realizing the hospitality industry was not what I wanted to do, I started searching WVU’s web site and found a job description for an admissions counselor. It sounded like me, and I had such a great experience there as a student, I thought I would give it a shot. Thirteen years later, I still love sharing my experiences and knowledge about higher education in general, and specifically about WVU, with prospective students and families.

What's your favorite admissions/counseling memory? 

I recently had an upperclassman contact me and thank me for my help during the admissions process. He is a senior in our Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources and is getting ready to graduate. He mentioned that I was one of the first contacts he had with WVU and how happy he has been with his decision. It was so wonderful and rewarding to hear from a current student who is both happy and successful.

What advice would you give to someone looking to pursue leadership (or membership) in PCACAC and/or NACAC?

I would recommend getting involved with both organizations—volunteering or serving on committees, attending the annual conferences, and making connections with current leadership within the organizations.

If not working in admissions/college counseling, what else could you see yourself pursuing?

I really enjoy working as a college admissions counselor, but if I had to make a change, I would try school counseling at the secondary level or do a 180 and pursue a career in travel and tourism.

What's one thing that most people don't know about you?

I was a Girl Scout and loved being involved in every part of the organization.

What's a current trend or future issue you're passionate about right now? And why? 

Services and college awareness geared toward first-generation college students, especially in rural areas. I am a first-generation college student, and I know how challenging and overwhelming attending college can be without support. Also, my experiences recruiting in rural parts of both West Virginia and Virginia have shown me how much college awareness is still needed with this particular student population.