Devon Balfour

Senior Essay Specialist

BA, Hampshire College

Devon has worked in education for over 15 years. While this work has taken place in distinctly diverse environments, her work at the undergraduate level has focused in admissions and enrollment. She’s also worked as an independent college counselor for almost ten years. Now, she has the privilege to serve as Director of School and College Counseling at a private school in Boston. She has read tens of thousands of college application essays and loves to coach students as they tell the story that is most authentic to them.

My Approach
“I approach college essay coaching as a collaborative process centered on helping students uncover and tell their most authentic story. I encourage students to reflect deeply on the experiences, values, and perspectives that genuinely define who they are, rather than trying to write what they think colleges want to hear. Throughout the process, I emphasize mindfulness, confidence, and calm so students can approach their writing with clarity instead of pressure or perfectionism. By the end of our work together, I want every student to leave proud of what they’ve accomplished.”

Anya Brunnick

Essay Specialist

BA, Middlebury College
EdM, Harvard University

Most of Anya’s 30+ years in education have been in independent boarding schools in the Northeast as a college counselor. She began her career in the admissions office of her alma mater, Middlebury College, and returned to Vermont many years later to take on the role of alumni director. But her heart has always been with young people! Her primary work now is with her local elementary school, while continuing to work with high school students and families in the college search and application process.

My Approach
“I love helping high school students and their families navigate the college admission process. I encourage students to think carefully and honestly about who they are and who they want to be in this world and in doing so, they bring a clearer understanding of themselves to this process. That honesty and self-reflection make for a better college search, a better application, and better essays and narratives. As an essay specialist, I love asking students questions about what they are trying to say, how they are trying to say it, and how it may land with admissions readers. Having been on both sides of the “admissions desk,” I bring a depth of knowledge, experience and understanding to the families with whom I work.”

Korri Byron

College Counselor

BA, SUNY Geneseo
EdM, Suffolk University

Korri is a licensed professional counselor who has worked as a guidance counselor in high schools since 2005. With so many years assisting a wide range of students, plus her own college experiences in New York, Australia, and Boston, Korri has great versatility in the students and families she can support through the college search and application process.

My Approach
“The ever changing college admission and application process can be overwhelming and daunting to students and families. With my students, I take an individualized planning approach because I understand that every person has their own wants, needs and interests for their future. I enjoy taking the time to really get to know each student I work with, so I am able to personalize my approach with them. As a high school counselor since 2005, I have learned the value in developing strong connections with students so they may reach their full potential. In my experience, students feel the most successful when they are confident in their choices and feel supported in the college planning and application process. My goal for each student is to create opportunities for open communication and trust, while breaking down the process into small, manageable tasks.”

Gerard Casal

Senior College Counselor

BA, Middlebury College
M. Ed Harvard University Graduate School of Education

Gerard has worked in higher education since 2000. His background is in undergraduate and graduate admissions and has worked for several schools including Holy Cross, Brandeis University, and Suffolk University. Gerard joined Campus Bound in 2005.

My Approach
“I love working at Campus Bound and truly enjoy helping my students navigate the college application process; from building a college list, to conducting mock interviews, to assisting in brainstorming essay topics. As a former first generation college student, I appreciate the impact my college counselor had on me and I hope that I can, likewise, help my students make good decisions in their college search process.”

Laura Duffy

College Counselor

BA, Tufts University
MA, Boston College

With almost 30 years of experience in college counseling, Laura has successfully guided countless students through the college admission process. She has worked in education, both on the college and high school side, for 40 years, and recently retired from Brewster Academy, a boarding school in New Hampshire, where she worked as the Dean of College Counseling for over 25 years. Laura has visited more than 300 campuses and enjoys researching different colleges and universities to help students find unique post-high school opportunities. One of her favorite parts of college counseling is helping students present their story through the different pieces of the application. As they work through the admission process, she hopes her students not only reach their college goals but also feel proud that they have created an application that truly reflects their individual voice and personal values.

My Approach
“The college application process is an exciting but sometimes confusing time for students and their families. With experience working with many different types of students and learners, I provide guidance and structure to demystify the process. My approach is always student-centered, whether I’m working with a student who is just starting to research post-high school options or a senior polishing an essay for their final application. Ultimately, my goal is to guide students toward an environment where they will thrive academically, socially, and personally.”

Susan Edwards

Senior Essay Specialist

BA, Youngstown State University
MS, George Washington University

Sue put her English degree to use in the IT industry for over 20 years. She has written and evaluated everything from requirements documents to contract proposals, addressing audiences of varying levels of technical skills and abilities. In addition, she has tutored students in reading and writing, has volunteered her time teaching grammar, and has helped local high school students with their writing.

My Approach
“The writing process is a wonderful opportunity for students to truly reveal who they are as young adults, to share insight into what motivates them and what guides them. My approach is to verify the student’s intent, understand why that is important, and evaluate whether or not the essay supports their purpose. I especially love working with students who struggle with writing to help them realize good writing is not a mystery, that they have something worthwhile to say, and that they can succeed in writing an essay that reflects who they are and why they are special.”

Sarah Emmons

Director of Financial Aid

BA, Colorado College

Sarah worked in college access and financial aid for more than 10 years in the greater Boston area before joining Campus Bound. Originally working with high school students in nonprofits in Boston, she quickly found the financial aid world deeply fascinating, and oftentimes problematic. Having worked with college access organizations and charter schools, she switched to financial aid on the university side in 2017. She worked at selective schools in the Boston area and gained an understanding of the complexities of financial aid awarding. Sarah was previously a Campus Bound college counselor, before shifting to the financial aid side to help families and students pursue their higher education goals.

My Approach
“Having struggled with college debt myself and seeing far too many students go through similar situations, I firmly believe in creating a more transparent and accessible financial aid application process for all families. Regardless of someone’s socioeconomic background, I believe there is a best fit college for everyone. It’s my passion to assist families in finding those niche options that are just right for their students. No one should have to undertake insurmountable debt to fulfill their dreams. This is such a pivotal time in a young person’s life and it’s a privilege to be able to guide them and their families during this process.”

Jen Forand

Associate Director of College Counseling

BA, University of Massachusetts, Lowell
MA, Lesley University

Since 2011, Jen has guided students and families through the college search and application process. In addition to her work at Campus Bound, Jen has worked as a school counselor in private and public high schools and has supported students with a wide range of abilities, career interests, and backgrounds.

My Approach
“The college search and application process is an opportunity for discovery and self realization. I find it incredibly rewarding to learn about a student’s accomplishments and drive and be a part of such an important life transition. I strive to empower my students to build confidence, appreciate their strengths, understand their goals, and articulate their passions and priorities. With warmth, humor, enthusiasm, and structure, I motivate my students to stay on task while also supporting the questions and concerns of parents. ”

Ilyssa Greene Frey

Client Relations Manager

BA, Tufts University
MS, Boston University

Since 2011, Ilyssa has led marketing communications and admissions teams in independent schools and higher ed, including The Meadowbrook School of Weston, The Rashi School, Wellesley College, and Babson. She also served on the board of trustees at Summit Montessori School in Framingham. Community has always been a priority for Ilyssa; she prides herself on building meaningful connections with students, parents, alumni, educators, and local organizations. Her twins attended University of Vermont and University of Chicago.

My Approach
“There’s no better investment than a college education. I’ve followed the evolving college admissions landscape for many years, and I realized when my own kids were in high school that we needed expert guidance, which is why we became a Campus Bound client! I’m thrilled to be part of a team that cares deeply about students and ensures they present their best selves to great schools. ”

Joelle Gilmore

College Counselor
Essay Specialist

BA, Villanova University
MA, Boston College
PhD, Boston College

Joelle has worked in education at the undergraduate and high school levels for over 15 years. After teaching and researching at top universities for a number of years, she began working with students specifically on their college application essays. This led to her becoming a college counselor at an independent high school, where she guided students and families through the entire college admissions process. She enjoys engaging with students and families through a process of research, self-reflection, organization, support, and encouragement.

My Approach
“I try to “take down the temperature” on the college admissions process for students and families by developing strong relationships based on clear communication and personalized attention. I view each student as an individual and enjoy getting to know them and helping them discover more about who they are so we can together find their “best fit” schools. Actively listening to students and parents, providing insights and information-backed ideas, and approaching the application process as an opportunity for self-reflection rather than something students have to slog through are cornerstones of my approach. I follow a similar philosophy when working with students on writing, balancing clear deadlines and organized work plans with encouragement to demonstrate who they are through their stories. I am grateful that students and families trust me to guide them through the college admissions journey! ”

Lizzie Habermehl

Senior College Counselor
Program Advisor

BA, University of Massachusetts Amherst
MEd, Suffolk University

Since 2011, Lizzie has worked with students at all phases of their university experience, beginning with the undergraduate admissions process through to the early career exploration chapter. During her time at Babson College, she worked with MBA and Specialized Master’s candidates pursuing graduate business education. Lizzie is also an experienced University Recruiter for a leadership development program targeting interns and recent graduates interested in the STEM fields.

My Approach
“The hallmark of my work with students and their families through the college search process is placing a high value on the student’s growth and exploration while presenting their authentic selves in their applications. I enjoy helping students take the guesswork out of the application process, while remaining highly organized, intentional, and goal-oriented. The breadth of my work allows me to see the longer-term impact that college choice may have on a campus life as well as a student’s future career.”

Beth Herbert

Senior Essay Specialist

BA, Boston College
MA, New York University
MPA, Northeastern University

Beth is a former high school English teacher who has worked with students of all ability levels. Her background includes over 10 years of working for Massachusetts students as an educator, researcher, writer, and editor. Beth has experience working at both Harvard and New York University.

My Approach
“At Campus Bound, my job is to help students present their genuine, best self through their writing of essays. My approach is encouraging, while straightforward and constructive. One of my core strengths is helping all students reach their greatest potential, while staying on task. College, for me, was eye opening and extremely profound, as it should be for all students. Helping students be accepted to a college that “truly fits” is incredibly rewarding, and I can’t think of a better job than helping students accomplish that goal.”

Maureen Hufnagle

Senior College Counselor
Essay Specialist

BS, Worcester State University
EdM, Harvard University

Maureen’s early career was in student financial administration at Harvard University and Lesley College. Since 2010, Maureen has worked as a high school counselor, assisting students and families as they navigate the college search and application process. She enjoys working with college admissions representatives and with her colleagues in college counseling.

My Approach
“As I work with students and families throughout the college search and application process, my primary goal is to create an individualized plan and guide students through every step of that plan. By accompanying students on this journey, I am able to make the process of creating their lists of colleges, and preparing and submitting their applications much more manageable for them. As a parent of children who have successfully completed this process, I share the joy students and families feel when college applications have been submitted, and acceptance letters come in!”

Judith A. Levenfeld

College Counselor

AB, Harvard College
MSc, London School of Economics
JD, New York University School of Law

After many years as a practicing attorney and higher ed administrator at Harvard and BC Law Schools, Judy began advising college and law school applicants in 2007. She works closely with students to research and identify those schools to which they will apply. In addition, she discusses the most appropriate teachers and advisors to submit recommendations on behalf of her students and helps them to prepare effectively for school visits and interviews.

My Approach
“I find the most satisfying part of the admissions consulting process to be supporting students as they write their essays and prepare for interviews. Each student has a story to tell that distinguishes him or her, communicates why a particular college is a good fit, and demonstrates what the applicant will bring to the entering class, both within the classroom and campus wide. When students find their voice and tell their story in a coherent, compelling manner, they know they are submitting the best application possible.”

Sam Luby

College Counselor

Program Advisor

BA, Gustavus Adolphus College
MA, Concordia Irvine University

Sam Luby has been working in a variety of roles within college counseling and admissions since 2014. After working in graduate school advising and the college counseling software Naviance in the U.S., Sam moved to China in 2017 and worked in college counseling for both private companies and schools. Recently, he was the Head of University Guidance Counseling for a selective IB high school in Shanghai and served as an admissions reader for both UC San Diego and UC Berkeley. Currently, Sam is a PhD student at Florida State University studying higher education, an instructor for UCLA’s College Counseling Certificate program, and a college counseling professional. He is a Certified Educational Planner (CEP), a board advisor for the EdTech company Snowday, and a Professional Member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA).

My Approach
“Transparency, practicality, and communication are the three aspects I focus on with my students and families during the college counseling process. Using these tools during our meetings and assignments, I treat every student as the young adult they are meant to be and strive to help them build realistic professional skills that will serve them in college and beyond. My goal is to explore all of our postsecondary options, cast a wide net, work hard to fulfill goals, and have fun creating a new future.”

Monica Marino

Essay Specialist

BS, Boston University
MEd, Lesley University
EdD, University of Bath, UK

As an educator with more than 25 years of experience, Monica works as a teacher to foster a love of learning, reading, and writing in young people. She has worked as a literacy coach with adults, a college prep tutor, and an executive function coach, in addition to being a veteran classroom teacher. Monica’s current role is as a high school English teacher, where she helps her students develop an appreciation for the power of language, a love of literature, and a vision for their future.

My Approach
“Getting to know young people and learning what makes them tick is the most rewarding part of my job. I like to take the time to get to know my students as individuals, understand who they are, and help them explore their next steps. My students can expect clear, consistent feedback designed to help them find their voice and share a slice of their personality with the admissions team.”

Stacy McFadden

Senior College Counselor

BA, Humboldt State University
MEd, Bridgewater State College

Stacy has extensive experience in college counseling. She currently works as a school counselor in a high achieving public high school. She also has admissions experience from interning in the admission office at Bridgewater State University while she was earning her graduate degree.

My Approach
“I truly love the college admissions process and believe there is a college for every type of student. Applying to college can be both exciting and overwhelming, and I strive to make the experience as positive and rewarding as possible. By providing honest advice, consistent support, and some lighthearted humor, my hope is that students and families feel confident as they move through the college process. I enjoy helping students figure out what matters most to them so they can build a college list based on fit, not just name recognition or familiarity. I am comfortable working with students of all learning styles, interests, and academic backgrounds, and I am committed to helping each student find a path that reflects their unique strengths, goals, and aspirations. ”

Anna Mednick

College Counselor

BA, Wheaton College (MA)
MEd, Northeastern University

Anna has worked in higher education for over 15 years, beginning her career in financial aid before moving to undergraduate admission. She has reviewed thousands of admission applications and worked personally with a wide range of applicants including first year, transfer, international, and first generation college students – helping them navigate the often overwhelming application process.

My Approach
“I enjoy helping students and families find the right college fit academically, socially, and financially. Applying to college can sometimes feel very overwhelming. My goal is to help ease anxiety by listening to your concerns and creating a clear plan in which both the student and family feel confident. This is an exciting time in life, and I aim to help you have fun with the college search and application process!”

Erika Murphy

Senior College Counselor

BS, Bridgewater State College
MEd, Salem State University

Erika is a licensed professional school counselor and worked as a guidance counselor prior to her work at Campus Bound. She has been in the college counseling field since 2012.

My Approach
“Over the years, I have worked with many high school students and their families as they have navigated the college application process. In my experience, I have learned that families want to enjoy this exciting time but often feel overwhelmed. I understand that the college planning process can be daunting, but I believe that with the right guidance and support it can be exciting and fun. I love working with students and families to bring the enjoyment back into college planning by providing individualized direction and guidance based on each student’s unique wants and needs.”

Jen Orsini

Senior College Counselor
Senior Essay Specialist

BA, Saint Anselm College
MA, Lesley University

After several years in both the television and editing industries, Jen discovered her true career “fit” in 2012 when she became a local high school counselor. In this role, she has helped guide hundreds of students through the college search and application process, a process that she looks forward to every year. Jen particularly enjoys partnering with students and families as they determine what makes an ultimate “fit” in college. She takes pride in reducing the stress that is often associated with college admissions and loves supporting students and families throughout the entirety of this process.

My Approach
“I fully believe that there is no “one size fits all” aspect to the college admissions process. As such, I treat each student as an individual with unique goals and needs. With a warm, supportive approach, I strive to empower each student to make informed and individually appropriate choices. I fully understand the stress that can come with college admissions; however, through listening to concerns, providing insight, helping break large tasks into manageable steps, and truly partnering with students and families, I aim to make the process as accessible and enjoyable as possible. I love witnessing the belief in oneself that develops throughout this journey and share in the excitement a student feels as she/he discovers the many possible roads that lie ahead.”

Mike Panchuck

Senior College Counselor
Senior Essay Specialist

BS, University of Massachusetts/Amherst
MA, Framingham State University

Mike joined the Campus Bound team in 2006 after retiring from Natick High School where he served as a guidance counselor. Mike has worked with a wide variety of young people whose dreams and goals span the spectrum of post-secondary education.

My Approach
“For me, it is always a rewarding experience to assist young people as they negotiate the steps toward achieving their goals, to encourage them to take the responsibility for their progress, and to celebrate their success and share their excitement for the future. As a reviewer of essays, I like to encourage writers to think of their essays as an opportunity to have an interview with the reader without being present and to work with writers to put together clear and effective essays.”

Jong Kwan (JK) Park

College Counselor

BA, Grove City College
MA, Boston College

Since 2008, in the role of a school counselor at a high-achieving public high school, JK counseled students with various learning styles, recruited student-athletes, first-generation college-bound students, and students eager to attend a highly-selective institution. More recently, JK made the transition to the role of a college counselor at an independent secondary school. JK’s academic and counseling experience also includes work in the Prevention Science and Practice Program at the Harvard Graduate School of Education and in the Office of Student-Athlete Academic Services at Boston College.

My Approach
“Through the college counseling process, I invite students to a formidable and transforming journey of thinking independently, critically, and empathically. I firmly believe that this experience exhorts students to open their minds to possibilities that not only include the accumulation of knowledge, but also the development of fully and honestly understanding one’s self. I am humbled by the opportunity to assist students in sharing their personal narratives which I believe is at the core of determining their fit to a particular set of schools.”

Karen Peters

College Counselor

BS, LeMoyne College
MBA, Simmons University

Karen brings extensive experience in higher education, having worked in both college admissions and college counseling. She has served as an admissions reader for selective institutions including Bentley University, University of Virginia, and Babson College, gaining valuable insight into what colleges look for and how applicants can stand out. She has also worked as a College Guidance Counselor at an independent school, advising students and families throughout the college search and application process. Her dual perspective allows her to guide families with a clear understanding of both admissions expectations and personalized college planning.

My Approach
“The college application process can feel overwhelming, especially in a landscape that is constantly evolving. My goal is to bring clarity, structure, and calm to that process. I believe there is a college fit for every student. I see myself as an active member of each student’s team, partnering closely with students and families to navigate decisions thoughtfully and strategically. With patience and perspective, I help students stay organized, focused, and confident as they move through each stage of the journey.”

Barbara Powers

Operations Manager

Barbara keeps the Campus Bound team organized and on task. She helps each family connect with our team, keeps our records and databases current, and organizes our admissions and financial aid materials and information. From start to finish each year, Barbara ensures that the Campus Bound ship is running smoothly.

My Approach
“As a parent, I know how stressful the college search and application process can be without help. I sought out Campus Bound for my daughter’s college process, and was so happy with the service provided that I started working here shortly thereafter. It’s rewarding to make the admissions and financial aid process less stressful and more exciting for our families.”

Erin Regan

College Counselor

BA, Wheaton College
M. Ed, University of Massachusetts, Boston

Erin has worked as a school counselor for over twenty years in two public, comprehensive high schools as well as in a vocational-technical high school. She has worked with hundreds of high school students from different backgrounds on a variety of college and university searches. Her passion for the field led her to leadership roles within the New England Association for College Admissions Counseling as well as the National Association for College Admissions Counseling. This has given her the opportunity to travel to numerous college campuses across the country, information which she enjoys sharing with her students and families.

My Approach
“I entered the field of school counseling to help students see the choices that are ahead after graduation and that led me to really enjoy helping students navigate the college search process. My goal is to help take what might seem as a daunting task and turn it into an exciting time in the life of a high school student. This process can lead students to such great experiences and opportunities and I enjoy helping them on their journey to find their place. I hope that together we can turn this into a fun process.”

Pam Roth

Senior College Counselor

AB, Mount Holyoke College
MAT, Brown University

Pam has extensive experience in education, including 14 years as an English teacher and 12 years on both sides of the admissions desk, first in the Office of Admissions at the University of Rochester and then as the head of college counseling at an independent school.

My Approach
“The college admissions process is about finding the right match between the student and the college or university. It is a process unique to each student, as it is a journey of self-discovery, the first step in gaining the independence required in college. I believe a student will end up where he/she is truly meant to be, and I enjoy helping students achieve their goals. While it is rewarding to help students discover an appropriate range of colleges and navigate the details of applications, my greatest satisfaction comes from watching essays and supplements evolve from idea to finished product.”

Aaron Smith

Senior College Counselor

BA, Curry College
MEd, University of Massachusetts, Boston
College Counseling Certificate,
University of California, Los Angeles

Aaron joined the Campus Bound team in 2009, after 5 years in college admissions at Curry College. Since that time, he has also worked in college admissions at the University of Massachusetts, Lowell, and as a high school guidance counselor. Aaron’s admissions experience led to him becoming a contact and consultant for the Learning Disabilities Association of Massachusetts, and he has spoken at many college panels, access events, and conferences. Aaron enjoys helping all students find the college/university that is the right fit for them.

My Approach
“I believe deep down in my heart that there is a college/university for any student willing to learn. Helping students and their families navigate the college search process is something I truly enjoy. The college search process can be daunting. My role is to help students understand what they are looking for in a college/university, assist in creating a plan to make the process manageable and less stressful, and to get it all done in a time frame that works for them and their family. My goal with every student is to make the process fun and enjoyable. When my students earn their acceptance letters, I am nearly as excited as they are; I love what I do!”

Barbara Stewart

College Counselor

BA, Arizona State University
MS, Northern Illinois University
College Counselor Certification – UCLA Extension

Barbara has been a high school counselor in public as well as private high schools in the midwestern, southeastern and western regions of the US. Barbara has worked closely with students and families helping them to navigate all aspects of the college search and application process, and has experience working with students from a variety of backgrounds, ability levels and career interests. In addition to working with high school students, she has also read admission applications for New York University and has visited over 200 college campuses.

My Approach
“Recognizing that the college search and admission process can be stressful, it is my goal to help students and families understand and navigate the process one step at a time. I believe that knowledge is power and that by sharing what I know and being transparent about a process that oftentimes seems somewhat murky at best, anxiety can be reduced if not eliminated. Having worked with hundreds of students throughout the years I have found that it is also important to help students understand who they are as a person, to begin to identify who they want to become, to explore their interests, develop their passion and learn how to harness their passion both inside and outside of the classroom. Understanding who you are can have a significant impact on the college you choose.”

Erin Sweeney

Essay Specialist

BA English Literature, Saint Anselm College
M.Ed English Education, Plymouth State University

Erin has more than 15 years of experience teaching English composition and literature to high school seniors. She has worked with both public and private school students in academic settings, and she has designed and run writing camps in the White Mountains of NH through the National Writing Project. Her knowledge and passion for writing, revising, editing and publishing, combined with her understanding and empathy for young people, gives her the ability to guide students to create a stellar college essay.

My Approach
“Every student has a unique story to tell that shows their flair, their intelligence, their quirky humor, or their curious mind. The college essay is the piece of the application that allows the college admissions office to see beyond grades and activities into the heart and mind of the student. I break down my feedback into digestible bites, and with gentle guidance and Socratic questioning from me, the student can first discover the shape of their story and then go on to polish it until it shines.”

Mary Testa

College Counselor

BA, St. Anselm College
MS, Fitchburg State University

As a high school counselor, Mary has supported students and families through the college process since 2003. She enjoys working with students and families to make the college search and application process feel manageable and personalized. Mary has extensive experience supporting students with a variety of backgrounds, strengths, interests, and future goals, meeting each student where they are and helping them find the path that feels right for them.

My Approach
“The college process can feel overwhelming for both students and families. I truly enjoy helping students feel more confident and at ease once we have created a plan that meets their individual needs and is focused on their goals. Guiding students through each step of the application process, from developing their ideas and finding their voice in their personal statement to confidently submitting an application they are proud of, is incredibly rewarding. Most of all, I love seeing students recognize that their application is an authentic reflection of who they are and the qualities they will bring to their next chapter.”

Danielle Wells

College Counselor
Program Advisor

BA, Providence College
MEd, University of Massachusetts-Boston

Since 1995, Danielle has dedicated her career to providing students and families with insight and guidance surrounding the college admission process. As both an admission and high school counselor, Danielle has been fortunate to have worked with a diverse population of students with different wants, needs, talents, and challenges. Danielle has been a dedicated member of regional and national professional organizations and has been honored with awards noting her commitment to students and the admission profession.

My Approach
“My greatest joy is helping families better understand and navigate the college application process. I consider it a privilege to help students search for their next home. I lead authentically, provide honest and helpful information, and will support you throughout. I am a counselor at heart and while I recognize that a lot of emotions can come along with this process, I strive to be a calming and friendly presence to help control the chaos. Above all else, I want to help students and families maintain perspective and keep focused on the things that matter and are within their control.”

Kate Widener

College Counselor

BA, University of New Hampshire
MEd, University of New Hampshire

With degrees in English and School Counseling, Kate has been working as a counselor since 2005 in high schools on both the West Coast and East Coast. She has also served as an application reader for Brown University, UCLA, and Wellesley College.

My Approach
“I love walking students and their families through the college planning process to make sure it is a rewarding and productive experience. There are so many paths that students can choose that I hope they can feel excited about the possibilities that are out there in the world. Through my experiences on the high school and college level I am confident in helping the students find a place that is ideally suited to their personal and academic aspirations.”

Kristen Wiley

College Counselor
Program Advisor

BA, Endicott College
MA, University of San Diego
College Counseling Certificate,
University of California San Diego Extension

Kristen has been working as a counselor since 2012. Having experience both on the east and west coast, she has worked in private counseling as well as rigorous high schools helping all types of students in their college process. Kristen has successfully worked with thousands of students with various academic backgrounds and extracurricular interests.

My Approach
“I truly understand the complexities and stressors students and families face when applying to college. In my work with students, I am committed to individualizing the process, making it not only manageable but setting out to help make it enjoyable. What I enjoy most is seeing the process unfold and guiding students to find what they are most passionate about. From helping to get organized to making their final decision, being part of this journey with students and their families is always so exciting.”

Jackie Woodson

Senior College Counselor
Senior Essay Specialist
Program Advisor

BA, James Madison University
MA, Boston College
Copyediting Certificate, Emerson College

Jackie has extensive experience in college admissions and admissions marketing. She worked in college admissions for more than a decade at institutions in and around Boston prior to joining Campus Bound and has stayed up-to-date by serving as an application reader when colleges need help with application reviews.

My Approach
“The college search, application and selection process should be fun and exciting—not something inspiring fear or intense stress. To that end, what I love about college counseling is acting as a resource and guide for students and families as they navigate the often-complex world of college admissions. I enjoy helping students develop a strong sense of what they want out of a higher education experience through this process.”

Danielle Yetman

Senior College Counselor
Program Advisor

BA, Boston College
MA, Boston College

Danielle has worked in college admissions and advising since 2002. As a senior member of the Graduate Admissions Office at Babson College, she helped students find success in the MBA application process and then enjoyed following their exciting entrepreneurial endeavors. She has worked at several colleges and universities in the Boston area, as well as the Claremont Colleges in Southern California.

My Approach
“The college experience can be such a transformative time. Similarly, the admissions process can also be a period of self-discovery and growth, provided that students and families have the personalized support and guidance they need to make the experience straightforward. I enjoy building relationships with families, so together we can identify schools that are a strong fit, prioritize application steps, and help the student confidently prepare for a meaningful college journey.”

Kristan Zbin

College Counselor

BA, Loyola University Maryland
EdM, Teachers College, Columbia University

Kristan worked as a school and college counselor for 10 years at private high schools guiding students and families through the college search and application process prior to joining the Campus Bound team. She is passionate about helping students recognize their strengths, embrace what makes them unique, and find colleges that would be the best fit for them. With an empathetic, supportive approach, she aims to empower students as they navigate this journey of self-discovery and preparing for their future. .

My Approach
“The college process is complex and I enjoy helping students find the excitement in it while identifying what they are looking for in the next step of their educational journey. My role is to make what can be an overwhelming process more manageable, assist students in creating a list of good fit schools where they will be successful and thrive, and guide them in preparing high quality applications they are proud of.”

Gregg Cohen

PRESIDENT

BA, Union College
MBA, Olin School of Business at Babson College

Gregg founded Campus Bound with one goal in mind — to provide professional and high-quality college admissions and financial aid support to parents and students in a very personalized manner.

Gregg has completed extensive coursework in financial aid and has supported families through all aspects of the financial aid process since 2003. Gregg has presented to hundreds of organizations and has appeared on local media outlets such as WBZ-TV, Fox-25, and local radio stations.

My Approach
“I believe that there is no “one size fits all” approach when it comes to reaching your college goals. The opportunities and process can vary depending on each unique situation. I enjoy being able to explore this great unknown for families and to help them to maximize their chances for success. There is nothing more gratifying to me than seeing families receive scholarships or grants at colleges they believe are great fits for their children.”

Meredith Principe

VICE PRESIDENT
OPERATIONS & COLLEGE COUNSELING

BA, Skidmore College
MA, Boston College

Meredith joined Campus Bound in 2004 after ten years in college admissions and high school counseling. Over the years, she has presented at industry conferences and to students and parents on myriad admissions topics. Meredith finds satisfaction in building a team of professionals who are all focused on helping students and families successfully navigate the college search and application process. 

My Approach
“I love working with Campus Bound’s collaborative team members to reduce the stress of the college admissions process. Taking a methodical approach, being informed every step along the way, and knowing they’ve put their best foot forward allows students and families to be enthusiastic about this journey. College admissions should not be an overwhelming chore that lowers ones’ self confidence. I enjoy making this a fun and exciting process for Campus Bound families.” 

Mindy Mitchell

ASSOCIATE OF COLLEGE COUNSELING

BA, Boston College
MA, Boston College

Mindy, a former Director of Admission at Wentworth Institute of Technology, has spent the majority of her career working in various capacities in the fields of college admissions and enrollment management. She has over fifteen years of experience guiding students and families through the college search and application process. 

 My Approach
“The aspect of my profession I’ve always enjoyed most is working directly with students as they explore their options for college and tackle the challenge of what can be an overwhelmingly competitive application process. I believe that each student has a compelling and unique story to share, and my goal is to help students create college applications that successfully highlight their strengths and showcase their future potential. There is nothing more rewarding than watching students invest themselves in the process and put forth their best effort, whatever the ultimate outcome. As a parent who’s gone through the process personally, I appreciate the stress it can place on families, and I make it a priority to partner with parents as well.”