Aaron Margolis, a 2022 graduate of the College of William and Mary's online Master of Science in Business Analytics program, now works as a data scientist in a rapidly advancing field. He chose the online program for professional reasons and offers advice for aspiring master's students.
Alexandria Duffney has dedicated over 14 years to higher education enrollment management, working with a diverse range of students from traditional undergraduates to graduate and doctoral candidates. She is actively involved in the higher education enrollment management community and has presented on topics such as enrollment strategy, data infrastructure, and team optimization at national conferences including the Graduate Nursing Admissions Professional Conference, the National Association of Graduate Admissions Professionals, and the Slate Innovation Summit. Previously, Duffney served as director of admissions at the University of Rochester School of Nursing before joining Elon University as dean of graduate admissions.
Amanda Gomes is a PhD student at the Center for Ainu and Indigenous Studies, Hokkaido University in Japan. They share their experience with applying for grants to fund their master's degree and PhD studies. Amanda is an experienced researcher and educator with a strong background in museums and higher education institutions. They hold two Master of Arts degrees: one in Public Archaeology from University College London (UCL) and another in East Asian Studies from the University of Hawaii at Manoa.
Amanda is the Data Engineer for the Princeton Gerrymandering Project, where she primarily collects, processes, and validates data for OpenPrecincts. She also develops analytical tools and geographic visualizations. Her interests include the impact of geography on social systems and finding ways to improve spatial decision-making. Before joining PGP, Amanda worked as a GIS intern for Philadelphia’s Share Food Program and served as a Graduate Student Assistant in the Department of Geography and Urban Studies at Temple University, tutoring students in GIS and geospatial programming. She holds a B.A. in Linguistics from Boston University and a P.S.M. in Geographic Information Systems from Temple University.
Amanda Knapp, Ph.D., is the Associate Vice Provost and Assistant Dean of Undergraduate Academic Affairs at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). She holds a B.S. in Business Administration with a focus on Human Resources Management, an Ed.M. in Education with a focus on Higher Education Administration, and a Ph.D. in Education Policy from the University of Maryland, College Park. Her doctoral research explored the relationship between best online instructional practices and undergraduate student perceptions of instructor credibility. Dr. Knapp began her career working at several institutions, including the University at Buffalo, D’Youville College, and the University of Maryland Global Campus, where she held various administrative and teaching roles. Since joining UMBC in 2011, she has led efforts in student retention, progression, academic success, and graduation, using data-informed strategies to enhance student outcomes. As a first-generation college student, she is dedicated to bridging equity gaps in higher education. Outside of academia, Dr. Knapp is also an accomplished motocross racer and community volunteer.
Amira R Martin, LCSW-R, is a communication expert, psychotherapist, and wellness professional. She owns Amira for Her, a group private practice, and serves as an adjunct professor at Columbia University School of Social Work. Amira is committed to creating safe and supportive therapy environments.
Andrea Subitoni Antonio, MA
Andrea Subitoni Antonio recently earned her master’s degree in journalism with a specialization in media innovation from the University of Nevada, Reno. She was born and raised in a small town in São Paulo, Brazil, where she completed a bachelor’s degree in social communication – journalism at Universidade Paulista and specialized in strategic people management. She served as vice president of membership recruitment and retention for the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) and is a member of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists. Her master’s thesis, titled the Global Campus project, is a public relations campaign aimed at recruiting undergraduate and graduate international students to UNR.
Dr. Anindya Kundu is a sociologist, educator, and writer who studies agency and how individuals can create positive change. He earned his Ph.D. in Sociology of Education from New York University, where he received an outstanding doctoral teaching award. Currently, he is an assistant professor of educational leadership and policy studies at Florida International University. His research focuses on the social and cultural contexts that promote student agency and the achievement of students facing social and economic disadvantages, as well as educational leadership approaches to reduce inequality. Dr. Kundu's TED Talks on the opportunity gap in education and agency have been viewed more than six million times. He is also the author of the award-winning book, *The Power of Student Agency*, and his work has been featured in major media outlets such as USA Today, NPR, and The Miami Herald.
Anna Melissa Romualdez, PhD
A lecturer in psychology at University College London, Anna Melissa Romualdez, PhD, is a leading expert in autism and has a background as a social worker. She currently supervises master's students in psychology and is aware of how test anxiety affects students of many different backgrounds across all educational levels. We asked her a few questions about how to manage test anxiety in grad school.
Anthony Zimmerman Sr., MA
Police Officer Lieutenant (Ret.) Anthony Zimmerman Sr. served 35 years in law enforcement, advancing from a rookie patrol officer to sergeant and ultimately retiring as a lieutenant of police. Throughout his career, he held significant roles including Division Commander of Patrol, Planning, Training and Administration, and SWAT Team Commander in the police departments of Chicago and Crystal Lake, Illinois. Zimmerman earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and a master’s degree in law enforcement administration, funding both through a combination of the GI Bill and the Illinois Military Veterans’ Scholarship Program. His status as a veteran contributed to his career by providing educational benefits that supported his degrees and likely instilled discipline and leadership skills beneficial in criminal justice work.
Antonio Cruz is a mentor with Ivy Scholars, a private college consulting firm. He is a graduate of the University of Chicago with a BA/MA in Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations and serves as the content development lead at Ivy Scholars. Antonio works closely with students to help craft their college applications, including activities and essays, drawing on his deep knowledge of top schools.
Anya Josephs, LMSW, is a psychotherapist based in New York City. Their background includes prior work as a graduate instructor at UCLA and diverse graduate experiences at both UCLA and NYU, which inform their understanding of various modes of learning in graduate schools nationwide. Anya holds a BA in English from Columbia University, an MA in English from UCLA, and an MSW from New York University. They currently practice in a community mental health clinic and maintain a private practice, with a focus on underserved populations.
Arash Fayz has been a professional in education for over 18 years. He began his teaching career as an SAT instructor in 2003 while studying at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he earned a graduate degree in applied mathematics and computer science. After graduating, he discovered a passion for education and a desire to help students succeed. This led him to found Fortune Tutoring Group in 2007. Since then, Fayz has assisted thousands of students from diverse backgrounds to improve their standardized test scores and gain admission to their desired schools. In 2015, Fortune Tutoring merged with LA Tutors 123, expanding their team of tutors and educational services. Fayz now manages the day-to-day operations of LA Tutors 123 and oversees all tutors.
Ariel Sheen received a PhD in Innovation and Technology Management from Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana in Medellin, Colombia. His doctoral research was funded by the Colombian government, the Social Science Research Council, and George Mason University. Sheen has worked as a digital media strategist, data scientist, and business intelligence and management consultant. He has lived in Colombia, Spain, Czechia, and Hungary.
Ashley Schuering is the blogger behind Confessions of a Grocery Addict, a food blog that shares money-saving tricks, time-saving tips, and easy grocery hacks to make being the CFO (Chief Food Officer) of your family easier. She is also a full-time freelance writer, food nerd, SEO expert, and food justice activist. Ashley lives in Nashville, TN with her husband and two 70-pound lap dogs.
Athena Motal is the director of social work recruitment, outreach, and enrollment at Touro College Graduate School of Social Work. She began her career as a social worker in New York City public and private hospitals. Motal earned her Master of Social Work from New York University and completed post-graduate training at New York’s Ackerman Institute for the Family. She holds a PhD in social welfare from Yeshiva University Wurzweiler School of Social Work.
Beverly Gearreald worked as a physician, small business consultant, and college counselor before becoming a community manager at Transizion, a college and career prep company. Her professional background, combined with being an MIT alumna and growing up in Africa, Europe, and North America, has given her a variety of unique firsthand experiences.
To provide some perspective on the challenges and opportunities of being a first-generation graduate student, we spoke with Bishal Dasgupta. He is a digital transformation consultant currently pursuing his MBA with an interest in sustainable business practices. During his career, Dasgupta has facilitated transformation projects for Fortune 500 clients.
Dr. Brett Garland is a professor and head of the Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice at Missouri State University. He earned his Ph.D. in Criminal Justice from the University of Nebraska in 2007. His professional background includes roles as a pre-release coordinator for the Indiana Department of Corrections and as a case worker in a juvenile group home. His research focuses on police and correctional staff work attitudes, behavioral strategies in correctional settings, and public opinion on justice-related issues.
Cache Merrill is an accomplished entrepreneur and technology leader. He is the founder and CTO of Zibtek, a Salt Lake City-based company that provides businesses with teams of U.S.-managed international developers specializing in custom software development. Under his leadership, Zibtek delivers high-quality software solutions across various industries, including real estate, healthcare, AI, and IoT. Prior to founding Zibtek, Cache served as the CTO of Zinch, a platform that connects students with colleges, and played a key role in its successful $50 million acquisition. He has also contributed to the growth of Degreed, an educational technology company, helping it reach a valuation of $100 million. Cache's leadership emphasizes independent thinking, continuous learning, and client-centric solutions, making him a notable figure in technology and entrepreneurship. He lives in Utah, has three children, and enjoys the mountains.
We interviewed Carrie Morgan, SPT (Student of Physical Therapy), who lives in California and is in her final year of her Doctor of Physical Therapy program at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences, San Marcos Campus. She weighs in on the importance of physical activity and how to integrate it naturally into your everyday life. She enjoys snowboarding, running, mountain biking, and spending time with her husband and dogs.
Carson Lang is the co-founder and COO of Test Prep Insight, a test preparation company focused on graduate school exams such as the GRE and GMAT. He works daily with college students preparing for graduate school.
Chelsea Schmitz is a graduate of The Ohio State University with a dual degree in strategic communications and political science. In May 2022, she earned a Master’s in Business Administration with a concentration in business analytics from Ohio University. Throughout her career, she has worked for Slide Nine Agency and The Ohio State University. Her skill set includes digital marketing and traditional public relations, focusing on creating customer-first, compelling content that aligns across all marketing and communications channels and builds thought leadership.
Cheryl Groskopf is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) with master’s degrees in psychology and counseling. She runs a private practice called Evolution to Healing Psychotherapy, located in West Los Angeles and Pasadena, California. Cheryl is a holistic therapist specializing in treating anxiety, trauma (including intergenerational trauma), and improving relationship quality through securing attachment. For more information about her holistic therapy approach, you can visit her website and blog.
Cheryl L. Bedford is an educator, producer, activist, and the founder of the non-profit organization Women of Color Unite. She is also the former Chair of Diversity Development at the New York Film Academy – Los Angeles Branch. Below, she offers insights into how graduate students can encourage inclusivity of LGBTQIA+ voices and reduce discrimination, bullying, and harassment.
Christina Lampert is a sustainability marketer who founded the Sustennial Network, a social channel focused on sustainability business strategies. She has experience in sales, advocating for technological change among brand and shopper marketers in consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies. Christina studies Sustainability Management to develop the skills necessary to build the business case for sustainability. Additionally, she serves as the Director of Growth and Innovation at HowGood, where she helps CPG brands use data to promote sustainable practices. She earned a master's degree in Sustainability Management from Columbia University and has trademarked the term Sustennial, which combines sustainable and millennial to represent a sustainable millennial lifestyle.
Cindy Chanin is the creator of Rainbow EDU Consulting and Tutoring. Over the past 15 years, she has tutored students in virtually every subject, ranging from Honors Chemistry, Trigonometry, Pre-Calculus, American and European History, Literature Analysis, Creative Writing, Spanish, to College Application Preparation and Expert College Admissions Exam Preparation. She has helped many students gain admission to top universities, including Stanford, Yale, Brown, Northwestern, University of Southern California (USC), Oxford, Julliard, and New York University. Cindy's previous work in the admissions departments at Yale and USC gives her insider knowledge that she uses to better serve her students in achieving their educational goals. She founded Rainbow EDU in 2004 with the mission to transform students' lives through personalized education combined with inspirational mentoring and enrichment programs.
Clay Shirky is vice provost for AI and technology in education at New York University (NYU), an associate professor at the Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute, and an associate arts professor in the Tisch School of the Arts’ Interactive Telecommunications Program. He has authored several important books on online groups and social networks and has written columns for publications including Business 2.0 and FEED. His work has appeared in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Harvard Business Review, Wired, Computerworld, and Foreign Affairs. Throughout his career, Shirky has focused on the social, political, and economic effects of Internet technologies while also mentoring others in his field.
Colleen Martin is the Director of the Disability Resource Center at the University of Louisville. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Northern Kentucky University and a Master’s degree in Education from the University of Louisville. Colleen is a member of the Association on Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD) and serves as a board member of its state affiliate, Kentucky AHEAD.
Colleen Stevenson (she/her) is a PhD student with extensive experience working and teaching at the college level. She is also a post-secondary transition coach and founder of Choose Your University, where she helps students plan their post-secondary pathways and become career-ready.
Dave Vuono is an environmental microbiologist and environmental engineer. He studies how microorganisms today have been shaped by environmental stresses in Earth's past. He believes that understanding a microbe's evolutionary history and biochemical machinery provides context for how microbes function in nature. This knowledge can help design and manage systems to improve soil fertility, water reclamation, and resource recovery.
David Schein, MBA, JD, PhD
Dr. David Schein, MBA, JD, Ph.D., is the Director of Graduate Programs at the Cameron School of Business at the University of St. Thomas-Houston. He has held this position for eight years, during which he reviews all applications for the university’s MBA program. Approximately one year before assuming his current role, the university decided to remove the GMAT as an admission requirement to maintain student enrollment, given the school's small size and competitive market.
Dr. Derek A. Smith is an expert in cybersecurity, cyber forensics, healthcare IT, SCADA security, physical security, investigations, organizational leadership, and training. He is currently an IT Supervisor at the Internal Revenue Service and the owner of The Intercessors Investigative and Training Group. Smith is also a cybersecurity professor at the University of Maryland, University College, and Virginia University of Science and Technology.
Don Martin spent 28 years in graduate enrollment and student services as dean of admission at Columbia University, University of Chicago, Northwestern University, and Wheaton College in Illinois. In 2008, he founded Grad School Road Map alongside his book Road Map for Graduate Study: A Guide for Prospective Graduate Students. Over the past 15 years, he has coached more than 650 applicants, with 97% admitted to one or more of their top-choice master's, medical school, law school, business school, and doctoral programs. He holds a master's degree from Wheaton College and a PhD from Northwestern University.
Douglas Gouzie is a professor of geology at Missouri State University specializing in the development and environmental management of cave and karst systems. He has also served as director of graduate studies in the Department of Geography, Geology and Planning. Gouzie holds a PhD in geology and a BS in geology/geophysics, both from the University of Kentucky. Prior to joining Missouri State in 2005, his career included work at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, the California Environmental Protection Agency, and experience as a private environmental consultant.
Dr, Maricel Cigales, PhD, MS
Dr. Maricel Cigales has over 30 years of experience in the field of behavior analysis. She has been a professor at Florida International University since 2008, teaching both graduate and undergraduate courses in behavior analysis. She serves as the director of the Behavior Analysis Master of Science (BAMS) program and is the Associate Dean of Undergraduate Studies for the College of Arts, Sciences and Education. Dr. Cigales holds a Ph.D. and M.S. in psychology from Florida International University and a B.S. in psychology from Louisiana State University. She has worked with individuals of all ages and a broad range of diagnoses, previously directing state-funded behavior analytic service programs in Miami-Dade County and founding Behavior Services Inc.
Dr. Anna Melissa Romualdez, MS
We spoke with Dr. Anna Melissa Romualdez, who holds master's degrees from Columbia University and University College London and now advises and supervises master's students at University College London in psychology. In addition to working with graduate students, Dr. Romualdez is an autism researcher who specializes in issues of workplace accessibility. Dr. Romualdez shares her experiences as a master's student and master's advisor and offers advice for prospective master's students.
Dr. Bibi Pirayesh is an educational therapist and disability advocate based in Los Angeles. She works directly with neurodivergent students and frequently speaks about learning disabilities as a social justice issue. Her upcoming book, which will introduce a social justice framework in special education, is scheduled for release in Fall 2024 through Heinemann Publishing.
We spoke with Dr. Dustin Goltz, PhD (Arizona State University), who teaches communications at DePaul University. He offers courses in performance studies, intercultural communication, and media representation, with a particular focus on gender and sexuality, polarization, whiteness, humor, queer theory, and cultural studies. As an artist and performer, Goltz creates solo and collaborative multimedia work. His latest project, *Fred Astaire's Dancing Lessons*, is a 70-minute, one-person multimedia performance exploring changing perceptions of queer male mentorship over the past 40 years. As a communication expert, Dr. Goltz shared his insights on student-professor communication in online environments.
Dr. J. Gordon Arbuckle, PhD
Dr. J. Gordon Arbuckle is a professor of rural sociology and faculty advisor in the graduate program in sustainable agriculture at Iowa State University. His research and extension efforts focus on improving the environmental and social performance of agricultural systems. In this interview, he draws from his advising experience to help answer questions about supporting graduate students through their master’s program.
Dr. Jennifer Bradtke, PhD
Dr. Jennifer Bradtke is a licensed clinical psychologist, board-certified group psychotherapist, certified Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) instructor, and the founder of ChangeWorks Psychology Ltd. She has over 10 years of experience developing and leading departments and programs at university counseling centers. Dr. Bradtke has presented internationally at conferences and authored articles on the use of humor in psychotherapy, gratitude, mindfulness, and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). She is dedicated to helping individuals live intentional, value-driven lives.
Dr. Lisa Wright has 30 years of experience as a healthcare clinician, administrator, and academic researcher. She is the Chair of the Master in Healthcare Administration program at Claremont Lincoln University. For over five years, Dr. Wright has led students in service-learning projects in Chiang Mai, Thailand, and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, offering immersion in the culture, language, and academic environments. She also serves as a reviewer for several professional organizations and journals, volunteers as a Guardian Ad Litem for the state of Florida, and teaches ballet to young children with disabilities on a volunteer basis.
Dr. Franco — a first-generation college graduate with a PhD in higher education leadership — has worked in higher education for more than 20 years, campaigning for greater college access and achievement among underserved and underrepresented students. She is also the founder of AZ HSI Consortium, the cofounder of the STEM in HSI Working Group, and has written several publications advocating for improved practices at HSIs. We spoke with Dr. Franco about the perks of enrolling in an HSI like the University of Arizona.
Dr. Michael Rip is the founding director of the postgraduate Healthcare Management program in the Broad College of Business at Michigan State University. Born in Cape Town, South Africa, he graduated from the University of Cape Town and spent seven years working in the Department of Community Health at the University of Cape Town Medical School before immigrating to the USA. Before his current role, Dr. Rip was the founding director of the postgraduate Public Health program in the College of Human Medicine at Michigan State University and worked for about 15 years in MSU’s Department of Epidemiology.
Dr. Rachel Tome Valencia Hamilton, PhD
We spoke with Dr. Rachel Tome Valencia Hamilton about some of the financial and social aspects of being a trans graduate student. She graduated in 2021 with a doctorate in geography and the environment from Oxford University and currently lives in Finland with her spouse.
We recently interviewed Dr. Richard Shadick, director of the Counseling Center at Pace University. Dr. Shadick works daily with graduate students and provided valuable insights on dealing with imposter syndrome. He earned his PhD in Clinical Psychology from Pennsylvania State University and a certificate in psychoanalysis from the William Alanson White Institute. In addition to his role as Director of the Counseling Center at Pace University, Dr. Shadick is an adjunct faculty member in the Psychology Department. He also serves as a board member of the Association for College Counseling Center Directors.
Elise Phillips is a high school teacher and writes at The Will to Teach.
Elizabeth Rachel Virgen, MEd
Born and raised in Longview, Texas, Elizabeth attended the University of Texas at Tyler and earned a Bachelor of Science in history with a minor in social studies and a teaching certification. She worked for eight years as a special education inclusion teacher in the Longview Independent School District (ISD) before returning to school to earn a Master of Education in special education with an educational diagnostician certification. Currently, she works for Longview ISD as an educational diagnostician.
Em Gormley, LCSW, is a psychotherapist at Thomas Jefferson University and in private practice in Philadelphia. He received a master’s degree in social work from the University of Pennsylvania in 2016. His clinical specialties include working with LGBTQIA+ communities, trauma, and harm reduction.
Emily Walker Heady is Partner and Chief Academic Officer at Magellan Learning Solutions. Previously, she served as the Associate Vice President of Admissions and Retention at Longwood University and as Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education at Liberty University, where she also directed the Graduate Writing Center. Emily holds a PhD in Victorian Literature from Indiana University and has published and presented extensively in that field as well as on broader issues within higher education.
Eva Keller is a travel and tourism professional with over 10 years of experience in the industry. She earned her master’s degree in hospitality and tourism from the University of Central Florida through an online program while managing both full-time and part-time jobs. Currently, she shares travel tips on a blog that she co-writes with her partner called Discovering Hidden Gems. She also offers advice on balancing work with graduate school.
Fatema Jivanjee-Shakir, LMSW
Fatema Jivanjee-Shakir, LMSW, is a therapist, writer, and speaker specializing in eating disorders, trauma, depression, anxiety, relationship challenges, and working with individuals of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) identities. She has extensive experience with adults and adolescents through individual, group, and family therapy across residential, partial hospitalization (PHP), intensive outpatient (IOP), and outpatient care levels. Fatema serves as a Primary Therapist at The Renfrew Center, maintains a private practice at Conason Psychological Services, and is a Board Member of the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals New York chapter. She approaches therapy with a warm, collaborative, trauma-informed, and culturally-aware style, integrating methods such as CBT, DBT, cognitive processing therapy, mindfulness, and psychodynamic approaches. Fatema embraces a Health at Every Size perspective and is committed to social justice, body diversity, and working with BIPOC clients, particularly those from South Asian and Muslim backgrounds.
Fred Amrein is the founder and CEO of PayForED.com. He is a nationally recognized expert in the entire college funding and student loan repayment process. Fred's unique approach helps students and parents envision the financial outcome of a college education by combining the financial aid process, college saving plans, educational tax strategies, student financing, and loan repayment options. He has over 30 years of combined corporate finance, technology, and personal financial planning expertise and developed the first comprehensive college funding and student loan repayment software suite. Fred holds a BS in Accounting and Marketing and an MBA in Finance from Saint Joseph’s University. He is the author of a book and various CFP-approved training programs and has been quoted in national publications such as the Wall Street Journal, Money Magazine, and US News. Fred is dedicated to preventing and solving the student debt crisis through his company PayForED, which provides software, training, and consulting services in this field.
Grant Aldrich is the founder and CEO of OnlineDegree.com, an educational platform offering tuition-free college-level courses. He has over 18 years of experience in leading companies from founding to exit, with expertise in partnership development, marketing, public relations, sales, and overall business strategy and growth. Driven by his own experience graduating with substantial student debt, Grant's mission is to make higher education more accessible and affordable for everyone. OnlineDegree.com allows anyone to register quickly, take unlimited college-level courses online, and earn credits toward degrees without cost, providing an alternative to traditional junior colleges and reducing financial barriers to education.
Greg Rosenhan has more than 10 years of experience working in the digital landscape, starting as a Digital Art Director for a large ad agency in Chicago. Since then, he has worked with large and small businesses on web design and development, product design, advertising, marketing, and more. He enjoys using technology to improve processes and simplify the user experience.
Gregory R. Ciottone, MD, FACEP, FFSEM, is a Medical Director, Paramedic, EMT, and Master in Health Emergency Management at Anna Maria College. He is an associate professor of emergency medicine and a leader in disaster medicine and emergency management. Dr. Ciottone has extensive experience in disaster medicine education, fieldwork, and research, and has held significant roles such as director of the Division of Disaster Medicine at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and director of the Disaster Medicine Fellowship Program. He has also served as president of the World Association for Disaster and Emergency Medicine and is the editor-in-chief of the leading textbook Ciottone’s Disaster Medicine. Dr. Ciottone has consulted for several U.S. federal agencies, including the State Department, Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Homeland Security, Department of Justice, and the White House Medical Unit. His career includes notable achievements such as recognition by the Physician to the President for outstanding support to the White House Medical Unit, receiving the Disaster Medical Sciences Award from the American College of Emergency Physicians, and the American Academy of Disaster Medicine Distinguished Service Award.
Heather Pellett earned a master’s degree in special education with an emphasis on early childhood from the University of Nevada, Reno, in 2015. She will return to the same school in 2023 to pursue a master’s degree in speech pathology. She currently works for the State of Nevada’s Early Intervention Services as a developmental specialist, helping children under age three who have disabilities. She manages all of this as a single parent to three children aged 9, 11, and 13.
Ian Servin is a Continuity Specialist on the Emergency Management team at the Department of Energy's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in Berkeley, California. He earned his Master's in Emergency Management from Georgetown University in 2022, focusing on emergency communication and community engagement. His capstone project included a survey exploring the use of social media by emergency management practitioners. Ian also volunteers with the Red Cross as a Government Operations and Disaster Action Team volunteer, coordinating mass care responses in partnership with government agencies and deploying nationwide to large-scale disasters.
Jack Wang works with families throughout the U.S. to help them maximize aid and pay for college efficiently without wrecking their finances. A regular guest on various personal finance podcasts, Mr. Wang has been quoted in publications like Forbes, CBS News, Business Insider, and GoBankingRates. He is also the host of the up-and-coming “Smart College Buyer” podcast.
We’ve interviewed Dr. Jackie Darby, a licensed psychologist and certified group psychotherapist in the Washington, DC, area. She is the owner of The Unconscious Shift, a wellness consulting agency that focuses on providing workshops on mental health wellness to community organizations.
James Monahan, EdD, is the Director of Graduate and International Admissions at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE). He holds a BA from the University of Michigan, an MA in Urban Affairs from Saint Louis University, and an EdD in Education Leadership and Policy Analysis from the University of Missouri-Columbia.
Jamie Nelson is a veteran teacher at Manhattan Prep with approximately 20 years of experience teaching the GMAT exam to thousands of aspiring business school students. She has achieved a GMAT score of 770 and earned a perfect 800 on the earlier pencil and paper version. Nelson has trained and managed new GMAT instructors and takes great satisfaction in helping students master challenging material and achieve the scores they need.
Jamie Smith is an attorney and writer who has been teaching college students for over 15 years. She lives in Washington, DC.
Janelle Raymundo is the Director of Communications at Swipe Out Hunger, where she leads the organization's communications strategy to support their work in ending college student hunger. She also has experience working in higher education in marketing and communications as well as student services administration.
Janet Denney is a public health school liaison who collaborated with the CDC Foundation to support the Athens City-County Health Department during the COVID-19 pandemic. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Health and Health Services Administration from Ohio University. Her work involved COVID-19 case investigations, managing immunization records for students, and assisting in controlling SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks in the community.
Jeanne Kelly is an author, speaker, and coach who helps people understand credit reporting, achieve higher credit scores, and combat identity theft. She is the founder of The Kelly Group and the author of the books The 90-Day Credit Challenge and The Credit Makeover. Jeanne Kelly is a nationally recognized authority on credit consulting and credit scores.
Jena Wayt has been the librarian for Spring Hill Primary and Intermediate libraries in Longview, Texas since 2021. She manages campus budgets, purchases books, maintains an organized library system, and teaches classes daily. She earned a master’s degree in media design and technology from Full Sail University in 2012 and a master’s in library information science from the University of North Texas in 2019. An avid reader, she enjoys exploring various genres, sharing books, and helping students develop a love of reading.
Jennifer Vincent, LMHC, CSAYC, is the owner of The Brave Life Therapy in Indianapolis, IN. She is a licensed mental health counselor and clinical supervisor. She provides mental health therapy to individuals and families dealing with mood disorders, trauma, gender identity, family and generational abuse, and cult recovery. Jennifer earned a master’s degree in mental health counseling online from Capella University.
Jeremy O’Neil, JD, CPA, MBA, FACHE, FHFMA, is currently a hospital administrator with Providence Valdez Medical Center (PVMC), an organization known for strong financial performance and efficient revenue cycle practices. He offers insights into preparing for and passing the CPA exam.
Joa Ahern-Seronde is a test prep and admissions consultant with over a decade of experience providing strategic services to students internationally. She specializes in academic and career advice, helping individuals excel in standardized tests, secure acceptances to educational programs and jobs, and achieve their career goals. Ahern-Seronde is the co-founder of JEM Achievement, a woman-owned online test prep and admissions consultancy that offers tailored and flexible support regardless of location.
Jon Morgan is the CEO and Editor-in-Chief of Venture Smarter, a leading consulting firm specializing in helping startups and small businesses scale and grow. With over nine years of experience, Jon has extensive expertise in strategic planning, market research, and financial analysis. Born and raised in California, he earned his MBA from the University of California, Davis, where he also held a graduate assistantship. Beyond his consulting work, Jon is a sought-after speaker and author, sharing his insights on business growth and success with global audiences.
Julianna Coughlin, MS, LDN
Julianna Coughlin, M.S., R.D., LDN, majored in nutrition and dietetics at Framingham State University. She graduated in the spring of 2015 with a Bachelor of Science and passed the Registered Dietitian exam in July 2015. She earned a Master of Science in dietetics from the University of Nebraska Lincoln in May 2020. Julianna has worked as a dietitian in long-term care for five years and is committed to providing the best nutrition care to all her residents.
Karen Libber Fishbein, MSW
Karen Libber Fishbein, MSW, LCSW, is a clinical social worker providing psychotherapy in private practice in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Her practice specializes in working with young adults ages 18-40. Previously, Karen was a therapist in college counseling at Temple University, where she focused on supporting students regarding relationships, anxiety, depression, adjustment to life changes, and managing life and academic stress.
We spoke with Kat Mitchell, who holds a Master’s degree in publishing from Oxford University in the UK. We asked her about the financial aspects of funding her graduate education as an American studying abroad, and what advice she would give to aspiring graduate students concerned about the financial impact of their studies.
Katherine Friedman is an educator, mother, writer, and program co-director at LA Tutors. She holds an MA in special education from George Washington University and a BA in government from Claremont McKenna College. Originally from Long Beach, California, she traveled extensively, including spending two years in the Peace Corps in Jamaica, before settling in Los Angeles 11 years ago. She has eight years of full-time classroom teaching experience and hundreds of hours of tutoring, making her a versatile and experienced educator.
Katherine Zavodni is a registered dietitian, nutrition therapist, and certified eating disorder dietitian dedicated to helping individuals tune out external pressures to enjoy food and find peace with their bodies. She empowers people to resist societal messages that portray bodies as problems to be fixed. Katherine specializes in eating disorder treatment, intuitive eating, chronic dieting, weight concerns, and family and childhood feeding dynamics. She practices a non-diet, Health At Every Size® approach and advocates for weight-neutral nutrition therapy. Katherine also works on developing nutrition education curricula for children that promote body trust and empowerment. She can be found online at kznutrition.com and hosts the podcast Feeding Humans.
Kathleen Hyde, MCIS, MBA, is the Chair of Cybersecurity Programs for Champlain College Online. She oversees the online cybersecurity and computer forensics and digital investigations undergraduate programs, as well as the MS in digital forensic science program. As program director, she ensures these programs remain competitive and relevant, supports the growth of the national cybersecurity workforce, and teaches several online classes, sharing her passion for lifelong learning.
Katie Sullivan, Doctorate
Katie Sullivan holds a doctorate in organizational communication and is an associate professor as well as the director of graduate studies in the Department of Communication at the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs (UCCS). Her research focuses on diversity and inclusion, branding, and social media well-being. Alongside her teaching and research responsibilities, Sullivan is certified in yoga, social emotional well-being, and Koru Mindfulness, a program tailored for young adults. She conducts mindfulness meditation classes aimed at graduate students seeking stress relief, improved work-life balance, and enhanced well-being.
Kelly Stone holds an MA in English Composition. Just before starting graduate school, she was diagnosed with PTSD, Anxiety, and Depression, which created some challenges for her as she navigated graduate school. She shares her experience with us below. Kelly writes about climate change and social justice issues. When she’s not writing, you can find her outside with her husband and their delightful dog.
When choosing a one-year master’s degree program, consulting past students can provide valuable insights. Kentucky Morrow, who majored in economics at Emory University, pursued a one-year online master’s in healthcare management from Johns Hopkins University. He shared how this degree equipped him with the skills needed to become Vice President of Finance and later co-founder of Ralli Alcohol Health. Kentucky holds an M.S. in Healthcare Management from Johns Hopkins University and a B.A. in Economics with concentrations in Finance and Political Science from Emory University. He is currently a Principal at Dental Innovation Alliance, where he leads investment sourcing, execution, and portfolio support. Previously, he served as Vice President of Investment Banking at England & Company, advising companies on mergers, acquisitions, capital raising, and strategic initiatives. In addition to co-founding Ralli, a consumer packaged goods company focused on alcohol health and wellness, he also serves on boards such as Milk & Bull and an advisory board for benzodiazepine prescribing best practices.
Kesslyn Brade Stennis, PhD, MDiv, MSW
Kesslyn Brade Stennis, PhD, MDiv, MSW, is the director of the Minority Fellowship Program (MFP), which includes the MFP fellowship for master’s students at the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Prior to this role, she was a full professor of social work and served as the executive director of the Dr. Dorothy I. Height Center for the Advancement of Social Justice at Coppin State University.
Kim Nelson joined the School of Government at UNC in August 2013. She was named Albert and Gladys Hall Coates Distinguished Term Associate Professor for 2017-2019. Her research on the form of government, corruption, and innovation has been published in Public Administration Review, The American Review of Public Administration, State and Local Government Review, and other journals. As a member of the Center for Public Leadership, she provides training and advice on leadership and management topics. She serves on the editorial boards of The American Review of Public Administration and State and Local Government Review.
Krystal Walker is the Director of Wellness Education at Youth Equipped to Succeed. She joined Youth Equipped to Succeed in July 2019 through the merger with Aim for Success, where she had been working since 2013. In her role, Krystal leads a team of professional speakers who deliver wellness education programs in schools and communities. She also chairs the YES Program Development Review and Evaluation Committee (PDRE), which includes licensed counselors, educators, law enforcement, and medical professionals. This committee ensures that the wellness education programs are based on credible research and provide effective, engaging content. Krystal holds a bachelor's degree in rehabilitation psychology from the University of Wisconsin and a master's degree in Christian education from Dallas Theological Seminary. She lives in Aubrey, Texas with her husband and their daughter.
Lafe Smith is the director of the Master of Arts in Graphic and Web Design program and teaches within the MA and Continuing Education programs at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design. He also works as a freelance illustrator. Lafe holds a BA in Art from the University of Iowa and an MFA in Sequential Art from the Savannah College of Art and Design. His teaching goal is to help guide students in developing their creative voice and skill sets into a clear, industry-focused career path.
Lauren Walter is a Senior Content Strategist at Online Optimism, a digital marketing agency with offices in New Orleans and Atlanta. She earned a Master of Fine Arts degree in creative writing, specializing in poetry, from the University of New Orleans.
Dr. Lienna Wilson is a clinical psychologist in Princeton, NJ who specializes in anxiety disorders and works with university students. She has trained in several college counseling centers, including Princeton University, where she completed her postdoctoral fellowship.
Lilian Chen is the co-founder and COO of Bar None Games, a leading virtual team-building platform that has partnered with over 1,500 companies to help their hybrid and remote teams feel connected. At Bar None Games, Lilian oversees operations, marketing, finance, and customer success. She holds a master’s degree in business administration and entrepreneurship from New York University. Before co-founding Bar None Games, Lilian launched startups while working at an early-stage venture capital firm.
Lindsay Fried holds a B.B.A. in Business Management from the University of Miami. After graduating, she worked on marketing and investor relations teams for several alternative investment funds with assets up to $3 billion. She discovered a passion for college planning and founded Simply Admissions after earning a Certificate in Independent Educational Consulting from the University of California, Irvine. Lindsay is a member of the Georgia College Counseling Association (GCCA), the Southern Association for College Admission Counseling (SACAC), and a professional member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA).
Linsey is a Midwest-based author, public speaker, and online education consultant. She has 15 years of experience creating content that helps students get more out of their educational journey.
Ludmila N. Praslova, PhD, SHRM-SCP, is a professor of psychology and the founding director of the Graduate Programs in Industrial-Organizational Psychology at Vanguard University of Southern California. She is dedicated to helping organizations develop cultures where people from diverse backgrounds understand each other and thrive. Praslova uses her extensive experience in global, cultural, demographic, and ability diversity to foster inclusive and equitable workplaces. She has written for Fast Company, Harvard Business Review, Psychology Today, and the SHRM blog. Additionally, she serves as the editor of the upcoming book, *Evidence-Based Organizational Practices for Diversity, Inclusion, Belonging and Equity* (Cambridge Scholars).
Dr. Lydia Huerta is an assistant professor of gender, race, and identity at the University of Nevada, Reno. She specializes in 20th and 21st century cultural studies of the Americas, focusing on the relationship between social media and narratives about the U.S./Mexico border. Her primary research investigates cultural production in response to the women killings in Ciudad Juárez since 1993. Additionally, her interests include social movements, cultural narratives, and public policies in the United States and Mexico, highlighting issues concerning undocumented populations, particularly women and LGBTQ migrants.
Lynn Pierson began her career at Bucknell University 16 years ago in the Office of Housing and Residential Life. In 2010, she was promoted to Assistant Director for Community Service in the Office of Civic Engagement, where she played a key role in managing the Community Harvest Hot Meal Program, Snack Pack Program, and other local outreach initiatives. She later served as Associate Director for Community Engaged Leadership and Internship Director. Most recently, she was appointed Director of the Office of Civic Engagement.
Mario Jovan is an artist, storyteller, life coach, and mindfulness instructor. He uses these tools to help people be present, find peace, and fulfill their life purpose. He began his career as a 7th-grade teacher in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, where he created the Brotherhood, a program addressing the needs of young Black males in his classroom. He later co-founded a multimillion-dollar organization focused on retaining male educators of color through mindfulness practices. Mario Jovan has been recognized by Forbes as one of the 30 Under 30 for his work as a social innovator.
Mark Aspelin helps companies develop conservation strategies that benefit both biodiversity and business. He is the founder and CEO of Profitable Conservation LLC and the author of *Profitable Conservation: Business Strategies That Boost Your Bottom Line, Protect Wildlife, and Conserve Biodiversity*. Mark holds a BS in biology from the University of Notre Dame, an MS in Biology from Creighton University, and an MBA with concentrations in natural resource and environmental management and operations management from the University of Texas at Austin. He has worked with organizations such as The Nature Conservancy, The Coca-Cola Company, Intel Corporation, UnitedHealth Group, and companies in the oil, gas, and transportation sectors.
Mark Kantrowitz is an expert on student financial aid, the FAFSA, scholarships, 529 plans, education tax benefits, and student loans. His mission is to deliver practical information, advice, and tools to students and their families so they can make smarter, more informed decisions about planning and paying for college. He has been quoted in more than 10,000 newspaper and magazine articles about college admissions and financial aid. Mark is the author of five bestselling books about scholarships and financial aid, including his most recent book, How to Appeal for More College Financial Aid. He serves on the editorial board of the Journal of Student Financial Aid and is a member of the board of trustees of the Center for Excellence in Education.
For more insight into how schools support low-income graduate students, we spoke with Melanie Hanson, the editor in chief at Education Data Initiative, whose mission is to help past, current, and future college students navigate the financial obstacles between them and a quality education.
Michael Pauldine is a licensed psychologist at the University of Nevada, Reno Counseling Services. He specializes in psychological assessment and coordinates the assessment program at Counseling Services. His expertise includes assessment of ADHD, learning disabilities, and internalizing disorders. Michael's professional interests also involve working with students facing anxiety, trauma, OCD, adjustment, and interpersonal problems. Additionally, he enjoys supporting students from diverse backgrounds, LGBTQIA+ students, and graduate/medical students.
Mirna Vuksan is the marketing director for Lonely Axe. Before taking on this role, she earned her master’s degree in sociology and managed a community center that assisted those in need. In that capacity, she was involved in tasks such as collecting and preparing food, gathering clothes, maintaining the space, and organizing events.
Nancy Szwydek is the Assistant Dean and Director of Quality Assurance for the ground health programs at Purdue Global. In 2016, she became the academic program chair for the health information management, health informatics, and billing and coding programs. She led the approval of the American Health Information Management Association Professional Certificate Approval Program (PCAP) for the billing and coding program and secured the Approved Education Partner (AEP) designation for the master of health informatics and health information management programs. Before her career in education, she worked as a registered nurse for over 30 years. Ms. Szwydek earned her Associate of Applied Science (AAS), Bachelor of Health Science (BHS), and Master of Public Health (MPH) degrees from Kaplan University (now Purdue University Global), and holds a Nursing Diploma from Maryland General Hospital School of Nursing.
Natalie Burick is the director of Disability Services and Rock Life at Slippery Rock University (SRU) of Pennsylvania. She works with students with disabilities to ensure equitable access and the removal of barriers throughout their college careers. Burick is the recent winner of the SRU Breaking Barriers Award, which recognizes one staff member each year for demonstrating advocacy, leadership, and empowerment for students with disabilities.
Nicole Anderson is the owner and CEO of MEND HR Solutions, a human resources solutions and recruiting firm based in West Palm Beach, Florida. She has extensive knowledge of employment law across the United States and Canada. Nicole earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in human resources management from American InterContinental University in Weston, Florida. She is currently authoring her first book on the future of human resources, discussing why HR must adopt a more business-minded approach, the necessity for HR managers to collaborate with leaders to develop strategies that impact the bottom line, and how effective HR can add value to companies beyond merely creating and enforcing policies. Nicole founded MEND in 2017 after holding leadership roles in legal, retail, and manufacturing industries. Her firm provides comprehensive HR services, including employee training, organizational development, recruiting, policy management, and employee engagement, except payroll. She also leads MEND Recruiting, focusing on high-level specialty positions to place the right professionals in the right roles. Nicole is recognized for advocating for modern, inclusive workplace cultures and bridging generational differences in the workforce.
Patricia Roberts is the COO of Gift of College, Inc., an organization dedicated to helping individuals save for college and reduce student loan debt. She has assisted students and families in financing the college experience, including accelerated degree programs that suit their needs.
Pavel Shlossberg, PhD, MA
Dr. Pavel Shlossberg is an Associate Professor of Communication & Leadership Studies and Department Chair at Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington. He is the author of the book *Crafting Identity* (published by the University of Arizona Press) and currently serves as Associate Editor for The Latin American Research Review as well as an editorial board member for the Journal of International and Intercultural Communication and the Journal of Hate Studies. Dr. Shlossberg earned his BA (cum laude) from Williams College in Williamstown, Massachusetts, and received his Ph.D. and MA from Columbia University in New York City. Before joining Gonzaga, he was a postdoctoral fellow at the University of New Mexico and a lecturer at the University of Virginia.
Pedro Braz is passionate about finance, marketing, and technology. He is a growth marketer for several online businesses and the co-founder of Investing in the Web, known as the TripAdvisor of investment fintech. Before starting his personal finance business, he self-funded his MBA in economics and management.
Rachel Coleman is an independent education consultant at College Essay Editor. She has over seven years of experience in undergraduate and graduate college counseling, assisting students across various fields—including medical school, MBA, law school, Master’s, and Ph.D. programs—with navigating the application process and improving their essays. She earned her B.A. in Comparative Literature from Stanford University, where she served as head tutor at the Hume Center for Writing and Speaking. She also holds a College Counseling Certificate from UCLA and is an active member of the Higher Education Consultants Association (HECA).
Assistant Professor Ramona Beltrán from the University of Denver focuses on centering cultural protective factors, strengths, and resiliencies in Indigenous populations to interrupt the intergenerational transmission of historical trauma. She has worked with Latino and Indigenous communities for over 15 years, utilizing the arts, dance and movement, digital media, and narrative. Her research has been funded by the National Institutes of Health and addresses health, mental health, and substance abuse disparities in these communities. Beltrán is passionate about teaching and believes social work classrooms can be transformative spaces where students bridge theory and practice through embodied and experiential learning.
Dr. Robert Richardson is a Scholarly Assistant Professor in the Edward R. Murrow College of Communication at Washington State University – Everett. He earned his doctorate in American Studies from Washington State University and holds master’s and bachelor’s degrees from Northern Michigan University.
Rohin Sharma is the Senior Middle East/Terrorism Analyst at the US Army. He is responsible for briefing senior Army leadership, including the Chief of Staff, on all issues relevant to current operations in the CENTCOM region. He coordinates open source and intelligence information to keep the Army informed about threats and the current situation related to ISIS, Al Qaeda, and major Middle Eastern trends.Previously, Rohin worked at the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA), where he analyzed threats and assessed vulnerabilities related to Weapons of Mass Destruction and nuclear proliferation. He also served as an analyst with the Department of Defense, focusing on the improvised explosive device (IED) problem set, integrating academia, industry, and the intelligence community to counter this threat. He was recognized as a subject matter expert and briefed at numerous conferences, meetings, and congressional forums.Rohin served seven years on active duty in the US Army as an intelligence officer. During his service, he deployed to Operation Iraqi Freedom as a Battalion S-2 with the 101st Airborne Division and was a J2 planner during Operation Enduring Freedom from 2003 to 2004. He also served as a ground surveillance platoon leader in the Republic of Korea in 2001.
Ryan Maestro is a financial industry professional and author of WantFI, a financial resource dedicated to helping everyday people understand the complexities of personal finance. He has ten years of experience in the financial services industry, initially working as a portfolio strategist at the asset management division of a major bank, and currently employed at one of the largest bank holding companies globally. Ryan holds a Master of Science in Computational Finance, a Master of Arts in Economics, and a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics. He has a deep passion for investing and brings 25 years of market experience.
Ryan Maxwell holds an MSc in Finance, Economics, and Econometrics from City University London and is CTO at FirstRate Data, a financial data provider.
Samantha Kaiser graduated from American University with a Master of Arts in International Communication. She is passionate about intercultural connectedness and celebrating cultural differences. She has worked in higher education, encouraging students to learn, live, and work abroad. Samantha is a self-published author of the book *Become a Better You Abroad* and runs The Lifestyle Travelers Outdoor Travel Blog. She currently works in conservation and aims to apply her academic knowledge to address the global climate crisis.
Mr. Sanket Shah is a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago, within the College of Applied Health Sciences, Department of Biomedical and Health Information Sciences (BHIS). He has developed course curricula focusing on healthcare business intelligence, healthcare data, knowledge management, and health data science. Professor Shah brings extensive executive management and technology innovation experience, with a broad background in healthcare information technology across provider, payer, government, and vendor sectors. Over the past 15 years, he has held roles in executive management, system design, logical database architecture, product management, consulting, and healthcare value measurement within the healthcare industry.
Sarah Sheehan is a writer, educator, and analyst who focuses on the impact of health, gender, and geography on financial equity. Her ultimate goal is to live beyond the confines of chasing the next dollar and to teach everyone else how to do the same.
Dr. Scott DeLoach is a Professor and the Head of the Department of Computer Science at Kansas State University. He served in the United States Air Force from 1981 to 2001. During his military service, he earned a B.S. in Computer Engineering from Iowa State University in 1982, followed by an M.S. in 1987 and a Ph.D. in 1996, both in Computer Engineering from the Air Force Institute of Technology. Dr. DeLoach joined K-State's Department of Computing and Information Sciences faculty in 2001 and was appointed the permanent head of the Department of Computer Science in 2016 after serving as interim head since 2014. He has authored over 20 journal articles and book chapters, 17 technical reports, and 70 refereed conference and workshop papers in the field of computer science. His research primarily focuses on software engineering methods applied to intelligent, complex, adaptive, and autonomous multiagent and distributed systems, with current applications including smart grid power distribution and adaptive network security.
Shawn Blue, Psy.D., is a licensed psychologist and Clinical Associate Professor at Thomas Jefferson University. She serves as a staff psychologist in the Student Counseling Center and is the Outreach Coordinator, overseeing all workshops and programs offered by the Counseling Center. Dr. Blue has authored several scholarly works, including the 2017 book *Grief and Romantic Relationship Dissolution* and the 2020 book *The Psychology of Modern Dating: Websites, Apps, and Relationships*.
We interviewed Sheila Johnston, a teacher who advocates pursuing a master’s degree to better support career goals. Sheila used her challenging upbringing, which included alcoholism and mental, physical, and emotional abuse, to motivate herself to get a college education and mentor others. She is now a proud wife, mother, teacher, mentor, and motivator.
Stefan Maisnier is MyGuru's director of online tutoring. He holds a bachelor's degree in Communication from the University of Southern California and a master's degree in Journalism from Northwestern University. He has been a test prep expert for nearly two decades, helping hundreds of students gain admission to top universities, writing thousands of GRE practice problems, and sharing test-taking tips at global institutions including Northeastern Illinois University and ESMT Berlin. He has scored in the 99th percentile or higher on a variety of standardized tests such as the ACT, Executive Assessment, GMAT, GRE, LSAT, MAT, and SAT.
Stephanie Jeret is a speech-language pathologist and the owner of Speak with Stephanie LLC. She earned her bachelor's and master's degrees from the City University of New York. Stephanie has worked in various settings including outpatient rehabilitation, telepractice, skilled nursing facilities, schools, and private practice. Her experience balancing life, work, and school has helped her develop strong time management and productivity skills, which she incorporates into the support she provides to her clients.
Svetlana Kouznetsova (Sveta) is an independent consultant and accessibility trailblazer based in the New York City area. She helps businesses make their mainstream web, media, and events more accessible. Sveta is the founder of Audio Accessibility and provides consultation on improving communication and information access for 466 million deaf and hard of hearing people worldwide. She is a book author and an international speaker. Her TEDx talk highlights the benefits of high-quality captioning that increase audience reach and ROI for businesses. Sveta holds an MS degree in Internet Technology and has over 20 years of experience in design, technology, and accessibility. Her combination of personal experience with deafness and professional expertise in accessibility offers valuable insight into the importance of accessibility.
Tasca Tolson is a trauma-informed mental health educator with TMT Consulting. She is a skilled mental health professional with years of experience in various roles within the mental health field. She has specialized in treating substance abuse and alcoholism for many years and now also works closely with teens and adults experiencing depression, relationship issues, and recovery from trauma. She works with individuals from a wide range of backgrounds, with a special emphasis on supporting historically marginalized populations.
To gain more perspective on the benefits of a gap year, we sat down with Tenayah Jade, an MBA student at Southern New Hampshire University. Originally from Brisbane, Australia, Tenayah moved to Toledo, OH in 2013. She graduated with her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Digital and Photographic Arts from the University of Toledo in 2020, a degree that allowed her to explore themes of storytelling, escapism, and the pursuit of curiosity. Tenayah’s work has been included in the University of Toledo’s Student Juried Exhibition by Alli Hoag, When + Where,” Society for Photographic Education Midwest Juried Student Exhibition, and the American Frame Student Showcase. She is the recipient of multiple awards, including the Walbridge Sinclair Scholarship and the Jurors' Award, and earned second place in the University of Toledo’s Juried Student Exhibition by Alli Hoag.
Teresa DeNike, BS CCSH, is a board-certified clinical sleep educator, national speaker, and the founder of Sleep Better NYC. Her expertise includes sleep apnea, sleep hygiene, and mindset for sleep and overall wellbeing. After 14 years in healthcare sales and consulting, Teresa observed many family, friends, and patients struggling with conventional sleep support pathways. She founded Sleep Better NYC as a solution. Teresa lives in Brooklyn, NY with her husband. She enjoys boxing workouts, Italian food, and occasionally wine and whiskey.
Thomas Long works as the Field Contract Administrator at Arcadis in Brooklyn, New York. He completed an M.S. in Construction Management at New York University in 2011 and applied the skills and knowledge gained from the program at the New York City Department of Environmental Protection before taking on his current role. He has more than twenty years of experience in the construction management industry.
Tiffany Hoffman is currently pursuing a master’s degree in clinical mental health at the University of Nevada, Reno. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and works as an administrative professional in the Office of the Dean in UNR’s School of Medicine.
Tiffany Kayar is a public relations professional with nearly ten years of experience across sales, branding, marketing, and media. She holds a Master of Information Technology from the iSchool and an honors Bachelor of Science with distinction in Cognitive Science and Media Technology from the University of Toronto.
Troy Portillo is the Director of Operations of Studypool, an online learning platform dedicated to helping millions of students worldwide with their studies. He draws from his experience working in the MOOCs space to address key questions about MOOCs and how they can assist graduate students in enhancing their skills or earning their degrees.
Yessenia Hernandez is a motivated leader passionate about working with young adults and overseeing their academic success. She is excited for the opportunity to continue supporting students by helping first-generation immigrant students transition to college, find resources, become involved on campus, and familiarize themselves with Dominican University. As a recent MSW graduate, Yessenia looks forward to working with community organizations that provide support to undocumented students and communities.
Zemirah Weber is a licensed professional counselor based in Michigan who works with people from many walks of life. In this interview, Zemirah shares her advice on maintaining mental health as a grad student and beyond.
Zeynep Behjet, MD, MEd, MS
Dr. Zeynep Behjet is a full-time adjunct faculty member in the School of Health Sciences at Purdue Global, where she teaches health informatics and health information management courses. Before joining Purdue Global, she was a faculty member at Mount Washington College in New Hampshire, teaching health sciences courses. Dr. Behjet holds an MD from the University of Tikrit, an MEd from Plymouth State University, and an MS from Kaplan University (now Purdue University Global). She also completed an observership in the pathology department at Dartmouth to enhance her clinical informatics experience. Additionally, she serves as the academic department chair for the Health Informatics program and the Doctor of Health Sciences program at Purdue Global, overseeing curriculum development and academic excellence. Her expertise includes clinical informatics, quality improvement, telemedicine, electronic health records, and data analytics.
