As a licensed counselor and social worker, I have worked in the field of college counseling and admissions for two decades. I have now transitioned from school-based counseling to full-time private educational consulting. Previously, I worked as an international school college counselor in Singapore and Switzerland from 2015-2023 (Tanglin Trust School, Singapore American School, and the International School of Basel). Prior, I spent eight years at a therapeutic college preparatory boarding school in Virginia, where I served as Director of College Counseling. I have been recognized by NACAC as a Rising Star Award recipient (2022) and International ACAC as the Panetha Nychis Ott Member of the Year (2024) for my work in creating and implementing a global mentorship program for counseling professionals. Additionally, I am a Senior Application Reviewer for the Office of Undergraduate Admissions at Northeastern University, I am involved in several pro-bono organizations (most notably, Second Chance at Higher Education), and I consult with school counseling departments and professionals around the world.
I have given oversight to all aspects of the college counseling and post-graduation processes, and have worked closely with over 2,000 students on the submission of thousands of undergraduate applications. My students have applied to a range of institutions of higher education as well as boarding and other secondary schools, and community colleges. I’ve worked with transfer and graduate school admissions, as well as internship, summer, and gap year planning. My students come from around the world, with many different talents and strengths; however, I’m just as invested in students who have inconsistent transcripts or have overcome great personal and academic obstacles as those with flawless grades and test scores.
I am deeply committed to helping students realize their full potential while guiding parents, too. I mentor students through a process of self-discovery to promote the version of themselves that feels most authentic — through essays, resumes, interviews, and the many other application components they must complete. I take great effort to counsel students through identifying the universities that fit their needs and communities where they see themselves living, learning, and thriving.
Being available to students and parents in a way that ensures the least amount of stress and the most amount of excitement about future opportunities is what truly matters to me.
Education, Certifications and Awards
What Others Have to Say
Mother | G.11 Student | 2021
“We’re just starting a new challenge, but your energy and experience will make this journey very smooth and easy.”
Graduate School Applicant | 2021
“I am so grateful for your assistance. I have felt my confidence and ability to complete tasks increase because of your skill of cutting through all the noise. Looking back, I am amazed at how just having you on my team has helped me to overcome so much!”
Student | G.12 | 2021
“I wanted to thank you for all the help and support this last year. I don’t know if I would have gotten into Georgetown if you hadn’t helped me.”
Student | G.12 |2020
“Going into my first-ever college counselling meeting with you, I was incredibly overwhelmed with the course selection process and how I would manage my time and my schedule. We only talked for a few minutes, but in that meeting you made me feel at ease and helped to explain all my different options in a way that actually made sense. I left your office feeling really confident, and like you could help me with anything.”
Parent | G.12 | 2020
“It’s staff like you who are to be thanked for noticing our children and their good qualities, and for encouraging and trusting them in their impressionable years. This is what makes our children’s school years so special and fulfilling, and it certainly helps them develop their characters and personalities. We very much appreciate your being such a kind and thoughtful counselor, mentor and role model.”
Former Supervisor | 2020
“Malissa is one of the most deeply competent people with whom I have ever had the pleasure of working. She takes on tasks and does them so capably and self-reliantly that it’s easy to forget just how much she has on her plate. It is impossible to imagine our team without Malissa; she does her job so well and gives everything she has to our students and their families.”
Student | G.11 | 2020
“I wanted to thank you for all that you have done for me. I know that the college process has ‘just started’ for juniors but you have helped me a lot. Every meeting we have I walk away feeling more and more confident. I know that I can come to you for anything and that I will always be greeted with a smile.”
Student | G.12 | 2019
“It was always comforting to know that I had someone watching over my back. Whether it was about the application process, or just life in general, I knew I had another friend that I could trust. Thank you for the last four years.”
Parent | G.12 | 2019
“Malissa is simply the best. I do not know how we would have managed through the college admissions process without her.”
Partnerships and Memberships
Pro-Bono Counselor, 2018 – Present
Offer free college application counseling for high-achieving/low-income students to gain worldwide offers of admission and financial support
Lead Consultant for Bhutan-based College and Career Readiness Team
Oversee all aspects of the College and Career Readiness Program by offering resources and live presentations from high school counselors and university admissions representatives in order to support the aspirations of students in Bhutan (where college counseling has no formal role)
Licensed Social Worker, 2001 – Present
Maintain an active professional social work license in the state of Ohio, which must be renewed every two years.
Member, 2015 – Present; Co-Chair Mentor Year Program
Member of premiere organization for 3500+ professionals engaged in international college counseling and admissions. Co-Creator/Chair/Committee Member/Mentor, Mentor Year Program; Member of Annual Conference First Timers Committee (2021-2024).
Member, 2009 – Present
NACAC is dedicated to providing counseling and admission professionals with the expert advice and tools they need to better serve students and improve the college transition process.
Associate Member, 2021 – Present
The Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA) is a not-for-profit, international professional association representing experienced independent educational consultants.
Let’s Connect
If you’d like to connect to discuss your future plans, please reach out to set up a call.
