Our Team

Kevin Krebs - Founder of HelloCollege

Kevin Krebs

Founder and Managing Director

Kevin Krebs Childhood photo
Kevin Krebs

"I wanted to be an NFL quarterback."

Inspired by his parents, Kevin’s journey from a first-gen, diverse, low-income background to Northwestern University shaped him. After experiencing challenges, including student loan debt, he founded HelloCollege and has spent the last 25 years helping students successfully navigate college admissions.

Andrea Emmons

Chief Marketing Officer & Chief Product Officer

Andrea Emmons Childhood photo
Andrea Emmons

"I wanted to be a veterinarian."


Andrea Emmons is not just a CMO/CPO; she's a mentor, a leader, and a force for positive change in education. Her innovative approach and genuine care for students are shaping a brighter and more equitable future in higher education.

Allison Dahleen

VP of Client Services

Allison Dahleen Childhood photo
Allison Dahleen

"I wanted to be a PE teacher."

As an MSA holder, Allison brings a wealth of experience supporting students in higher education. As the respected Service Leader at HelloCollege, she leads her team in expertly navigating admissions and academic advising, empowering students to achieve their goals with confidence and success.

Jennifer Bosco

Director of Business Development & Sales Operations

Jennifer Bosco Childhood photo
Jennifer Bosco

"I wanted to be a teacher."

Jennifer has over 20 years experience working with students on their college journey. She has extensive experience as an educational leader and instructor. Dr. Jennifer Bosco earned her doctorate in international education and a master’s degree in educational leadership.

Ian Simon

Director of Tutoring

Ian Simon Childhood photo
Ian Simon

"I wanted to be an Air Force pilot."

Ian has dedicated his life to helping others achieve their full potential and learn about the world around them. After graduating from UIUC with a BS in Electrical Engineering, he owned and operated a private tutoring business, where his team specialized in individualized curriculum development and helping students achieve their academic goals.

Chris Bench

Director of Essay Services

Chris Bench Childhood photo
Chris Bench

"I wanted to be a geologist."

Chris Bench, the Director of Essay, is a seasoned essay coach with a decade of experience. Holding an BA from Kenyon and an MA from University of Chicago, Chris's expertise shines through, particularly in the realm of commas, where his opinion is unwavering.

Amanda Yoder

Director of Counseling

Amanda Yoder Childhood photo
Amanda Yoder

"I wanted to be a lawyer."

Amanda leads our counseling team with over 10 years of high school counseling experience. She holds a Master's in Education with a counseling concentration and graduate certificates in Military & Family Education and Administration & Supervision (Educational Leadership).

Jeannine Palhegyi

Director of Culture & Senior Coordinator

Jeannine Palhegyi Childhood photo
Jeannine Palhegyi

"I wanted to be an interior designer."


Jeannine draws from personal experience as both a team member and client. As a mother navigating the college planning process for her son, HelloCollege provided invaluable support. Now, with over 20 years of customer service expertise, she compassionately guides families on their own successful college journeys.

Cody Forrest

Client Support Coordinator

Cody Forrest Childhood photo
Cody Forrest

"I wanted to be a novelist."

With a DMA in Music Composition, Cody brings experience as an adjunct professor and higher ed administrator. A lifelong learner and dedicated advocate, he’s committed to helping students find their best path—while also being a proud dog dad.

Niloufar Azarnia

Client Support

Niloufar Azarnia Childhood photo
Niloufar Azarnia

"I wanted to be a pediatrician."

Niloufar has a BS in Marketing from Miami University, she loved her college experience and strives to help others find their SAFE school.

Mike Sear Headshot

Mike Sear

Senior Admissions Advisor

Mike Sear Childhood photo
Mike Sear

"I wanted to be a baseball player."

Mike is a professional storyteller who makes his clients stand out. An award-winning producer/director for 30+ years, with content ranging from documentaries on ESPN to concert videos for Jay-Z, Mike helps students tell their own stories that get them into their dream college and land that dream job.

Sue Nelson

Financial Specialist

Sue Nelson Childhood photo
Sue Nelson

"I wanted to be an architect."

Sue has 25 years of experience in financial services and assists families with the financial aid process and cost saving practices.

Kelly Shultz

Financial Specialist

Kelly Shultz Childhood photo
Kelly Shultz

"I wanted to work with horses."

Kelly has 30+ years of experience in financial areas, including audits, consulting and advising clients, and real estate/property management. She’s looking forward to bringing that financial focus to assist HelloCollege families in navigating the financial decisions that come with the college application process.

Duryab Aziz Sukhera

Web Engineer

Duryab Aziz Sukhera Childhood photo
Duryab Aziz Sukhera

"I wanted to be a Kung Fu fighter."

Duryab has 6 years of practical experience in various web technologies, including backend, frontend, no-code tools, and APIs. He's an enthusiast for crafting cutting-edge solutions.

Toni Rexroat

Marketing Manager

Toni Rexroat Childhood photo
Toni Rexroat

"I wanted to be a book editor."

Driven by a passion for learning, Toni Rexroat brings with her 12+ years of success in email marketing and a wealth of knowledge in crafting a journey to guide others on their own path to achievement. She utilizes her gift for storytelling to further our mission and help students on their college decision journey as they create their own life story.

Sarah Bellardini

Marketing Specialist & Essay Coach

Sarah Bellardini Childhood photo
Sarah Bellardini

"I wanted to be a pop star."

Sarah Bellardini is a comedy and animation writer with nearly a decade of experience working in television. She graduated with a degree in Film & TV from Boston University.

Don Keller

College Counselor

Don Keller Childhood photo
Don Keller

"I wanted to be an ESPN newscaster."

Don is a highly skilled College Admissions Counselor, boasting a 20-year background in college admissions. Don's expertise includes admissions reading for UC - Berkeley and the prestigious Questbridge Scholars program, as well as many years as a high school counselor.

Raymond Gonzales

College Counselor

Raymond Gonzales Childhood photo
Raymond Gonzales

"I wanted to be a flight attendant. "

Raymond, a first-generation college graduate from the Bay Area, holds a Master's in Education from Harvard, a Master's in Public Health from the University of Pennsylvania, and a Master's in Social Work from University of Southern California. His diverse experience includes roles at Assist America and the UN, reflecting a commitment to global youth advocacy.

Miracle Husband

College Counselor

Miracle Husband Childhood photo
Miracle Husband

"I wanted to be a History teacher."

Miracle received her B.A. from the University of California - Berkeley and a M.Ed. from the University of Vermont. She has a rich background in higher education, founding her own College Advising company and roles in business academic counseling at Tulane University and college advising at UC Berkeley.

Kimberly Shipman

College Counselor

Kimberly Shipman Childhood photo
Kimberly Shipman

"I wanted to be a park ranger."

Kim holds an M.Ed. in Higher Education Administration and has over 10 years of experience in college and career counseling. She has a passion for helping students discover their career passions and connect them to the perfect college experience.

Brooke Kent

College Counselor & Essay Coach

Brooke Kent Childhood photo
Brooke Kent

"I wanted to be a writer."

Brooke Kent, a summa cum laude graduate of Rice University, a researcher for the White House Transition Project, and the former executive writer for the director of Los Alamos National Laboratory, has spent two decades helping students tell their stories in a personalized, persuasive, and achievement-focused way. Her philosophy is simple: Your Story. Our Support. Your Solution.

Leslie Riccio

College Counselor

Leslie Riccio Childhood photo
Leslie Riccio

"I wanted to be a travel journalist."

Leslie has nearly 20 years of high school counseling experience. She holds a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in Education from Old Dominion University and an Educational Leadership Endorsement from Longwood University.

Keira Vollandt

College Counselor

Keira Vollandt Childhood photo
Keira Vollandt

"I wanted to be a Broadway star or choreographer."

Keira received a BS in Communications from the University of Miami and holds a Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration from Columbia University. She has spent the majority of her career working in college admissions and college counseling as well as corporate recruiting. Her mission is to help students find and build their passions towards the next stage in their lives: college.

Bruce Watson

College Counselor

Bruce Watson Childhood photo
Bruce Watson

"I wanted to be an archaeologist."

Dr. Bruce Watson is a seasoned higher education professional. With over 10 years of experience and a doctorate in education, Bruce has held leadership roles in admissions offices at several large universities.

Will Wagner

Essay Coach

Will Wagner Childhood photo
Will Wagner

"I wanted to be a baseball player."

Will is an admissions essay expert, published author, and editor working on everything from national magazines to websites.

Alisha Braun

Essay Coach

Alisha Braun Childhood photo
Alisha Braun

"I wanted to be a teacher."

Alisha has worked in higher ed for 13 yrs, teaching at MSU and USF. She has her Ph.D. in Educational Policy from Michigan State.

Sara Walsh

Essay Coach

Sara Walsh Childhood photo
Sara Walsh

"I wanted to be an Olympian."

With eighteen years of experience in international schools, Sara holds a B.A. in English from Notre Dame and an M.A. from SUNY New Paltz.

Andi Taylor

Essay Coach

Andi Taylor Childhood photo
Andi Taylor

"I wanted to be an author."

Andi has over three years of experience working in a college admissions office. She graduated from the University of Chicago with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Linguistics.

Steven Flores

Essay Coach

Steven Flores Childhood photo
Steven Flores

"I wanted to be the Miami Dolphins quarterback."


Steven Flores is a writer and educator with 11 years of experience in higher education, including 4 years of one-on-one essay coaching. He is currently an AOP Fellow at UW-Milwaukee.

Gina Twardosz

Essay Coach

Gina Twardosz Childhood photo
Gina Twardosz

"I wanted to be an author."

Gina Twardosz is a curious lifelong learner with a BFA in English Writing and an MFA in Creative Nonfiction.

Elena Van Lare

Essay Coach

Elena Van Lare Childhood photo
Elena Van Lare

"I wanted to be a sports journalist."

Elena Van Lare is an Academic Dean and English Teacher with over 30 years of experience working with young adults from Grades 6 to college. She earned her M.Ed. from Nazareth College in Rochester, NY.

Lauren Johnson

Essay Coach

Lauren Johnson Childhood photo
Lauren Johnson

"My childhood dream job changed frequently, the one constant was Writer. "

Lauren Kay Johnson is an Afghanistan veteran, writing coach, and author of an award-winning memoir. She holds an MFA in Creative Writing and has written for The Atlantic, The Washington Post, and Boston Globe Magazine.

Margaret Wickham

Essay Coach

Margaret Wickham Childhood photo
Margaret Wickham

"I wanted to be a Geologist (I liked rocks)."

Margaret has a B.A. from the University of New Hampshire and an M.A. from Lesley University. She has worked as a high school counselor in several states as well as abroad, and in a previous life she led an editorial department at an ed-tech company.

Joelle Santiago

Essay Coach

Joelle Santiago Childhood photo
Joelle Santiago

"I wanted to be a “Ballerina-cat?” Still working on the “cat” part."


Joëlle Santiago is a graduate of Barnard College of Columbia University, and an adjunct professor at the NYU Tisch School of the Arts. She has four years of experience as an Essay Coach.

Nik Nadeau

Essay Coach

Nik Nadeau Childhood photo
Nik Nadeau

"I wanted to be a meteorologist. "

Nik is a Korean adoptee, memoirist and poet based in Minneapolis. His creative nonfiction won the 2024 Annie Dillard Prize, and he was a finalist for the 2024 Iowa Review Award in Nonfiction.

Lauren Nash

Essay Coach

Lauren Nash Childhood photo
Lauren Nash

"I wanted to be a marine biologist. "

Lauren is a versatile professional with a background in theater, literature, and pre-medical studies. A former actor and writer in Los Angeles, she now works as a STEM tutor and admissions essay editor in New Orleans.

Allison Hadley

Essay Coach

Allison Hadley Childhood photo
Allison Hadley

"I wanted to be a Naturalist, in the style of Charles Darwin (even made field guides!)."

Allison Hadley brings her background in academia and her love of storytelling to helping college applicants hone their essays. She earned her PhD in Italian Language and Literature from Yale University in 2018, focusing on the intersection of literature, theater, and the urban form.

Bertrand Cooper

Essay Coach

Bertrand Cooper Childhood photo
Bertrand Cooper

"I wanted to be a Shaolin monk."

Bertrand has a B.A. in U.S. History from Fairleigh Dickinson and an Ed.M. in Education Theory & Policy from Rutgers GSE. His essays on poverty, policy, and culture have been featured in the NYT and The Atlantic. He loves writing and teaching and shall never retire from either.

Stewart Lewis

Essay Coach

Stewart Lewis Childhood photo
Stewart Lewis

"I wanted to be a rock star."

Stewart Lewis is an author, musician, film producer, and former creative writing professor at University of Maryland and Belmont University. He holds an MFA from the University of Southern California, and his latest YA novel is becoming a movie.

Josh Kalscheur

Essay Coach

Josh Kalscheur Childhood photo
Josh Kalscheur

"I wanted to be a baseball player. "

Poet, teacher and editor Josh Kalscheur is the author of Tidal (Four Way Books). His work has appeared in The Nation, Boston Review, and Slate, among others. He currently serves as a Lecturer at UW-Madison.

Sam Hobson

Essay Coach

Sam Hobson Childhood photo
Sam Hobson

"I wanted to be a writer."

Sam is a PhD candidate who holds a B.A. from the University of Chicago and an M.A. from the University of Michigan. Sam has taught writing for 10+ years and loves being outdoors.

Emily Mack

Essay Coach

Emily Mack Childhood photo
Emily Mack

"I wanted to be an investigative reporter."


Emily Mack is a writer based in Chicago. She was born and raised in the city and returned after earning her creative writing degree from Columbia University in 2020. Currently, she is the senior editor at Chicago Agent magazine.

Willow Green

Essay Coach

Willow Green Childhood photo
Willow Green

"I wanted to be an author."

Willow holds a B.A. in Dance and English from Kenyon College. They are also a performance artist and dance scholar. They have mentored students in various capacities, including as a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant.

Meg Hall

Essay Coach

Meg Hall Childhood photo
Meg Hall

"I wanted to be a writer or a teacher."


Meg has worked as a professional editor for more than 20 years. She has a BA in English and political science and is pursuing an MFA in creative nonfiction.

Zee Karim

Essay Coach

Zee Karim Childhood photo
Zee Karim

"I wanted to be a writer."

Zainab (Zee) has a M.S. in Written Communication and M.A. in Psychology from National-Louis University. She loves teaching personal essay writing and building community around writing practices.

Max Freeman

Essay Coach

Max Freeman Childhood photo
Max Freeman

"I wanted to be a train conductor. "

Max holds a BA in English Literature from Bowdoin College. A former Fulbright English Teaching Assistant, he has helped students from around the world strengthen their writing and develop their personal voice.

Brenna Ehrlich

Essay Coach

Brenna Ehrlich Childhood photo
Brenna Ehrlich

"I wanted to be a rock star (specifically David Bowie)."

Brenna Ehrlich is a journalist and author with more than 15 years of experience writing and editing for the likes of Rolling Stone, CNN, MTV, and more. She brings this expertise to HelloCollege students, as well as a BA in theater and english from Northwestern University and a master’s in journalism from Medill.

Hee-Eun Kim

Essay Coach

Hee-Eun Kim Childhood photo
Hee-Eun Kim

"I wanted to be a flight attendant. "

Hee-Eun is an experienced Essay Coach with seven years of experience. She holds a BA in Political Science from Columbia University and an MSt in American History from the University of Oxford. She is passionate about helping students discover their unique voice.

Paul Bowden

Academic Tutor, Test Prep Tutor

Paul Bowden Childhood photo
Paul Bowden

"I wanted to be a game show host"

Paul is an experienced educator with a background in math and science, critical thinking, ELL education, standardized test prep, international education, and individualized learning. Paul holds bachelor’s degrees in biology and science education and a master’s degree in teaching and learning.

Rees Horton

Academic Tutor, Test Prep Tutor

Rees Horton Childhood photo
Rees Horton

"I wanted to be a conservationist."

Rees is a mathematician, software engineer, and lawyer with degrees from Duke University and the University of Georgia. He loves sharing his enthusiasm for all things learning to connect people’s education to their interests.

Asma Wazir

Academic Tutor, Test Prep Tutor

Asma Wazir Childhood photo
Asma Wazir

"I wanted to be a teacher."

Asma recently graduated from the University of Illinois at Chicago with a major in Biology. Over the past 3 years, Asma has worked with elementary, middle, and high school students on all subjects and has helped students prepare for standardized tests such as the ACT, SAT, and PSAT.

Shruti Patankar

Test Prep Tutor

Shruti Patankar Childhood photo
Shruti Patankar

"I wanted to be a veterinarian. "

Shruti is a sophomore at Rice University majoring in Applied Mathematics and Sociology. In the past, she has worked with students of all ages preparing for schoolwork and standardized testing.

Tyler Pohlman

Academic Tutor, Test Prep Tutor

Tyler Pohlman Childhood photo
Tyler Pohlman

"I wanted to be an astronaut. "

Tyler Pohlman is currently attending University of Colorado Boulder where he is double majoring in Physics and German. While attending University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, he was an undergraduate research assistant at the Center for Plasma-Material Interactions. He has a passion for math and teaching and has a year of tutoring experience under Ian Simon.

Theo Yianas

Academic Tutor, Test Prep Tutor

Theo Yianas Childhood photo
Theo Yianas

"I wanted to be the President of the United States."

Theofanis (Theo) Yianas is currently a second-year honors student at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, studying Data Science and Business Administration. Over the past couple years, Theo has tutored students in various levels of math and has helped others to prepare for the SAT and ACT.

Daniel Smith

Academic Tutor, Test Prep Tutor

Daniel Smith Childhood photo
Daniel Smith

"I wanted to be an Olympic long-distance runner."


Daniel is a mathematical biologist. He holds a PhD in evolutionary biology from the University of Chicago, during which he studied tropical forests. Daniel loves teaching and simplifying concepts for students at all levels.

Amulya Addepalli

Academic Tutor, Test Prep Tutor

Amulya Addepalli Childhood photo
Amulya Addepalli

"I wanted to be a detective."

Amulya is a sophomore at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute as a biology major in the BS/MD program with acceptance into Albany Medical College. She has not only tutored students across a wide range of ages and subjects but has also built meaningful connections with each of them.

Shelley Farmer

Academic Tutor, Test Prep Tutor

Shelley Farmer Childhood photo
Shelley Farmer

"I wanted to be an Olympic gymnast and then a pediatrician."


Shelley has an M.S. in mathematics with a concentration in statistics, as well as 27 years of teaching and tutoring experience. Her passion is helping students achieve those dreams which seem impossible to them.

Jose Francisco

Academic Tutor, Test Prep Tutor

Jose Francisco Childhood photo
Jose Francisco

"I wanted to be a dinosaur rider."

Jose moved to America from the Philippines at the age of 2. Through his love of piano, salsa dancing, speaking, and writing, he found his way to Stanford University, where he studied computer science. From giving college tours to tutoring students of various ages, Jose now loves sharing knowledge to learners of all backgrounds.

Darryl Sheppard

Academic Tutor, Test Prep Tutor

Darryl Sheppard Childhood photo
Darryl Sheppard

"I wanted to be a professional basketball player."


Darryl has over 17 years of experience as a teacher of wide-ranging math content, teaching students from the middle school level all the way up through college. He has a B.S. in Mathematics from the University of Houston, in addition to a B.A. in Economics and M.S. in Accounting from the University of Virginia.

Brian Berger

Academic Tutor & Essay Coach

Brian Berger Childhood photo
Brian Berger

"I wanted to be a baseball player."

Brian has a B.A. in International Studies along with a minor in French from Miami University and an M.Ed. with a focus on Social Studies and Global Education from the Ohio State University. He has taught, mentored, traveled with and coached students in a wide variety of settings including high school and outdoor education for over twenty years.

Demetra Yianas

Academic Tutor

Demetra Yianas Childhood photo
Demetra Yianas

"I wanted to be a doctor. "

Deme Yianas is a college senior, set to graduate from Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) in May 2025, earning a BS in Biochemistry with a concentration in Cancer Biology, and a minor in Public Health. For three years, she has served as an undergraduate research assistant in the CWRU School of Medicine Biochemistry department, and she loves to share all she learned while pursuing her degree with her HelloCollege students!

Lauren Fogg

Academic Tutor

Lauren Fogg Childhood photo
Lauren Fogg

"I wanted to be a teacher."

Lauren has always had a passion for education. Lauren has a PhD in Engineering with a concentration in Engineering Education. She has conducted research across many topics and is currently teaching Engineering subjects at the college level.

Muhammed Alsafi

Academic Tutor

Muhammed Alsafi Childhood photo
Muhammed Alsafi

"I wanted to be a powertrain engineer."

Automotive engineer and weekend mechanic with a passion for solving complex problems through mathematical precision. When not fine-tuning engines, I am exploring the art of exceptional coffee and various cuisines.

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