We take the stress out of college admissions.
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Kate Barker and Jennifer Schlegel
Founders and Owners of My Admissions Sherpa
TEAM MEMBERS
JENNIFER SCHLEGEL
With a career spanning over two decades, Jenny is the Co-Founder of My Admissions Sherpa and a premier college admissions counselor. Her deep academic foundation includes a BA in History and Secondary Education, an MA in History, and a Master’s in Educational Technology (completing Spring 2026). Since 2001, Jenny has mastered the nuances of individual school cultures and their specific admissions procedures. She excels at "fit-first" counseling, matching students with institutions that align with their unique goals. A specialist in instructional design, Jenny coauthored a comprehensive online course that provides a roadmap through the admissions journey. Despite her extensive experience, her primary motivation remains her genuine love for working with teenagers.
KATE BARKER
Kate is a specialized guide for the modern applicant, offering a unique blend of strategic insight and emotional support. As the Co-Founder of My Admissions Sherpa, she leverages her background in English alongside her expertise as a certified School Counselor and Marriage and Family Therapist to address every facet of the college journey. Kate believes that success is found in a methodical, step-by-step approach. She excels at dismantling complex requirements and managing family expectations, helping students trade application anxiety for a seat at their top-choice school. Alongside her co-founder, Jenny, Kate leads intensive summer college admissions boot camps and co-authored the company’s signature online program. By covering everything from the writing and strategy to the underlying stress, Kate ensures every student is prepared for the road ahead.
MICHELE PURCELL
Michele Purcell is a premier college admissions consultant with a three-decade legacy of success. Her unique background in counseling psychology allows her to navigate the complexities of elite admissions with a calm, strategic hand. Michele’s expertise lies in the 'perfect match'—aligning a student’s unique strengths with the specific culture of top-tier institutions like Yale, Georgetown, and UPenn. Known for her organizational mastery and essay brilliance, she transforms a daunting process into a clear path toward academic success.
ABBEY LEDERMAN
Abby Lederman is an elite essay coach who treats the college application process as a masterclass in storytelling. As a published novelist and accomplished artist, Abby doesn't just edit grammar; she helps students excavate their unique experiences to craft essays that resonate with admissions officers. Drawing on over a decade of experience supervising youth programs across North America, she possesses a rare ability to connect with teenagers, stripping away the "fear of the blank page" and replacing it with confidence and clarity. Whether she’s writing about 19th-century inventors or coaching a high school senior, Abby’s mission is the same: finding the extraordinary within the ordinary.
CHRISTINE MCLAUGHLIN
Christine is a highly sought-after college consultant who has been a vital part of our team for over eight years. Known for her exceptional organization and calm, steady presence, she excels at helping families navigate the high-stress hurdles of the application process with ease.
With over 20 years of experience teaching high school Social Studies, Christine possesses an intricate understanding of student development and a deep knowledge of what top-tier admissions offices are looking for. This expertise is supported by a Bachelor’s in Psychology and Anthropology from the University of Pittsburgh and a Master’s from Widener University. Christine has an outstanding track record of guiding students into their first-choice colleges, including highly selective institutions, by transforming complex requirements into a clear, confident, and successful path to admission.
KIM LENT
Kimberly Lent is a veteran counselor with 32 years of experience guiding students through the intricacies of the college admissions landscape. Holding a Master’s in Higher Education and K-12 Counseling from West Chester University and a degree from Ithaca College, Kimberly specializes in transforming an overwhelming process into a clear, manageable roadmap. Having spent over three decades in the Philadelphia School District, she has a proven track record of helping students attain admission to highly selective colleges and universities. Kimberly’s mission is to replace the stress of the application cycle with the clarity and confidence students need to successfully bridge the gap between high school and their ideal academic future.
PAULETTE ANDERS
Paulette Anders offers a distinct, 360-degree perspective on college admissions, fueled by a Master’s in School Counseling from Johns Hopkins and an MBA in Marketing from Mount St. Mary’s. With over 30 years of experience at the high school and university levels, she specializes in the art of strategic student positioning and resiliency coaching.
Currently a consultant for Saint John’s Catholic Preparatory School, Paulette is a solution-driven advisor known for her ability to build immediate rapport with families. Whether she is working in Maryland or Florida, her mission remains the same: to replace "admissions anxiety" with confidence and to bridge the gap between talented students and their top-tier goals.
EMELIE COLLET
Emelie Collet serves as the Client Services Manager for My Admissions Sherpa. She is a Pennsylvania native and has worked in both colleges and independent schools. She earned her BA in Religion from Vassar College, and her MSEd in Higher Education Administration from the University of Pennsylvania. As an undergraduate applications reader at Penn she both ignited her passion for college admissions work, and honed her skills as an essay editor. Additionally, Emelie has skills in program development, program management, and client services. She is passionate about supporting students and their families as they navigate the college admissions process.
GREG RICKEN
Greg Ricken brings six years of high school counseling experience to his role, blending a data-driven approach with a passion for student mentorship. A graduate of the University at Buffalo (B.A.) and Long Island University (M.S.), Greg ensures his students stay ahead of the curve by meticulously tracking current admissions trends and educational data. He takes a hands-on approach to student success, offering expert guidance in resume building and discovery of personal passions. A native New Yorker, Greg balances his dedication to higher education with long-distance running and a lifelong enthusiasm for New York sports.
ALICIA VORSE
Alicia is a Dual Certified School Counselor and College Admissions Specialist with 15 years of experience dedicated to guiding students through the complexities of the higher education landscape. A graduate of Archbishop Ryan High School, she earned a Bachelor’s in Psychology and Social Sciences from Penn State followed by a Master’s in Counseling Psychology from Holy Family University. Alicia leverages her deep clinical background to provide a strategic, high-touch approach to the application process, specializing in identifying the "perfect fit" for every student. Her career is defined by a passion for demystifying admissions and empowering families to navigate the transition to college with confidence and clarity.
FRANCIE WEINBERG
Francie Weinberg is excited to bring her decade of experience as a dedicated high school counselor to My Admissions Sherpa. Based in South Florida, Francie developed her love of writing and editing as a Public Relations major at the University of Florida (Go Gators!), and earned her Master's in PK-12 School Counseling from Nova Southeastern University. Now, ten years later and with a passion for guiding students through their academic, personal, and post-secondary journeys, Francie brings an educated, thoughtful, and holistic approach to student development and navigating the college process. Francie combines professionalism with warmth, fostering supportive relationships while helping students achieve their personal, college, and career goals. Outside of work, Francie enjoys traveling to places where she can practice speaking Spanish, reading with her book club, and volunteering with kids in need alongside her emotional support American Bulldog, Rosie.
JENNIFER KUGLER
Universally beloved by her students, Jennifer has a legendary reputation for transforming the high-stakes college admissions essay into an empowering, stress-free journey of self-discovery. Throughout her twenty-seven-year career in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, which has included various administrative and teaching roles, she has remained dedicated to helping young writers find their authentic voice. Her students feel consistently validated and heard, trading application anxiety for the genuine confidence needed to tell their unique stories. A Pennsylvania native, Jennifer holds a BS in Elementary Education and an MA in Holocaust and Genocide Studies. She currently resides in Glenside with her husband, two adult children, and two cats.
MICHELLE MANCINI
Michelle is more than just an essay coach; she’s a seasoned storyteller with a 15-year background in professional resume writing and student advocacy. By combining her communications roots (BA, West Virginia University) with her HR expertise (MS, University of Maryland Global Campus), she offers a unique advantage: she knows exactly how to identify the "marketable" strengths in every individual. Whether she is crafting a high-impact resume or guiding a student through a college essay, Michelle’s passion lies in helping clients move past the "blank page" to find their authentic voices. She works closely with each person to ensure their documents—whether professional or academic—are clear, persuasive, and reflective of their true character. When she isn't helping clients ace their next big application, you can find her chasing the sun between Maryland and Florida to stay close to her family.
SUZANNE BLUNT
With over two decades of classroom experience, Suzanne knows that every student has a story—they just need the right guide to help them tell it. As a veteran English teacher and former Department Chair, Suzanne has spent 24 years helping students navigate the pivotal transition from high school to college. Suzanne specializes in transforming the daunting college essay process into a journey of self-discovery. Her extensive background in AP Literature and SAT prep allows her to build the confidence and technical clarity students need to thrive. A proud Temple University Owl, Suzanne’s favorite part of coaching is the "lightbulb moment" when a student finally discovers their unique writer’s voice and realizes the power of their own story.
DANA RODRIGUEZ
Dana Rodriguez is a dedicated college admissions consultant who specializes in guiding students through the complexities of the higher education search. With a career spanning both public and charter school systems, Dana has cultivated a deep understanding of the academic lifecycle, having served as a counselor at the middle school, high school, and specialized college-and-career levels. Rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, Dana leverages her extensive background in school counseling to provide strategic, personalized mentorship. She has helped hundreds of students translate their academic goals into successful admissions outcomes by focusing on the "right-fit" college—ensuring each student finds an environment where they can truly thrive. Dana is a Pennsylvania-certified K–12 counselor. She holds a Master of Science in Counseling Psychology from Holy Family University and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (with a minor in Dance) from Rowan University.
ELANA CHASAN
Elana Chasan is a premier college admissions consultant with 18 years of experience, including a decade at Central High School—ranked #1 for college prep in Philadelphia. Working within the city’s most competitive academic environment, Elana specializes in translating student ambition into standout applications. She provides expert, end-to-end guidance on everything from strategic positioning and high-stakes essays to complex financial aid. While her expertise is rooted in high-level results, Elana’s approach is defined by her signature warmth. She understands the pressure facing top-tier students and provides a steadying, empathetic presence throughout the journey. By combining sophisticated strategy with a student-centered philosophy, Elana serves as both a trusted mentor and a fierce advocate, ensuring every student is strategically positioned for their bright future.
Our Mission Statement
To guide, educate and empower students through each step of the college admissions process and identify schools that will help them grow in all facets of life: intellectually, socially, culturally, and spiritually. At My Admissions Sherpa, we strive to streamline the admissions process to make it less stressful while helping kids get into their top-choice schools. The opportunity to guide each student as they take their first major steps towards becoming independent and self-sufficient adults is both an honor and a pleasure.