{"id":14894,"date":"2022-09-07T13:45:25","date_gmt":"2022-09-07T17:45:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/admission\/?page_id=14894"},"modified":"2026-06-04T15:15:52","modified_gmt":"2026-06-04T19:15:52","slug":"counseloradvisoryboard","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/admission\/connect-with-bates\/counseloradvisoryboard\/","title":{"rendered":"Bates Counselor Advisory Board"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The Office of Admission established a Counselor Advisory Board (CAB) in 2022. It is comprised of counselors from secondary schools and community-based organizations who share their expertise and guidance with Bates and are invited to campus once a year. The current cohort of counselors is serving a three-year term from 2026-29. Read below for more information about them!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our school counseling colleagues can find further resources, counselor-specific events, and an overview of Bates on our Information for Counselors<\/a> webpage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For more information about Bates’ Counselor Advisory Board, contact Admission Counselor Katy Wu at kwu@bates.edu<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Current Counselor Advisory Board Members<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Daniel Blednick<\/h3>
<\/div><\/div>
\n

Senior Director of High School Programs and College Guidance
The TEAK Fellowship<\/em>
New York, New York<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Through his work at The TEAK Fellowship in New York City, Dan has demonstrated a commitment to educational equity and access. He supports Fellows at a wide variety of schools across the country in achieving their higher education goals, and has become an expert in all things financial aid related. Dan is an avid stoop gardener, softball player, and loves to recreate his Italian grandmother’s recipes.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Maude Bond<\/h3>
<\/div><\/div>
\n

Head of Admission and College Counseling
Cate School<\/em>
Carpinteria, California<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maude Y. Bond serves as Head of Admission and College Counseling, overseeing the student journey from first inquiry through commencement. She previously built Cate\u2019s nationally recognized college counseling program, known for its personalized, anti-racist, data-driven approach.
A graduate of Sarah Lawrence College and The New School, Maude has held admissions and educational leadership roles at Columbia University, the United Nations International School, and Harvard-Westlake. Her career reflects a commitment to student success, earning recognition domestically and internationally for her work in student advocacy. An expert in global education and storytelling, she helps students navigate opportunities with confidence and purpose.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Caitlin Burnett<\/h3>
<\/div><\/div>
\n

Associate Director of College Counseling
Hawken School<\/em>
Gates Mill, Ohio<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Caitlin has worked in higher education since her work study days in the Office of Undergraduate Admission at Northwestern University. After graduating with a degree in journalism, she joined the office full-time. Caitlin later earned a master\u2019s of higher education administration and policy, also from Northwestern, subsequently shifting to student affairs. In her time as an academic adviser, she supported a program called the SESP Leadership Institute, an academic, residential intensive for lower-income and\/or first-generation college students at NU. It remains the most impactful work Caitlin has done in her career. When she moved home to Cleveland, Caitlin became a college counselor. Caitlin lives in Shaker Heights with her husband, two kids, and senior pup. Caitlin loves to read and be outside!<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Ryan Coffey Keaton<\/h3>
<\/div><\/div>
\n

Senior Associate Director of College Counseling
Germantown Academy<\/em>
Fort Washington, Pennsylvania<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ryan Coffey Keaton began her career 25 years ago, getting her start in college admissions at Niagara University, Bryn Mawr College and Swarthmore College. A first generation college woman of color and proud State University Graduate (SUNY Geneseo) who benefitted from excellent mentorship at critical stages of her college and early professional career, Ryan is an academic leader committed to creating pathways to and through Higher Education for underrepresented students built on the interconnectedness of academic success and holistic student support. Working in college counseling offices and serving as an Assistant Head of School, Quaker School Trustee and Diversity and Equity Consultant in Philadelphia and New York gave Ryan a nuanced exposure to independent school infrastructure which Ryan now leverages to shape broader institutional strategies. In guiding individuals through values-based discernment processes, Ryan emphasizes the alignment of self-awareness, purpose and intention. Ryan made her joyful return to College Counseling in Fall 2025 joining the incredible team of professionals at Germantown Academy.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Paula Dennis<\/h3>
<\/div><\/div>
\n

College Counselor
Jenks High School<\/em>
Jenks, Oklahoma<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Paula Dennis has worked in education for over 30 years and is a College Counselor at Jenks High School, a public school outside of Tulsa, Oklahoma. She has served as a school or college counselor in four states, supporting students and families from a wide range of backgrounds and diverse experiences. Paula guides students through the college application process, including the QuestBridge program, and is inspired to build meaningful connections with students and colleagues.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Nikki Desgrosellier<\/h3>
<\/div><\/div>
\n

Dean of College and Career Counseling
UIC College Prep<\/em>
Chicago, Illinois<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Tina Iyer Elfenbein<\/h3>
<\/div><\/div>
\n

Director of College Counseling
St. Paul Academy and Summit School<\/em>
Saint Paul, Minnesota<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tina Iyer Elfenbein is the director of college counseling at St. Paul Academy in St. Paul, MN, where she is thrilled to belong to a community that understands that success is determined by process as much as by outcome. Prior to SPA, she spent nearly 15 years in admissions at Grinnell College in Grinnell, Iowa. Before moving to Iowa, she was an attorney at Hughes Hubbard & Reed, a Manhattan law firm. Tina earned a B.A. in religious studies from Bates College, a Master of Theological Studies from Harvard Divinity School, and a J.D. from Boston College Law School.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Lynell Engelmyer<\/h3>
<\/div><\/div>
\n

Senior College Admissions and Financial Aid Counselor
Alexander Hamilton Scholars<\/em>
Seattle, Washington<\/p>\n\n\n\n

An entry level college financial aid job started Lynell’s enriching career in college access, and for nearly for nearly 20 years, she has put this knowledge (and the accompanying college admissions knowledge) to work with Alexander Hamilton Scholars, a non-profit that serves talented, limited-income, college-bound students who, like their namesake, are civic changemakers. Helping these \u201cHammies\u201d identify their best-fit colleges and grow into adulthood has been a pleasure and a privilege. Lynell is the product of a small liberal arts school and a large university. Lynell is a proud Philadelphian (Go Birds), a nature lover (she no longer lives in Philly) and a mom of 2 wonderful humans.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Sean Logan<\/h3>
<\/div><\/div>
\n

Dean of College Counseling
Philips Academy<\/em>
Andover, Massachusetts<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sean Logan is currently the dean of college counseling at Phillips Academy in Andover, MA. Over the last 34 years, he has spent time in the admission offices of Williams College, Occidental College, Stanford University, and Harvard University. On the secondary school side, Sean was also the director of college counseling at The Bishop\u2019s School (La Jolla, CA). With professional interests that focus on equity and access issues, Sean has a long history of working with community-based organization and is currently on the board of Thrive Scholars, a national non-profit organization that focuses on supporting low-income students from the eleventh grade through college and into their first job opportunities. Sean\u2019s wife is a college admission director, and they have a 16-year-old son. Sean has degrees from Williams College (BA) and Stanford University (MA).<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Colin Malone<\/h3>
<\/div><\/div>
\n

School Counselor
Camden Hills Regional High School<\/em>
Rockport, Maine<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Mai Lien Nguyen<\/h3>
<\/div><\/div>
\n

College and Career Counselor
Menlo-Atherton High School<\/em>
Atherton, California<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whether as a former history teacher or current College & Career Counselor, Mai enjoys helping young people to see what\u2019s possible and to help them gather the courage and knowledge to attain their educational goals. With over 25 years in public and private secondary education in the U.S. and abroad, she loves learning about different kinds of schools and people. The more Mai learns, the more she believes that a quality education is a civil right for all. Outside of work, Mai can be found playing video games with her son, trying new dessert and brunch spots, or conquering Sudoku.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Chris Payne<\/h3>
<\/div><\/div>
\n

University Guidance Counselor
Collingwood School<\/em>
West Vancouver, British Columbia<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A seasoned educator with over 20 years of experience in higher education and university counseling, Chris brings a wealth of cross-border expertise to and is excited to join the Counselor Advisory Board. Originally from Vancouver, B.C., and an alumnus of the University of British Columbia (UBC), they spent much of their career in recruitment and admissions at UBC, Simon Fraser University, and The University of Northern British Columbia. For the past six years, Chris has served as a college counselor at Collingwood School in West Vancouver. In the professional community, they have contributed to numerous committees for International ACAC and Canadian Independent School counseling organizations and currently serves as a pre-conference faculty member for International ACAC. Outside of the office, Chris loves getting outside and walking his dog, is an avid sports fan and a passionate reader.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Myles D. Robinson<\/h3>
<\/div><\/div>
\n

College Counselor
Raleigh Charter High School<\/em>
Raleigh, North Carolina<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Myles Robinson earned his BS degree in Electrical Engineering from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University and his MEd degree in Student Personnel Administration in Higher Education from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. After several years as a patent examiner, Mr. Robinson shifted into higher education to become an academic advisor, first-year instructor, and program coordinator at universities in Washington, DC and in Raleigh. He has translated his accumulated skills, experiences, and expertise into his college counseling role at a small charter high school.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Nohea Walker<\/h3>
<\/div><\/div>
\n

Dean of Student Well-Being
Kamehameha Schools Kap\u0101lama High School<\/em>
Honolulu, Hawai’i<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Matthew Wilmer<\/h3>
<\/div><\/div>
\n

Assistant Director of College Counseling
The Bolles School<\/em>
Jacksonville, Florida<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Matt began working in college admissions at Young Harris College right after graduation in 2013 where he earned my undergraduate degree in Communication Studies with a minor in Business and Public Policy. After 5 years at YHC Matt became the Atlanta regional admissions counselor for The University of Alabama at Birmingham where he earned his master’s degree in Applied Sociology. After working at UAB for 5 years Matt switched sides of the desk and has now been at The Bolles School as a college counselor for 3 years. Matt am an active member in SACAC, NACAC, and ACCIS.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Craig Wittgrove<\/h3>
<\/div><\/div>
\n

School Counselor\/Post Grad Coordinator
Cherry Creek High School<\/em>
Greenwood Village, Colorado<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Craig is currently in his 24th year in education, including 20 years as a school counselor\u201419 of those at Cherry Creek High School. In addition, Craig has served as the varsity 2 girls\u2019 tennis coach at Creek for the past 19 years.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Past Counselor Advisory Board Members<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Juan Acosta<\/h3>
<\/div><\/div>
\n

Director of College Counseling
Paidea School<\/em>
Atlanta, Georgia<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Aaron Arnold<\/h3>
<\/div><\/div>
\n

Executive Director
Waukegan to College<\/em>
Waukegan, Illinois<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Brandon Carter<\/h3>
<\/div><\/div>
\n

Co-Director of College Counseling
Cary Academy<\/em>
Cary, North Carolina<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Kate Chase<\/h3>
<\/div><\/div>
\n

Aspirations Coordinator
Lewiston High School<\/em>
Lewiston, Maine<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

David Chehey<\/h3>
<\/div><\/div>
\n

College and Career Counselor
Boise High School
<\/em>Boise, Idaho<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Beth Doane<\/h3>
<\/div><\/div>
\n

School Counselor
Yarmouth High School<\/em>
Yarmouth, Maine <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Sharmon Goodman<\/h3>
<\/div><\/div>
\n

Director of Scholars Program
One Voice<\/em>
Santa Monica, California<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Jackie Hernandez<\/h3>
<\/div><\/div>
\n

College Counselor
Access Opportunity<\/em>
Boulder, Colorado<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Kelly Herrington<\/h3>
<\/div><\/div>
\n

Director of College Counseling and Student Services
University Prep<\/em>
Seattle, Washington<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Steven Johanson<\/h3>
<\/div><\/div>
\n

Director for Career Pathways and University Counseling
United World College Costa Rica
<\/em>San Jose, Costa Rica<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Claudia Jolivert<\/h3>
<\/div><\/div>
\n

Senior Associate Director of College Counseling
Ransom Everglades School<\/em>
Miami, Florida <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Micah Lyles<\/h3>
<\/div><\/div>
\n

Co-Director of College Counseling
The Hockaday School
<\/em>Dallas, Texas <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Inbar Schwartz<\/h3>
<\/div><\/div>
\n

Managing Director, College Programs
Harlem Village Academies
<\/em>New York, New York<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Carolyn Starks<\/h3>
<\/div><\/div>
\n

Co-Director of College Counseling
Santa Fe Preparatory School
<\/em>Santa Fe, New Mexico<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Anna Takahashi <\/h3>
<\/div><\/div>
\n

Director of College Counseling
Eastside College Preparatory School
<\/em>East Palo Alto, California <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Khaliah Williams <\/h3>
<\/div><\/div>
\n

Postsecondary Advisor
Baltimore City College High School
<\/em>Baltimore, Maryland<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Donielle Couture<\/h3>
<\/div><\/div>
\n

Served 2022-2024<\/strong>
The Shipley School
<\/em>Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Mikaela Crank<\/h3>
<\/div><\/div>
\n

Served 2022-2024<\/strong>
College Horizons<\/em>
Bernalillo, New Mexico<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Stephan Golas <\/h3>
<\/div><\/div>
\n

Served 2022-2024<\/strong>
The University of Chicago Laboratory Schools<\/em>
Chicago, Illinois<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Teresa Hichens Olson<\/h3>
<\/div><\/div>
\n

Served 2022-2024<\/strong>
Great River School
<\/em>St. Paul, Minnesota<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Allison Kleiman <\/h3>
<\/div><\/div>
\n

Served 2022-2024<\/strong>
Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts
<\/em>New York City, New York<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Anthony Phillips ’10 <\/h3>
<\/div><\/div>
\n

Served 2022-2024
<\/strong>TeenSHARP<\/em>
Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Kathleen Reid<\/h3>
<\/div><\/div>
\n

Served 2022-2024<\/strong>
Benson Polytechnic High School<\/em>
Portland, Oregon<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Dan Rubin<\/h3>
<\/div><\/div>
\n

Served 2022-2024<\/strong>
Newton South High School
<\/em>Newton Centre, Massachusetts<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Mitchell Thompson <\/h3>
<\/div><\/div>
\n

Served 2022-2023<\/strong>
Scarsdale High School
<\/em>Scarsdale, New York<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Phil Trout<\/h3>
<\/div><\/div>
\n

Served 2022-2023
<\/strong>Minnetonka High School
<\/em>Minnetonka, Minnesota
<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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