Our Counselors

Claire is one of Interface’s senior counselors with four decades of college counseling experience. She has guided hundreds of top students to successful admissions results at the most selective universities in the United States. She is known for motivating and fully engaging each student in activities that result in preparing the strongest possible college applications.

Katerina holds an MBA and began her career in higher education at Washington University in St. Louis in the Department of Undergraduate Admissions. She was also the Assistant Dean in the College of Art, one of the most prestigious art programs in the country. Katerina loves working with students because the possibilities for their future are endless. Her strength is in nurturing her students and taking away some stress by leading them one step at a time. She guides her students through every step of the process, using her professional training and experience at one of the most highly selective universities in the US, resulting in wonderful outcomes.

Chris earned his Bachelor's Degree in International History from Georgetown University, and both a Master's and Ph.D. in Education from Penn, where he researched access to higher education. He has leveraged his expertise in college admissions for over a decade, having served as Director of College Counseling at Saint Martin de Porres, Cleveland's Cristo Rey High School, and Director of College Access with Thrive Scholars, a nationally recognized organization that supports students in earning admission to, enrolling at, and graduating from highly selective colleges and universities.

As a college counseling professional and mother of three children, Valerie understands how overwhelming the college admission process can be. For the past ten years, she has helped guide hundreds of students and parents through the college admission process.  Her students have been admitted to institutions that fit their career aspirations, intellectual ability, and personalities: from large, competitive public universities to smaller elite liberal arts colleges, including all the Ivies. 

Joann has been helping students navigate the college admission process for over 30 years. Encouraging students to reach their potential while reducing their stress is always at the forefront of Joann’s mind. 

Marguerita received an M.A. in Shakespeare from the Shakespeare Institute in Stratford-upon-Avon and has written an M.Phil thesis on modernist poetry at the University of London. She also holds a B.A. in English literature from Columbia University.

Since completing her graduate degree, she has worked with countless 11th and 12th graders throughout the college application process. She has helped many students gain admittance into top-tier universities such as Columbia, Princeton, University of Pennsylvania, Cornell, Georgetown, Johns Hopkins, University of Chicago, Barnard, NYU, Emory, Tulane, Boston University, Vassar, McGill (Canada), and St. Andrews (Scotland).

Kathleen has led and directed college counseling programs at highly respected high schools around the world from Hamburg, Germany to Thailand; most recently in Shanghai. She is experienced in helping her students apply and be accepted to the most selective universities in the USA, UK, Canada, Europe, Australia and Asia. In addition to her work in school counseling, she also reads undergraduate applications for UCLA where she has personally evaluated thousands of applications.

Leanda grew up in Australia with close family ties to Europe. Before dedicating her professional life to education, she worked as a journalist and in the marketing department of a large international accounting firm. She, her husband, and two boys left Australia to work in international schools, and more than 20 years later, they are still on this adventure! Her boys are true Third Culture Kids who have now lived in over five countries. Leanda taught English for many years, teaching GSCE, AP, and IB Literature, as well as serving as an IB examiner before transitioning full time as a high school counselor.

Over her 25 years of professional experience in sales, project management, and teaching, Sally Michael has relied on research and active listening to guide her clients and students to successful outcomes. As a teacher, advisor, and admissions reviewer, she developed and taught graduate level classes in managerial communication in Olin Business School at Washington University in St. Louis, as well as assisting in admissions review for graduate programs.

Sonja has served more than 23 years in the college admissions profession, having extensive experience in the areas of freshman, transfer, and international admissions. After earning her master’s degree in education, she began as an admissions officer for the University of California system, followed by becoming a director of college counseling at a private preparatory school in California where nearly 100% of students attended four-year universities worldwide. 

Mary spent the last twelve years in Admissions for the University of Chicago, including nine years as Director of International Admissions. In this role, she chaired the international admissions committee and has exceptional insight into what makes a strong application. Mary has met and worked with hundreds of international students and families and has a keen sense of the unique characteristics that help a student stand out in a highly selective application pool. In her professional capacity, she has traveled extensively in China and around the world.

Mary holds a BA from the University of Virginia in Economics and a BS in Information Systems and MBA from Washington University (St. Louis).

Marty is a graduate of Mount Holyoke College and Harvard University and is one of Interface’s most experienced counselors. Before joining Interface, she spent 10 years as a member of the Harvard/Radcliffe admissions committee and 25 years as the Director of College Advising at Deerfield Academy, a well-respected New England boarding school.

With over 20 years in college admissions experience at a selective liberal arts college focusing on international students, Keith joined Interface in 2015 to continue helping students find success. Building on his years of travel to China, he enjoys working with students as they begin planning for the next stage in their growth. Keith provides extraordinary guidance and support throughout the entire process and his professional guidance leads to excellent college outcomes.

Kathy holds a doctorate in education and has over three decades of professional experience as the Associate Vice President of Admissions at two selective universities in Washington, DC, and California. In these roles, she made final admissions decisions, personally reading thousands of student applications, as well as traveling the world meeting with students and families seeking college admission in the U.S. It is especially important to Kathy to build a strong relationship with her students while providing extraordinary guidance and support throughout the entire college process that has led to excellent results.

Julie worked for a decade as the International Admissions Director for New York University & Washington University in St. Louis where she reviewed thousands of student applications. She also launched the NYU's international student interview program and has a special interest in helping young women access opportunities in higher education. Julie provides extraordinary guidance and support throughout the entire college process that has led to successful admissions results to the most prestigious colleges and universities.

Dana is dedicated to her students, providing professional guidance and support to navigate the application process with confidence. Her goal is to motivate them to continue performing, learning, adapting, and growing.

Dana is a graduate of Columbia University and former NCAA Division I athlete. She remains active as an alumni interviewer for students applying to Columbia. After university, she served as a Peace Corps volunteer teacher in Ghana.

Claire is one of Interface’s senior counselors with four decades of college counseling experience. She has guided hundreds of top students to successful admissions results at the most selective universities in the United States. She is known for motivating and fully engaging each student in activities that result in preparing the strongest possible college applications.

Andrew holds a master’s degree in education from Lehigh University and brings a wide range of experience to Interface. He has spent over a decade as an international college counselor, where he has helped hundreds of students get admitted to the most selective universities and colleges in the US, UK, and Canada. He has visited a wide range of institutions worldwide.

Nanette has nearly forty years of experience in admissions and college counseling. Her work with students began at Washington University where she as the Director of Admissions for 13 years. During this time, Nanette read evaluated thousands of applications from the strongest and most talented students in the world.

Working with students is a passion and led Nanette to become the Director of College Counseling at one of the most respected independent secondary schools in the country. She remained the Director of College Counseling for thirteen years and mentored students applying and being admitted to every selective university in the United States. She loves seeing the students and their thought processes as they apply to college and she clearly understands the importance of starting early and creating a plan.

Nanette has the benefit of working with students and their families from both sides of the desk. She understands the importance of students finding and pursuing their interest at an early age and she has the experience of knowing what an impressive application includes.

Nanette has been invited to be a guest speaker at hundreds of high schools around the country and enjoys helping students and families understand the complexities of college admission.

Working with students brings Nanette such joy! In addition to admissions and college counseling, she was also an academic advisor for several years, helping students decide on the courses that would be the best fit for them and where they could achieve success. Helping young people think about their next steps is an absolute delight.

Joy holds a master’s degree in Social Work from Loyola University in Chicago, and her work in college counseling has spanned over a decade. With her experience and background, Joy facilitates a process where students make well informed decisions as they consider their future path. Working one-on-one, Joy creates an environment where each student has time to explore their interests, abilities, achievements, and challenges while guiding them effectively through the college planning process. She enjoys a close relationship with her students and families often keeping in touch with them for years.

Debbie brings over 20 years of college counseling experience to Interface as a former college counselor at one of St. Louis’ leading private high schools. She also developed a college counseling curriculum and program for a nationally recognized college access program. Debbie’s students love her energy and enthusiasm, knowing that she genuinely cares about their well-being and success.

Dr. Noel’s extensive experience as a director of doctoral programs, professor, postdoctoral research associate, and student at both the graduate and undergraduate levels spans nine Research I universities across the United States, including prestigious institutions such as Yale University, Northwestern University, and the University of Virginia.

Claire is one of Interface’s senior counselors with four decades of college counseling experience. She has guided hundreds of top students to successful admissions results at the most selective universities in the United States. She is known for motivating and fully engaging each student in activities that result in preparing the strongest possible college applications.

Lei holds a master’s degree from the University of Southern California and a Ph.D. in Social Gerontology from Miami University, along with a graduate certificate in Applied Statistics. With several years of experience in graduate school consulting, Lei specializes in planning, program selection, academic background building and enhancement, scholarship interviews, and research coaching for applicants.

Marguerita received an M.A. in Shakespeare from the Shakespeare Institute in Stratford-upon-Avon and has written an M.Phil thesis on modernist poetry at the University of London. She also holds a B.A. in English literature from Columbia University.

Since completing her graduate degree, she has worked with countless 11th and 12th graders throughout the college application process. She has helped many students gain admittance into top-tier universities such as Columbia, Princeton, University of Pennsylvania, Cornell, Georgetown, Johns Hopkins, University of Chicago, Barnard, NYU, Emory, Tulane, Boston University, Vassar, McGill (Canada), and St. Andrews (Scotland).

Rob is a seasoned admissions consultant with more than 14 years of experience. He graduated from Harvard University, BA, with honors and Cornell Law School, JD, with honors.

Rob enjoys helping students from all over the world apply to top undergraduate and graduate programs in the U.S. Rob is a former Harvard Admissions Interviewer.

Over her 25 years of professional experience in sales, project management, and teaching, Sally Michael has relied on research and active listening to guide her clients and students to successful outcomes. As a teacher, advisor, and admissions reviewer, she developed and taught graduate level classes in managerial communication in Olin Business School at Washington University in St. Louis, as well as assisting in admissions review for graduate programs.

Grace is based in Chicago, IL. She brings extensive experience in higher education administration, academic support, and admissions. She holds an MFA in Creative Writing from Northwestern University and a BA in English from Gettysburg College.

Stephanie brings experience as an educator, writer, and author. She holds a dual B.A. in English Literature and Psychology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and is AP Certified in Literature and Language from UCLA. Her career includes roles such as Vice Principal and English Department Chair at WorldEd International School, where she designed creative writing curricula, led accreditation processes, and provided career and college advising. At Laurel Springs School, Stephanie served as Department Administrator, teaching all English courses, conducting monthly live classes, founding a Blogging Group to empower student writers, and maintaining regular communication with parents about student performance.

As Director of the Writing Team, Tiffany brings a dynamic blend of academic excellence and practical experience to Interface Education Services. She holds a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from Purdue University and a B.A. in English with a TESOL certification from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. With over 14 years of experience in international higher education and K-12 education, Tiffany has excelled as a university programs director, researcher, and professor, delivering more than 50 presentations and publishing over 40 scholarly works. 

Sam earned his B.A. from Princeton University, where he majored in history and minored in East Asian Studies. He holds an M.A. from Columbia University, where he is currently working on his Ph.D. in United States history.

Marguerita received an M.A. in Shakespeare from the Shakespeare Institute in Stratford-upon-Avon and has written an M.Phil thesis on modernist poetry at the University of London. She also holds a B.A. in English literature from Columbia University.

Since completing her graduate degree, she has worked with countless 11th and 12th graders throughout the college application process. She has helped many students gain admittance into top-tier universities such as Columbia, Princeton, University of Pennsylvania, Cornell, Georgetown, Johns Hopkins, University of Chicago, Barnard, NYU, Emory, Tulane, Boston University, Vassar, McGill (Canada), and St. Andrews (Scotland).

Dr. Angel Valchinov is an internationally-recognized musician, teacher, and a violinist. For more than twenty years he continues to teach in the United States, Bulgaria, Japan, and others. Currently a faculty at Bunker Hill College in Boston, and Concord Conservatory of Music (where he is String Department Chair), his students have won awards and established successful careers.

A member of the Boston String Quartet since 2005, Dr. Chen Lin is a distinguished teacher and performer. Her students have won outstanding awards, including acceptances into Juilliard School Preparatory Division and Indiana University Jacobs School of Music. She has performed in venues such as Carnegie Hall Weill Recital Hall, Boston Symphony Hall, Jordan Hall and Troy Music Hall. Described by the Boston Globe as “exploring different ways of sparking musical interest,” Dr. Lin’s Quartet frequently concertizes in the New England area, and has created its educational programs in collaboration with high school and college music departments throughout the United States. As an orchestral musician, she is currently a member of the Lexington Symphony Orchestra and the Boston Chamber Orchestra.