The PREMINENTE team works with students at top boarding, private, and public schools throughout the United States, Europe, South America, Central America, and Asia.
Team
Danielle Fazio
M.Ed, Owner/CEO
Founder of Preminente
- Georgetown University, Bachelor of Arts – English
- Master of Education Degree – Certification in Counseling, Secondary Education, English.
- Former Georgetown University Undergraduate Admissions Officer
- 20+ years College Counseling Experience
- Former Director of College Counseling at A–List NYC
- High School English Teacher/College Counselor
- Professional Member of ACA (American Counseling Association) and IECA (Independent Educational Consultants Association)
- Member of NACAC (National Association for College Admission Counseling)
- Professional Member of Ellevate Network
- All-American Tennis Player/Division 1 College Tennis Player
- Cambridge Who’s Who Among America’s College Counseling Professionals and Entrepreneurs Award
- Teacher of the Year Recipient
- Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers Award
- National Council of Women Entrepreneurs Award Recipient
- International Women’s Leadership Association Award for Outstanding Leadership
- Proficient in Spanish
Alexandra Fazio Dougherty
M. Arch, R.A., COO
Head of Undergraduate and Graduate School Art & Architecture Division
- Harvard University, Bachelor of Fine Arts, cum laude
- University of Pennsylvania, Master of Architecture
- Drexel University Adjunct Professor – Undergraduate Architecture Department
- University of the Arts Philadelphia Adjunct Professor – Industrial Design Department
- University of Pennsylvania Guest Lecturer-Portfolio Creation & Presentation
- 10+ years with Cecil Baker and Partners, Associate Architect/Interior Designer
- 10+ years college and graduate school counseling experience for art/architecture programs
- Fine art & architecture professional portfolio specialist
Karen Philippin Kilpatrick
J.D., Co-Head of Graduate Law & MBA Graduate School Division
Co- Head of Graduate Law & MBA Graduate School Division & General Counsel
- Georgetown University School of Foreign Service, Bachelor of Science – International Politics & Security (Phi Alpha Theta Honor Society)
- J.D., New York University School of Law
- Former Associate, Morgan Lewis & Bockius LLP & Dechert LLP
- Published author of numerous legal articles & publications
- Law School specialist & Legal Counsel/Former LSAT Instructor
- 20+ years Law School Counseling Experience
- Fluent in Spanish
- Founder and Creator Pumpkinheads.com
Jill Finestone
MBA, Director of Client Relations
Business Advertising & Marketing Specialist
- Syracuse University, Bachelor of Science – Retailing
- Buyer for Bloomingdale’s NYC
- Buyer for Henri Bendel NYC
- Buyer for Calvin Klein & Ralph Lauren NYC
- Business & Sales specialist
Sherwyn Fullington
M.Ed., College Consultant
Director of Business Development/ College Counselor
- Harvard University, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, cum laude
- Harvard University, Master of Education in Administration, Planning, and Social Policy Specializing in Child Psychology and Educational Policy
- 17+ Years Concierge College Counseling Experience
- Associate Member of IECA (Independent Educational Consultants Association)
- Former Director of Business Development for Concierge, NYC-based Company
- Former Collegiate School Admissions Officer
- Resides in New York City, NY
Jamie Reich
M.S., P.D., MFT, College Consultant
College Counselor/Educational Consultant
- Washington University, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Sociology and Education, cum laude
- Hofstra University, Master of Science in Education, with distinction; specialization in Counselor Education,
- New York State Public School Teacher, Permanent Certification in School Counseling
- Hofstra University, Professional Diploma in Marriage and Family Therapy, with high honors
- 34+ years experience in Education/College Consulting
- Professional Member of IECA (Independent Educational Consultants Association) and ACA (American Counseling Association)
- Member of NACAC (National Association for College Admission Counseling) and APA (American Psychological Association)
- Published Author: “The Book of Answers: The Expert’s Guide to Navigating College Admissions”
- Founder and President of a 501c3 charity, Cancer Cured Kids
- Resident of Long Island, NY
Patty Ziplow
B.A., K-12 & College Consultant
College Counselor/ Educational Consultant
- K-12 Private School/ Boarding School Specialist
- William Smith College, B.A with honors – Sociology
- 24+ years experience as Independent School Administrator and Educational Consultant
- Associate Member of IECA (Independent Educational Consultants Association)
- Professional Member of Ellevate Network
- Former Director of Admissions at Friends Academy
- Director of Development, Director of Annual Giving and Community Relations at Friends Academy, Major Gifts Officer at Friends Seminary
- Director of Annual Giving/Special Events at Abington Friends School in Philadelphia
- Director: Inspirica NYC Test Prep and Tutoring
- Resides in NYC
Jolie Rothschild
M.Ed., MSW, College Consultant
College and Graduate School Counselor
- Columbia University, Masters in Education
- Columbia University, Masters in Social Work
- University of Michigan, B.A. Psychology
- Co-Director of College Counseling at top New York private school
- 22+ years of College Counseling Experience
- Professional Member of NACAC (National Association for College Admission Counseling)
- College Counselor/Academic Advisor/Graduate Counselor
- Professional Editor
Scott D. Reich
J.D., Co-Head of Graduate Law & MBA Graduate School Division
J.D./MBA Graduate School Counselor
- University of Pennsylvania, Bachelor of Arts – History and Communication
- J.D., University of Pennsylvania Law School, President of Class
- 15+ Years Experience of Graduate School & College Counseling
- Acclaimed Author, The Power of Citizenship: Why JFK Matters to a New Generation
- Attorney at American Express
- Former associate at Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP
- Co-founder of Online Grocery Startup, OurHarvest
- Lecturer at the Annenberg School for Communication, University of Pennsylvania
- National Lecturer on History, Civics, Current Affairs, and Presidential Communication
- Board Member of Several Non-Profit Organizations
Lisa Ripka
J.D., College Consultant
College and Graduate School Counselor
- Syracuse University Newhouse, Bachelor of Science with Honors – English/Public Relations
- 12+ years of Private College Counseling Experience
- Academic Advising/Curriculum/Law/ High School Counseling Specialist
- Professional Member of HECA (Higher Education Consultants Association)
- Associate Member of IECA (Independent Educational Consultants Association)
- Member of NACAC (National Association for College Admission Counseling)
- JD – Hofstra Law School, 1987
- Proficient in French
Ky Adderley
M. Ed, College Consultant
International College and Graduate School Counseling Specialist
- Georgetown University, Masters Degree Social & Education Policy
- Georgetown University, Bachelor of Arts – Psychology
- 19 years International and U.S. College/Graduate School Counseling and Academic Advising Experience
- Founder KIPP AMP Academy Brooklyn, NY
- Educational Leadership Consultant, Sistema Elite Escolas Rio de Janeiro
- All–American Track & Field, Georgetown University
- Professional Reebok Enclave Track Team
- Fluent in Portuguese and Spanish
Rebecca Hardt Marsick
M.Ed, College & Academic Consultant
Co-Director of Urban Initiative Program
- Tufts University, Masters Degree in Teaching, and Masters Degree in Education
- Tufts University, Bachelor of Arts – Psychology
- College Counseling Consultant/Academic Advisor with 20+ years Experience
- Professional Editor
- English/Language Arts Teacher with 20+ years Experience
- Mentor/Academic Advising/Curriculum Specialist
- Co-authored Stretching Beyond the Textbook: Reading and Succeeding with Complex Texts in the Content Areas, Scholastic Professional Books (2014)
- University of Connecticut Adjunct Professor – focused work in developing literacy
- Teaches high school in Westport, CT
Jeff Marsick
D.C., M.S., College & Academic Consultant
Co-Director of Urban Initiative Program
- United States Coast Guard Academy, Bachelor of Science–Mathematics and Computer Science
- Professional Editor/Admissions Consultant 23 years experience
- ACT/SAT/SSAT/Mathematics Tutor
- Published Writer
- Master of Science, Human Nutrition
- Former Morgan Stanley Consultant NYC
- Teaches in New Haven, CT
Erin Kligman
B.A., Director of U.S. Marketing Communications
Business Advertising & Marketing Specialist
- George Washington University, Bachelor of Arts – Communication
- New York University – Digital Marketing Communication
- 12 years of experience as a Brand Director and Marketing Communications Professional demonstrating ability to lead clients through successful campaigns at Top NYC Marketing & Advertising Firms
Alison Kolbert
B.A., Educational Consultant
Educational Consultant & Professional Editor
- New York University, Tisch School of The Arts, Bachelor of Arts – Film & Television Production
- New York University, Stern School of Business, B.A. Minor – Business of Entertainment, Media & Technology
- Editing/Writing Work Experience: The Onion, NBC’s “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” NBC Universal East Coast, Comedy Central’s “The Colbert Report,” Sirius XM’s “The Howard Stern Show,” FX’s “Louie,” and Chairman Entertainment Group
- Proficient in Spanish
Max Gibson
B.A., Educational Consultant & Professional Editor
Educational Consultant & Professional Editor
- Dartmouth College, Bachelor of Arts, English, cum laude
- Mecklin Prize in Creative Nonfiction – Winner, 2016
- Eleanor Frost Playwriting Contest – Winner, 2016
- Professional Editor
- Extensive Research and Writing Experience for a Variety of Media and News Companies
- Production and Research Experience for Multiple Radio Stations
- Resides in New York City
Amy Berns Leibner
J.D., Academic Consultant
Professional Editor & Consultant
- Emory University, Bachelor of Arts, International Studies
- Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, Yeshiva University, JD: Cardozo Law Review, Editor; Criminal Appeals Clinic, Legal Brief Writer
- Television Writer & Producer: CBS, MTV Networks – VH1, Lifetime Television, Court TV, Dow Jones/Wall St. Journal TV
- Extensive Television Research, Writing, Editing, Field Production, and both Live and Taped TV Production
- Attorney Experience: Willkie Farr & Gallagher, Corporate Litigation and Media Law, New York, NY; Solovay, Marshall & Edlin, Entertainment Law, New York, NY
- 25 years Professional Editing and Consulting Experience
- 15 years Screenwriting and Fiction Writing Experience
- Writing Young Adult Science Fiction Novel
- Proficient in French
Simone Polanen
B.A., Academic Consultant
Strategic Partner/ Academic Consultant
- Harvard University, Bachelor of Arts – Sociology and Visual and Environmental Studies (Film Production)
- Published Writer, Producer and Author
- 10+ years of experience as an Academic Consultant, Writer and Instructor
- Deutsche Film- und Fernsehakademie Berlin: Studied documentary film at premier film school in Berlin, Germany
- Shanghai Theater Academy: studied theater performance, writing and history
- French Language Proficiency
Mishi Castroverde
B.A., Academic Consultant
Strategic Partner/ Academic Consultant
- Columbia University, Bachelor of Arts – Psychology, Minor in Dance
- Standardized Test Specialist
- Learning Disabilities Counselor
- 10+ years of experience as a Senior Academic Consultant
- 10+ Years of Experience as a Classroom Teacher, College Advisor, and Professional Development Trainer
- Founder of mishiDance – Artistic Director and Choreographer
- Freelance Professional Dancer
- Resides in New York City
Ellie Smith
B.A., Academic Consultant & Professional Editor
Academic Consultant & Professional Editor
- Amherst College, B.A., English
- University of East Anglia UK
- Editorial Assistant, Harper-Collins Publishing NYC
- Amherst College Summer and Alumni Programs Coordinator
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Amherst College Rowing Team Athlete, Novice Girls Rowing Coach for Northampton Rowing
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Development Coordinator for LitWorld NYC
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Resides in NYC
Hart Gilula
M.A., Testing Consultant
International/U.S. Head of Tutoring
- Stanford University – Bachelor of Arts – Humanities, with Honors
- Stanford University – Master of Arts Humanities
- Representative, Humanities Department Steering and Graduate Admissions Committees
- Stanford University Teaching Assistant – Sophomore College
- Founder of Forte Education – Online Tutoring Partner
- Specialist in Customized Test Preparation
- Developer of an online platform and methodology used to tutor students on six continents
Michael Milone
M.Ed, College Consultant
College Counselor
- Princeton University, Bachelor of Arts – English
- Columbia University, Masters Degree in Education
- Former College Admissions Officer
- College Consultant/Professional Editor
- 19 years experience
- Proficient in French
David D. Kingery
B.A., B.S, Theatre Consultant
Undergraduate and Graduate Theater Program Specialist
- University of Miami School of Music, Bachelor of Arts – Vocal Performance/Theater
- Bachelor of Science – Communications/Film/Video
- 25 years experience as an international professional Singer/Actor for Stage/Events
- Professional College Prep. Vocal/Acting Coach
- Off-Broadway Director for Musical Theater, New York City
- 19 years experience as nationwide Artistic Director for Theater and Performance Arts- New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Philadelphia
- Director of College/Graduate Audition Workshops for Performers- PAN Miami
Jahidi White
B.S., Former NBA athlete
Athletic Recruitment Specialist
- Georgetown University, Bachelor of Sociology
- Former NBA Professional Basketball Player – Washington Wizards, Phoenix Suns, Charlotte Bobcats, Cleveland Cavaliers
- Founder, Jahidi White Charitable Foundation for Kids
- Athletic recruitment and NCAA requirement specialist with over 10 years of experience
Jill Bethel
B.A., Educational Consultant
Educational Consultant/Curriculum Specialist
- University of Miami, Bachelor of Arts-English, Psychology, and Education
- 18 years English/Language Arts teacher/curriculum specialist
- Professional Editor
- Mentor/Academic Advising
Jill Tipograph
MBA, Internship & Career Consultant
Strategic Partner/Summer, Internship & Career Guidance
- New York University – Stern, MBA; Marketing
- New York University, B.A. Psychology
- Founder of Everything Summer LLC
- 23 years’ experience as Expert Educational Consultant
- Professional Member – Independent Educational Consultants Association
- Member – National Association for College Admission Counseling
- Designs optimal summers to maximize growth and help students self-differentiate; paving the road to college
- Co-Author of the 2014 National Pre-College Summer Survey/Author: Your Everything Summer Guide & Planner
- Co-Founder, Early Stage Careers LLC: Provides Expert Internship/Career Coaching for to college students and recent grads
- Career/Internship Boot Camps – small group Intensives
- “Go to” media resource: Forbes, New York Times, NBC’s Today Show, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, US News & World Report, CNBC, MSNBC, ABC & NBC News, Fast Company
Lesley Mitler
B.A., Internship & Career Consultant
Strategic Partner/Internship and Career Guidance
- Duke University, B.A. Management Science and Accounting
- Co-Founder, Early Stage Careers LLC
- 28 years’ experience as an Executive Search Consultant
- Provides expert career coaching to college students and recent grads
- Career/Internship small group Intensives
- Media resource for publications including the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, USA Today, US News & World Report
Lloyd Nimetz
MBA, Owner & CEO of Spike Lab LLC
Strategic Partner/ Educational Consultant
- Williams College, Bachelor of Arts – Economics
- Stanford University, Master of Business Administration
- Fulbright Scholar
- Provides College Admissions Consultancy through Startup Incubator and Passion Projects for High Schoolers
- Former Director of 4.0 Schools Education Startup Accelerator
- CEO/Owner of Spike Lab LLC: https://thespikelab.com
- Co-Founder of Dev Bootcamp NYC (parent company acquired by Kaplan Inc. in 2014)
- Serial Entrepreneur and Investor of 5 for-profits and nonprofits in the US, Taiwan, Argentina and India
- Fluent in Spanish
Adam Rabasca
M.S.Ed, Special Education Consultant
Special Education & Standardized Testing Consultant
- Hunter College, City University of New York – Master’s Degree in Special Education
- University of Vermont – Bachelor of Science Environmental Studies
- K-12 District Director of Special Education
- K-12 Special Education Certification, Former High School Special Education Teacher
- Qualified Evaluator of Academic Achievement and Cognitive Abilities
- Trained in Ross Greene’s Collaborative Problem Solving, the Orton-Gillingham Methodology, and Judith Hochman’s Methodology
- Specialization in Aligning Individualized Education Program (IEP) Goals with the Common Core State Standards
- Expertise in Applying to the College Board and ACT for standardized testing Assessment Accommodations
- 18 Years Experience in IEP and Section 504 Case Management, Specialized Instruction, Behavioral and Academic Interventions
- Guest Speaker on Behavioral and Learning Disabilities
- Study Skills Coach
- Education Studies Student Mentor
- USPTA Certified Tennis Professional
- RSNC (Rabasca Special Needs Coaching & Consulting):
- Website: rsncsolutions.com
- Contact: info@rsncsolutions.com
Mackenzie Roof
B.S., Medical School Consultant
Medical School Consultant & Professional Editor
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University of Southern California, B.S., Neuroscience, Summa Cum Laude
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New York University School of Medicine Medical
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Pathology and Neuropathology Student Researcher
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Resides in NYC
Jordan Karen
B.A., Business Consultant
Business Consultant & Professional Editor
- Duke University, B.A. Public Policy
- Morgan Stanley NYC Private Wealth Management, Institutional Equities Guidance, and Financial Analysis
- Co-Owner of Campus Enterprises, Durham, NC
- Resides in NYC
Anu Jaya Naidu
J.D., M.S., Head of International Business Development
Head of International Business Development
- Tufts University, B.A.
- Columbia University, M.S.
- Emory University, J.D. (Sidney Parks Law Scholar)
- Diploma in Forced Migration and Human Rights, University of Peace (Costa Rica)
- Senior Counsel, The Offsite General Counsel, Ltd.
- Director of Fundraising, Asociación Mar a Mar (CaminodeCostaRica.org)
- Vice President of the Board of Directors, WCCR (Costa Rica)
- Former In-House Counsel (Office of General Counsel), Barclays
- Former Associate (Corporate Finance), Sidley Austin LLP
- Former Human Rights Chair, International Law Committee (NYC Bar Association)
- Former Corporate Pro Bono Co-Chair, Pro Bono Legal Services Committee (NYC Bar Association)
- Co-Founder, Barclays U.S. Legal Pro Bono Program (2011 City Bar Justice Center Award Recipient)
- Former Intern: United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs
- Former Intern: U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York
- Former Editor-in-Chief, Emory International Law Review
- Languages: English and Spanish
Jeff Landau
B.A., Head of International Athletic Recruitment
Head of International Athletic Recruitment
- Wake Forest University, Bachelor of Arts – Spanish
- #2 Singles Scholarship Recruit Tennis Player for Wake Forest University; 1996 Most Valuable Player
- Yale University Women’s Junior Varsity Coach (2001-2003)
- Former Top Nationally-Ranked Junior Tennis Player in the United States
- 1994 United States Amateur Champion; Former World Ranked ATP Professional Tennis Player – Player on Pro Tour (two years)
- Former Sparring Partner for Venus Williams, Martina Hingis, Monica Seles and Lindsay Davenport
- Worked in Event Management for Octagon Sports Marketing and for the United States Tennis Association and Pilot Pen Tennis Tournament (Professional WTA Tour Event) focusing on grassroots marketing
- PTR Certified Tennis Coach (Professional level)
- Frequent competitor on the Indonesian PGA/IGT Golf Tour
- Extensive knowledge of the college admissions and athletic recruiting process; has helped place students on tennis teams at top schools such as Dartmouth, UPenn, Princeton, Colgate, Wake Forest, and Bates
- Maintains vast network of coaching contacts at all NCAA levels
- Lives in Jakarta, Indonesia (since 2009)