
Meet Our Counselors
Not Your Normal College Counselor.
At College Contact, we are firm believers in the peer-to-peer advising model, which is why our college counselors are current college undergraduates.

Charlotte Burgess
University of Virginia
Media Studies | French
I am a junior at the University of Virginia majoring in Media Studies and minoring in French. I am from Annapolis, Maryland and my interests include singing, digital media content, boating, and fitness.
Helping others has always been an important part of my life. In high school, I tutored younger students in French, Math, and English through the National Honors Society and was involved in the Student Council as Student Secretary and helped organize school events. Now at UVA I am a Personal Director and volunteer through Madison House while also creating digital news content for WUVA. My interest in helping others has led me to this amazing opportunity to help you!
I know the college process is stressful with countless steps: the Common Application to fill out, writing the “perfect” college essay, and supplementaries to complete for different schools. However, I want to make this process enjoyable. Since I recently went through the college process, I have all my tips and tricks at hand and cannot wait to take this opportunity to help others tell their story and get them into their dream colleges!
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Qais Youssef
University of Virginia
Commerce | Sustainability
I am a rising second year at the University of Virginia from Los Altos, California, intending to major in Commerce and Global Environments and Sustainability. At UVA, you will find me involved in offering volunteer tax services to community members through the Madison House, conducting climate change research, mentoring incoming college students, playing intramural sports, and being involved in cultural clubs! I love being outdoors, traveling, and fashion.
I am looking forward to helping guide you and support you throughout this seemingly overwhelming process. As someone who recently went through the college application process, I hope to help alleviate some of your stress and give you comfort by helping you craft your applications so that they best represent the stories that make you "you"!

Anya Gupta
Duke University
Environmental Science | Hindi
Hi! My name is Anya and I am a rising senior at Duke University double majoring in Environmental Science and Earth Climate Science with a Hindi minor. I'm an avid runner and backpacker, and recently completed my first 100 miler ultramarathon this past March down North Carolina's Outer Banks. I took a gap year during the 2020-2021 school year due to Covid-19, where I spent 5 months working as a cave guide at Mammoth Cave National Park, and the next 5 months working as a marketing intern for Skylo Technologies. I'm passionate about the geologic sciences and natural resource education, increasing accessibility and diversity in the outdoors, and sustainable tech!
I have experience working for the federal government, as a park ranger at Crater Lake, and last summer in Yosemite. This summer, I am working for a California water utility. I also TA introductory calculus at Duke; having tutored students in AP Lit/Lang and STEM since early high school, I love working with people and helping develop learning plans and strategies. Growing up in Silicon Valley, there was no shortage of stress and pressure during the college application process, but it really doesn't have to be stressful! If anything, this is a special time for you to share and reflect on what things inspire, motivate, and challenge you. My goal is to make the applying process fun for my clients - where you learn something new about yourself along the way. I am a big believer in "things happen for a reason". No need for sleepless nights over where you end up - it'll be a wonderful adventure and an even better story at the end. Let's chat!

Henry McGonnigal
University of Southern California
Psychology | Applied Analytics
I am a rising senior at the University of Southern California with a major in psychology and a minor in applied analytics. I am originally from Tampa, Florida but have started to enjoy the other coast.
I'm currently a research assistant for USC's Child Interviewing Lab an active brother in Phi Delta Theta Fraternity and. After school, I plan to pursue a graduate degree in clinical psychology.

Thomas Little
Vanderbilt University
Media Studies | French
I am a sophomore at Vanderbilt University studying Human and Organizational Development and French with a business minor.
I am from Arlington, VA and enjoy watching Arsenal, playing soccer/tennis/golf, reading and DJ'ing in my free time. I am a transfer student, so having been through this process twice I look forward to sharing all the knowledge and tricks I learned to help you find the right fit. I look forward to working with you.

Kyra Thordsen
American University
Political Science | Philosophy | Spanish
Kyra is a senior at American University studying Political Science, Philosophy, and Spanish Language. She hails from the San Francisco Bay Area, loves to swim, host dinner parties, read, and beat her friends at the NYT crossword puzzle.
At AU, Kyra is involved in student government, club sports, college radio, community volunteering, and political internships. Kyra enjoys traveling, and just returned from her semester studying abroad in Madrid! After graduating in the Spring of 2024, Kyra hopes to attend law school and one day become a judge.

Evan Farnping
Brown University
Computational Biology | Entrepreneurship
Hello, my name is Evan Farnping, and I am from Lowell, Massachusetts. I attend Brown University, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Computational Biology and a Certificate in Entrepreneurship, with an expected graduation year in 2025.
As a first-generation student of color from a low socioeconomic background, I've gained valuable experience in labs, a pharmacy, as a teaching fellow, a tutor, a video editor, and a programmer.
Despite my challenging upbringing, I've successfully gained admission to top schools and had fantastic work opportunities. Therefore, I aim to use my experiences and skills to help students from any background realize their potential in getting into their dream schools.

Naomi Tekola
University of Virginia
History | Business | Pre-Law
I'm a second-year at UVA from Centreville, VA studying History and Pre-Commerce on the pre-law track. I'm also a Posse Foundation Scholar and a current Echols Scholar. At UVA I'm DEI Chair for the Inter-Sorority Council, EESA Member, and OBOE Founder. Outside of school, I enjoy playing basketball, reading/writing, and thrifting.
In high school, I did a lot of start-up and nonprofit work which has given me insight on the activities section of the Common Application and on resume building. The college application process was hard for me to navigate as a First Gen student and I would love to use my insight on resume building, essay writing, and any other general parts of the process to help students currently applying.

Ben Kersh
University of California Santa Barbara
Environmental Studies | History of Art & Architecture
Hey y’all! My name’s Ben Kersh, and I’m a rising senior at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) double majoring in Environmental Studies and the History of Art & Architecture.
I am a proud product of Los Angeles, and you’ll find me relaxing at the beach, thrifting, or going to museums whenever I have free time on my hands. I am excited to meet you and work with you!

Andrew Tran
University of Virginia
Computer Science | Statistics
My name is Andrew, and I'm from Alexandria, Virginia. I am a third-year student at the University of Virginia studying Computer Science and Statistics. I love to swim, play basketball, and hike with friends, and I recently have gotten into cooking!
I found the college application process confusing at first; I had no life-changing events or any special awards that could set me apart. However, I knew how to craft compelling college essays that told a story about my life, and eventually, I was accepted into schools like Brown, Duke, University of Michigan, and more.
Now that I've finished the process, I want to help others achieve their dreams by helping craft their unique stories. I can't wait to streamline the process for students and provide the help I wish I had.

Diya Gupta
University of Virginia
Business | Global Sustainability
I am a rising second year at the University of Virginia from Los Altos, California, intending to major in Commerce and Global Environments and Sustainability.
At UVA, you will find me involved in offering volunteer tax services to community members through the Madison House, conducting climate change research, mentoring incoming college students, playing intramural sports, and being involved in cultural clubs! I love being outdoors, traveling, and fashion, and am looking forward to help guide you and support you throughout this seemingly overwhelming process.
As someone who recently went through the college application process, I hope to help alleviate some of your stress and give you comfort by helping you craft your applications so that they best represent the stories that make you "you"!

Thomas Russo
University of Virginia
Economics | Leadership
I am a rising Junior at the University of Virginia majoring in Economics with a minor in Leadership through the McIntire School of Commerce.
Outside of my classes, I am an active member of the Men's Club Lacrosse team and the Virginia Undergraduate Real Estate Club. My free time is spent cooking and watching football. During high school, I played football and lacrosse and was involved in a number of clubs and honor societies, including Business Honor Society and DECA (states/nationals).
Throughout the college application process, applying to 20+ schools, I learned a lot without much guidance, but having a service like College Contact would have been the exact support I greatly needed. Today's college application process has become more competitive than ever, which is why I want to assist as many students as I can in the process. As someone who has applied to schools recently and guided my brother this past year, I have a lot of advice to share and my primary goal is to help you end up at your dream school!

Dani Magbanua
University of Chicago
Anthropology | Linguistics
I’m currently at the University of Chicago studying Anthropology and Linguistics, but I’m originally from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.
Outside of academics, I love to express myself creatively through all forms of visual arts, teaching myself how to play different instruments, and learning more about/sharing my Filipino-Puerto Rican culture.
I truly believe that a great essay can be written on any topic, so I’m excited to work with you and see where your ideas will take you.

Anna Makover
University of Virginia
Environmental Science | Economics
I am a second year at the University of Virginia double majoring in Environmental Science and Environmental Thought & Practice and minoring in Economics. I am a member of the Women's Club Lacrosse team at UVA and I am our social media chair.
In high school, I was captain of my varsity lacrosse team, a member of the track team, and lead many local initiatives related to solving environmental issues. During my college application process, I gained experience and knowledge applying to an array of schools across the country. Throughout high school, I was determined to get accepted to top universities and spent a lot of time working towards this goal.
I am excited to have the opportunity to share what I have learned through my own experience in order to help students succeed in the college application process.

Steven Deng
Carnegie Mellon
Business Administration
I am a second-year Business Administration major at Carnegie Mellon University. I originally attended the University of California, Irvine but transferred out after my freshman year.
Outside of academics, I love to play different sports specifically basketball and boxing, waste time on video games like Valorant, and browse Reddit (A2C alum) to keep up to date on all the news.
During high school, I was president of many school clubs such as the Beta club and Reading Helpers which I founded. I also competed and placed nationally for the quiz bowl, participated in a sports marketing internship, taught basketball, and worked with a non-profit as an executive financier. I remember being super anxious before entering high school because of college applications and revolved all my time around crafting the 'perfect' resume. I've learned that there is no perfect application but I've also gained a lot of valuable insight about the college application system, that I know will be beneficial to any prospective applicant, from how to strategically craft essays using specific details to show a demonstrated interest in unique ways that will make you stand out. I'm currently mentoring multiple ambitious high schoolers toward the college of their dreams! And would love to do the same for you!

Hayley Gomez
University of Tennesse
Graphic Design
I am a rising senior at the University of Tennessee Knoxville majoring in Graphic Design.
I plan to work in branding, web design, and app development when after graduation to showcase the personality of a company and communicate its mission clearly.
In my free time, I love cooking, crafting, photography, and traveling with friends! During my college career I am actively involved in Greek life, I was the editor of our University’s first print magazine and worked as a resident assistant.
The college application process taught me the importance of branding yourself and showcasing not only who you are, but also what sets you apart from someone else. I am eager to be able to help you identify your “brand” and encompass your passions into a memorable essay.

Danielle Lancaster
Bowdoin College
Economics & Government | Urban Studies
I am a rising sophomore at Bowdoin College double majoring in Economics and Government with a concentration in International Relations and minoring in Urban Studies.
At Bowdoin, I am highly involved in Bowdoin Student Government, this past year as the Class of 2026 treasurer and next year as the Chair of the Treasury. I also have experience interning and doing research in the realms of sociology, government, and finance. I am originally from Jupiter, FL, and, in my spare time, I enjoy playing tennis, traveling, and reading. I know that this process is often overwhelming and frustrating, but I am here to make it as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Throughout high school, I found myself interested in many different areas of study, which ultimately shaped how I approached the college process. In total I applied to 18 schools, only discovering exactly what I wanted after learning more about myself through the application process. We will work together to make your essays unique and showcase your story in a creative way. I am excited to help each student find their perfect college match, a place where they can truly see themselves thriving over the course of four years!
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Shane Sugden
University of Virginia
Politics | Business | Pre-Law
I am from Virginia Beach, Virginia, and a rising second-year in the class of 2026 at the University of Virginia, planning to study Political Philosophy, Policy, and Law or Commerce and minor in Entrepreneurship.
Outside of my rigorous academic schedule, I am the co-founder of the Tidewater Solidarity Bail Fund, Resident Advisor, and executive member of Profit with Purpose, Outdoors Club, and Beta Theta Pi. My hobbies are soccer, tennis, rock climbing, weightlifting, and photography.
I am excited to share my experience with the college admission process and help you show your voice to college admission officers.

Gracie Tidwell
University of Utah
Marketing | Psychology
Hi, I'm Gracie! I am a senior at the University of Utah, and I'm majoring in Marketing with a minor in Psychology. I'm from Denver, Colorado, and some of my hobbies are skiing, photography, and traveling.
I am very involved on campus, with some of my extracurriculars including Greek Life (Delta Gamma) and student leadership with the Utah Entrepreneurship Competition.
My college experience has been incredibly formative and enjoyable, and I look forward to helping you craft your next step in education!

Morgan McGurk
University of Arizona
Human Development | Biology (Pre-Health)
I am from Lee's Summit, Missouri, and currently attend college at the University of Arizona W.A. Franke Honors College. I am on a pre-health track majoring in Human Development and Family Science and minoring in Biology.
Following my graduation in 2025, I plan to attend graduate school to become a genetic counselor. In my free time, I enjoy reading, hiking, going to concerts, and playing tennis.
I've had success applying to a wide variety of schools and scholarships and am excited to be a resource for you as you navigate the college application process!

Jillian Tabone
University of Arizona
Speech Language Hearing Sciences | Communication
Hi, my name is Jillian and I am from Orange County, CA. I am currently a Junior attending the University of Arizona and planning to graduate in 2025. I am majoring in Speech Language Hearing Sciences and Disorders and minoring in Communication.
I specialize in creative writing specifically building essays that are unique and tell each student's story. I used College Contact when I was a high school senior, so I am proud to now give back by being a counselor on the platform!
I have been very involved throughout my high school and college career participating in theater, dance team, honors and AP courses, philanthropy, mentorship programs, and leadership positions. I would be honored to take part and help you throughout your college application journey!

Maya Jacobs
Williams College
English | Neuroscience
I am an English major and Neuroscience concentrator at Williams College with an integral interest in creative writing. Currently at Williams, I serve as a peer writing tutor where I help students develop clear arguments in their writing, placing critical and analytical thinking at the forefront of what I read.
This, alongside my interest in creative writing, creates an environment that allows us to deep dive into your essay, dissect its strengths, and improve the work with a creative and holistic approach. I offer fresh insight and experience to share with rising seniors applying to college, and have little tips and tricks that make sure we help you achieve your goals in your work.

Leilani Garza
University of Texas Austin
Psychology | Spanish (Pre-Med)
As a pre-medicine student at the University of Texas at Austin, I plan to graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Spanish. Additionally, I hope to obtain a Pre-Health Professions Certificate.
At UT Austin, I was elected President of the Leadership Cohort and chairholder for the Mu Epsilon Theta Sorority. I am also entering my second year as a junior researcher in partnership with the Youth Leadership Council and the UT Health Science Center.
The college process and pre-medicine mentorship are two subjects I enjoy helping others with. With experience applying to more than 30 diverse colleges in my senior year, I hope to help students in any way I can as they take a step toward their academic and educational goals.