About Us

Counselors

Donna Siegel: CEO

Donna graduated from SDSU with a BA in Psychology and a minor in Journalism with an emphasis in Advertising.

She then went on to work at TBWA/Chiat/Day and Think New Ideas in Los Angeles and New York City where she ran Human Resources and Recruiting Nationwide.  From there, she moved to San Francisco and ran a successful Advertising Recruiting firm. Through the process of recruiting, Donna’s goal was to always help applicants and companies find the right match that would lead to the success of both parties.

After having kids of her own, Donna found a soft spot for teenagers and wanted to use her recruiting skills to help the next generation launch their futures. She went back to school and completed her College Counseling degree at UCLA and graduated the program with Distinction.

Donna is based in Southern California and works with many of her clients face to face. She also helps students around the country using Skype and other online communications tools to enable the process.

She is a professional member of IECA and an active member of HECA, NACAC, and WACAC.

Cristine Butler: COO

Cristine graduated from CSUN with a BS in Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing.

She then went on to manage financial portfolios and loans for Bank of America in Southern California.  Later, Cristine decided to use her marketing degree at Nordstrom where she was a manager responsible for product placement and marketing.

She stepped away from corporate life to raise two boys.  After completing the college application process with her older son, she decided to follow her new passion in guiding college-bound high school students in finding the right “fit” of their own.  She went back to school and completed the Specialized Certificate in College Admissions Counseling at UCSD and graduated the program with Honors.

Cristine is based in Southern California and helps students locally and across the country.

Cristine is a member of NACAC and WACAC.

Ellen Parsons: Counselor

Ellen has a B.A. in American Civilization magna cum laude from Brown University. She also has an M.B.A. from Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management and a Certificate in College Planning awarded with Distinction from UCLA.

Ellen loves helping high school students discover why they’re amazing and how to show it! Her foray into admissions began with volunteering as a student campus tour guide, after which she served many years as an alumni interviewer and resume and essay editor. After raising her daughter, Ellen combined her creative talents and passion for education by launching an essay development practice. Since, she has devoted her career to college planning.

Ellen also draws on her advertising and marketing experience, including roles at Fidelity Investments, Charles Schwab, and Hewitt (Aon) Associates. As a long-time Boys & Girls Clubs of San Francisco Board Member and college-access volunteer, she actively advocates for youth and education equity.

Raised in Boston, Ellen lives in San Francisco where she works with students both IRL and virtually.

Ellen is a member of IECA.

Teachers

Kerri Mitchell, Tiffany Groscost, Katie Seegmiller, and Mr. Martin Kirby

We are beyond thrilled to welcome these amazing teachers to our staff.

Kerri (Mrs. Mitch) is the Hart District Math Department Chair and runs the SAT/ACT testing held for the district.

Tiffany (Mrs. Groscost) is starting her fifth year teaching English at Hart. 

Katie (Mrs. Seegs) has been teaching English in the Hart district for 18 years.

Mr. Kirby taught at Hart for roughly 40 years and is a Physics Legend. He writes the AP Physics tests for the College Board and travels around the country teaching teachers how to teach physics. He also is a test grader, reader and coordinator for the AP Physics tests during the summers. He retired from Hart last year and still substitute teaches.

Advisors

Ed Schoenberg

After 40 years working on the “college side” Ed is currently a college counselor at Bellarmine College Preparatory in San Jose, CA, assisting high school juniors and seniors in their college search and selection processes. Prior to his current role Ed was Special Assistant to the President for Student Success at Otis College of Art and Design.

Upon earning his B.A. (Political Science/History) from Whittier College, he joined Whittier’s Admissions Staff, eventually rising to Associate Director of Admissions. He has held a variety of positions in admissions, financial aid, student affairs and enrollment management at Holy Names College, University of La Verne, the University of Nevada, (Reno), Gonzaga University, and the University of the Pacific where he was the Dean of Enrollment Services.

He earned his M.A in Counseling and Educational Psychology at the University of Nevada in 1989 and a Certificate in College Counseling from UCLA in 2015.

He has also spoken and presented nationally as well as written a number of articles for professional journals and with Kavin Buck wrote a book, “A Guide to College Choices in the Performing and Visual Arts” which was released in June 2008.

Ed has held leadership positions in the National Association for Admissions Counseling and the Western Association for College Admissions Counseling and is a member of many other organizations including: The American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers, National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators and The College Board. Ed also serves as a reader for ETS’ (Educational Testing Service) Scholarship and Recognition Programs.

Julia Varriale

Julie is a professor at UCLA/College Counseling Certification Courses. Previously, she worked as an admissions officer at Framingham State University and Wheaton College. She earned her Masters in High Education from Boston College.

John Catalano

John is a counselor at Catalano Advising. He also works as an Associate Dean and Director of Graduate Programs, including NYU Medical School. He has worked in counseling for 16+ years and earned his Certificate in College Counseling from UCLA.

Student-Athlete Advisors

Katie Andersen

Katie Andersen played Soccer for Duke University. As a former college athlete with decades of experience advising college-bound student-athletes, Katie provides comprehensive training for college counselors in southern California and across the country on how to successfully guide their athletes through the athletic recruiting process. In addition, Katie provides academic guidance and NCAA Eligibility support.

Katie is a member of HECA and IECA.

Student Advisors

Nelson Campbell- UCLA

Justyn Friedler- Williams College

Wade Walig- Yale University

Scott Rankin- USC