Melanie is a graduate of Harvard College, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, before going on to complete her Master of Education at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. She has spent her career at the intersection of college access and student advocacy, guiding hundreds of students through the college application process and building systems that make student-centered guidance possible at scale.

Across her work in Title I and private schools, Melanie has worn many hats: college counselor, curriculum designer, teacher, and team lead. She has remained driven by the belief that students deserve not just information, but a genuine champion in their corner. Her earlier years as a classroom teacher, recognized by the Texas Education Agency for exemplary performance, gave her a deep understanding of students as whole people, long before they ever started an application.

Melanie's commitment to this work is personal. Having navigated her own path to and through Harvard, she understands firsthand what access means and what it can cost when students don't have it. Her experiences fuel her dedication to ensuring that every student, regardless of background or zip code, has the guidance, resources, and belief they need to pursue higher education and reach their full potential.