Two Perspectives, Working Together for You
At Cprep, Sam and Kelly work intentionally as a team, giving every student access to two experienced perspectives on college planning.
Students benefit from Sam’s background in psychology and college admissions alongside Kelly’s extensive years in classrooms and school leadership, creating a holistic, real world approach to preparing for college.
Families experience a thoughtful partnership, organized around a shared belief that the process can be both meaningful and manageable.
Meet Sam
Your College Game Plan Starts Here
Finding the right college can feel overwhelming for students and parents alike. With so many choices, timelines, and expectations, it’s easy to feel unsure about what truly matters. My role is to help bring clarity, confidence, and calm to the process.
As the founder of CollegePrep, I work closely with students and families to help them discover colleges that are a true best-fit academically, socially, and financially. I believe the most successful college outcomes happen when students feel understood, supported, and empowered to make thoughtful choices about their future.
Personalized Guidance That Builds Confidence
With years of experience working in universities and growing a private practice, I know that no two students, and no two families are the same. That’s why my approach is deeply personal. I take the time to truly get to know each student, their goals, strengths, and concerns, and to understand what parents value most in the process.
Think of me as your personal coach and advocate, someone who will guide you, answer questions, celebrate progress, and provide steady reassurance along the way. Together, we create a plan that feels manageable, encouraging, and achievable.
A Clear, Supportive Path Forward
The college admissions process doesn’t have to feel stressful or confusing. From our very first conversation, my focus is on listening carefully and offering thoughtful, personalized guidance. My four step approach is designed to simplify the process, reduce pressure, and help families stay focused on what matters most: finding the right college and moving forward with confidence.
Students gain clarity and direction. Parents gain peace of mind. And everyone feels supported at every stage.
Confidence. Your Story. Let’s Go.
College planning is serious, but it can also be meaningful and even enjoyable. I love helping students discover confidence in telling their stories and presenting themselves authentically. One of the most rewarding parts of my work is seeing students realize their own potential, especially when an essay truly resonates or an acceptance letter includes a personal note about the student’s fit from an admissions officer.
As a California native, I enjoy traveling, meeting new people, and building long standing relationships with college admissions teams across the country. These connections and my genuine enthusiasm for this work allow me to guide students with insight, warmth, and care.
Before founding CollegePrep
About Me
I earned a PsyD in Psychology from the University of Southern California and completed a postdoctoral College Counseling Certificate at UCLA. My professional background includes working in admissions at the Claremont Colleges and within the California State University system, as well as consulting with high schools and universities across the U.S. and internationally on student success and academic programs.
I founded CollegePrep in Los Angeles in 2007 with a highly personalized approach to college consulting and later expanded my practice to Louisville, Kentucky. This allows me to stay closely connected to colleges across the Midwest and South while maintaining strong relationships on both the East and West Coasts. Almost 20 years later, I am proud of the lasting relationships that Cprep has built with students and their families from across the US and around the world.
I am also an active member of several national and regional college counseling associations, including OACAC, HECA, and NACAC ensuring that my guidance remains current, ethical, and informed.
Meet Kelly
Connecting with Students
I work shoulder-to-shoulder with students to understand their goals, interests, and dreams. As we talk through the many paths available in the college search, it’s rewarding to watch ideas take shape and confidence grow. Throughout the process, I enjoy learning alongside my students and helping them recognize and express their unique strengths.
I model an open-minded, thoughtful approach to college planning, encouraging students to ask questions, explore possibilities, take chances, and trust in both the process and themselves.
Providing Personalized Guidance
I joined Sam and CollegePrep as a consultant in 2022, with more than 30 years of experience as an English teacher, school principal, and district administrator. My career in education has always centered on helping students reach their full potential through strong academic opportunities and intentional, strategic planning.
I take great care to guide students toward smart course selections and activities aligned with their goals, and I especially enjoy the creative process of the Common App personal essay from early brainstorming to final polish. I want students to feel proud of their authorship and excited to share their story with the colleges on their list.
Simplifying The Process
Every family’s situation is different. We meet families where they are and guide them forward with clarity and care, understanding firsthand how overwhelming the process can feel.
As a college consultant, my goal is to demystify the admissions process while serving as a steady source of support and encouragement. We strive to be accessible and flexible, as our students lead extremely busy lives! We can accommodate early birds or night owls. Whatever it takes to get the job done.
Keeping Things Fun
While we are intentional about the college prep process, we believe it should also be enjoyable. Building strong relationships allows students to feel relaxed, confident, and comfortable being themselves. We ask questions, listen closely, and laugh often.
From theatre and literature to UK basketball, there’s rarely an off-limits topic. If you overhear me quoting Shakespeare or referencing a Marvel movie, just know it’s all part of helping students feel seen, understood, and excited about working together!
Before Joining CollegePrep
About Me
A proud native of eastern Kentucky, I earned a BA in English Literature and Theatre, an MA in School Counseling, and a Rank 1 in Instructional Leadership and School Supervision from Western Kentucky University.
I began my career in 1992 as an English and Drama teacher at Bowling Green High School. In the early 2000s, my family relocated to Glasgow, where I served as an Assistant Principal and later, in 2004, as principal of the newly formed Highland Elementary.
In 2011, I joined district leadership as Supervisor of Federal Programs for Glasgow Schools. During this time, I partnered with Dr. Case and CollegePrep to develop a selective college admissions program, an experience that sparked my passion for college counseling.
For the past five years as a college consultant with CollegePrep, I’ve been honored to counsel students from coast to coast and around the globe. It is my privilege to be a part of this transformative time in their lives.