Founder

Julie Fulton began her career as an Admission Counselor at the highly selective Office of Undergraduate Admissions at Tufts University. There, she read thousands of applications for admission to the freshman class and served on the scholarship committee, for which she reviewed and recommended merit awards. Over the past two decades, Julie has consulted at Occidental College, reviewing tens of thousands of applications and rendering admission recommendations. She has also reviewed applications for the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. In 2004, Julie created Admit 101, a service to guide Los Angeles-area high school students through the college admissions process and then, in 2007, co-founded the full-service admissions company, Mosaic College Prep. Julie has consulted students nationwide, has led workshops on college admissions for a variety of schools and organizations, and developed a pre-college program for View Park Prep charter school in Los Angeles. She also created the Mosaic Master Class, an experiential course designed to lead students through building uniquely effective college applications.

Julie graduated with honors from Tufts University, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations and Drama. She completed the UCLA Certificate Program in College Counseling and earned her Masters degree from UCLA, Anderson. She contributed the chapter “Coping with the College Admissions Process” for the critically acclaimed book The Parents’ Guide to Psychological First Aid published in 2011 by the Oxford Press, and has been a contributor to Planet Money’s The Indicator and NPR’s All Things Considered. She is a member of the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC).

Click here for an excerpt of Julie’s chapter “Coping with the College Admissions Process” 

 

Founding Partner

Karen Bowlin started with Mosaic College Prep in 2009 and has worked with many students on the college application process, as well as joined the Occidental College admissions staff reviewing applications and helping to create incoming classes through admission recommendations. Karen brings extensive experience in both communications and the art of self-marketing to her work with students and is currently completing the UCLA Certification Program in College Counseling. Karen earned her Bachelors degree in both English Literature and Psychology from Claremont McKenna College, graduating magna cum laude, and graduated from UCLA, Anderson MBA program in 2012. She is a member of the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) and has worked as an admissions reader for both Occidental College and Reed College. Focusing on marketing, Karen had the pleasure of working on projects with Toyota, Anheuser-Busch and ThinkSmart Software and was awarded the Outstanding Student in Marketing Award. Transitioning from marketing to college applications was easy for Karen, as she explains that “the college application process is very similar to marketing from a business perspective; it’s about creating goals, determining your target audience, and promoting yourself in the most effective way possible.”

 

Director of Communication & Programming, Lead Counselor

Mariah Bess began her work in education as a tutor through the Office of Disability Services at Barnard College, Columbia University. She graduated cum laude with a degree in English, then returned to her hometown of Los Angeles, where she began working with students ranging in age from 6 to 56. For over ten years, Mariah has empowered students to become confident writers, thoughtful scholars, and strong critical thinkers—successfully guiding them to admission at their dream schools. Nothing gives Mariah more joy than watching her students develop a deeper sense of identity as well as an ownership of their accomplishments, as they learn to synthesize their achievements and personalities in their admissions essays. Mariah’s goal as a counselor is to eliminate any undue stress in an inherently stressful process and to guide her students towards colleges that will ignite and inspire them intellectually, personally, and socially. In her roles as Mosaic’s Director of Communication & Programming and Lead Counselor, Mariah leads application workshops, speaks at college admissions events across Los Angeles, and trains and mentors counselors on the team. She is a member of the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC).

 

Director of Operations

Avra Maxwell brings over 25 years of experience in education. She began her career as a high school English teacher before moving into administrative roles focused on curriculum development, instruction, and teacher support. As a middle school Dean of Teaching and Learning, she honed her leadership and administrative skills. Since 2012, Avra has worked as an independent education consultant, serving as a staffing specialist, professional development facilitator, charter school application writer, and curriculum designer. Her expertise spans organizational improvement, process optimization, and strategic planning. Avra joined Mosaic in 2023, where she has served as both a Writing Specialist and Director of Operations. She holds a B.A. in Theater Studies from DePaul University’s Theater Conservatory in Chicago, where she concentrated on directing and playwriting. Known for her passion for writing, collaborative spirit, and strong organizational skills, Avra excels at guiding students through the college essay process and supporting Mosaic counselors and staff in long-term planning.

 

Senior Counselors

Suzette DeGrange began her academic career at Stanford University, where she served for 11 years as Director of a pre-college program for first-generation college-bound students. She also served as an advisor at the Haas Center for Public Service for Stanford students interested in careers in education. Suzette’s experience in higher education admissions includes serving as Senior Associate Director of Undergraduate Admission at the University of San Francisco for 17 years. In addition to recruiting students, her favorite aspect of her work at USF was reading and evaluating applications for admission from San Francisco, Alameda, Los Angeles, and Orange County schools. Serving on university retention committees helped to shape her focus on supporting the whole student during the advising process. Suzette is professionally certified in College Admissions and Career Planning from UC Berkeley, and has served as an Admissions Evaluator for domestic and international first year applicants for the University of California for 3 years. Suzette completed a Bachelor of Public Administration-Business at Loyola University New Orleans and a Master of Education at the University of San Diego. She is a member of the National Association of College Admission Counseling (NACAC), and the National Career Development Association (NCDA).

 

Sarah Anderson has nearly 20 years of experience working in education, including 11 years mentoring high school students through the college application process and 9 years on the leadership team of the admissions and financial aid office at San Francisco University High School. In 2017, Sarah earned a professional certificate in college admissions and career planning from UC Berkeley. Since then, she has worked as a high school college counselor and independent college consultant in the San Francisco Bay Area. With her extensive knowledge of schools, Sarah excels in creating tailored college lists for students. Using an encouraging and calm approach, Sarah guides students through the essay writing process by making sure students feel heard, always taking their questions, goals, and dreams seriously. Sarah graduated with honors in German Language and Literature from Dartmouth College, received her Master of Liberal Arts from Stanford University, and was a Fulbright Scholar. She is a member of the Western Association for College Admission Counseling (WACAC) and the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA).

 

Susan McGuire is a dedicated educator who is deeply committed to advocating for her students. With over 20 years of experience in college admissions and counseling, she brings both warmth and expertise to her work. Susan began her career as Assistant Director of Admission at Brown University, where she also earned her bachelor’s degree in American Civilization. She holds a Master’s in Education (Counseling Psychology) from the University of Pennsylvania, a Master’s in Theological Studies from Emory University, and is currently pursuing a PhD at Case Western Reserve University. Susan has served as Director of College Counseling at three independent schools, worked as an educational consultant for students in the U.S. and abroad, and supported college-bound scholars from low-income backgrounds through nonprofit organizations. She approaches each student with compassion, guiding them to express their authentic voice and take ownership of their journey. The most rewarding part of her work is helping students uncover their unique stories and grow into confident, empowered self-advocates throughout the college admissions process.

 

Shelby Stewart graduated from Chapman University with a B.S. in Business Administration. Shelby strives to make the college application process as fun as possible and loves watching her students succeed. She has visited over 50 college campuses and takes pride in helping students find unique programs that fit their needs and future goals. Shelby has worked as a Seasonal Admissions Reader for Northeastern University since 2021, where she conducts full evaluations of student applications. Outside of work, she enjoys teaching Jazzercise. Shelby holds her certificate in College and Career Counseling from UCLA and is an Associate Member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA), a Provisional Member of Higher Educational Consultants (HECA), and a member of Western Association for College Admission Counseling (WACAC) where she enjoys connecting with other counselors across the nation.

 

Olivia Schneider is an experienced academic and college counselor with over 20 years in education, including more than a decade supporting students and families with academic planning and the college admissions journey. She has worked in both private practice and as the Director of Academic and College Counseling at a selective private high school. Olivia is known for her thoughtful, student-centered approach and her belief that effective counseling begins with carefully listening to each student’s goals, challenges, and individual path. She brings extensive experience working with students from a wide range of educational settings, including public and private schools, international students, and homeschooled learners, as well as students with varied learning profiles who benefit from individualized pacing, planning, and advocacy. She advises families pursuing both U.S. and international college pathways and has particular expertise guiding students applying to universities in the UK. Olivia is a member of the Western Association for College Admission Counseling (WACAC) and the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC). She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Salem College, a Certificate in College Admissions and Career Counseling from UC Berkeley Extension, and is a certified UK Agent through the British Council.

 

Associate Counselors

 

Peter Walton graduated with honors from Pepperdine University with a B.A. in Integrated Marketing Communications and Hispanic Studies and holds an M.S. in Ministry. As an Admission Counselor and Associate Director of Admission at his alma mater, Peter met with over 500 families and rendered decisions on 6,000 applications. He has read over 13,000 college essays, glimpsing into the diverse experiences of students from across the country. Describing his approach to supporting students through the essay writing process, he states, “I love asking questions to highlight each student’s secret superpower. It’s especially rewarding when students even surprise themselves!” Peter has been described as having a calming “zen” presence with families. He has partnered with Posse Foundation, College Essay Guy, WACAC, and NACAC.

 

Jessica Benson has over 20 years of experience guiding students through the college admissions process. She has worked as an Admissions Counselor at her alma mater and as a School Counselor at an independent boarding and day school. Her experience includes reviewing domestic and international applications as a reader for UC Santa Barbara and UC San Diego, giving her deep insight into the college application process. Jessica is currently completing the UC Berkeley Professional Program in College Admissions Consulting. She holds dual bachelor’s degrees in Business and Psychology from Mount St. Mary’s University in Los Angeles and a master’s in Counseling and Guidance from California Lutheran University, where she also earned a Pupil Personnel Services Credential. Jessica is an active member of the American School Counselors Association (ASCA), the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), the Western Association for College Admission Counseling (WACAC), and the Higher Education Consultants Association (HECA).

 

Community Program Counselors

Cherry Cachero brings 15 years of experience to her role as a college counselor with Mosaic. Having served as an admissions officer at both her alma mater, Mount Holyoke College, as well as at Stanford University, her expertise is diverse and extensive. For the past eight years, Cherry has worked closely with students and families as a college counselor at international schools in South Korea, China, and her home state of Hawaii, with her students successfully admitted at institutions not only in the United States, but also in Canada, Japan, and Europe. Inspired by her own high school college counselor, Cherry is dedicated to helping students from all backgrounds in discovering the academic community that best fits their aspirations and needs. Cherry received a Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration from Boston College and a Bachelor of Arts in Politics from Mount Holyoke College. In her counseling role at Mosaic, Cherry works with students in the Samuels Family LA-HIP Program through Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. When she is not guiding students through the college application process, she spends her time with friends exploring hiking trails at various national parks across the country.

 

Lupe Chacon brings nearly 30 years of experience in college admissions, financial aid, and high school college counseling, supporting students and families across every stage of the college process—from early exploration and academic planning to college list development, application strategy, essay writing, and final decision-making. She has worked with students from a wide range of backgrounds, including international students, and is fluent in English and Spanish. Lupe understands how to connect varied educational experiences and is known for calm, family-facing communication that makes an overwhelming process feel manageable. Families value her ability to patiently unpack complex information, set realistic timelines, and build confidence, especially for those new to the college landscape. A Scripps College alum, Lupe brings a well-rounded perspective shaped by admissions and financial aid roles at Occidental College and admissions work at Mount St. Mary’s College. She is actively involved with the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) and the Western Association for College Admission Counseling (WACAC) and is a frequent presenter on college planning and equity-focused practices. In her counseling role at Mosaic, Lupe works with students in the Samuels Family LA-HIP Program through Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, cooking, and spending time with her two cats and dog.

 

Writing Specialists

Miles Guggenheim graduated with honors from Brown University, earning a B.A. in Literary Arts. He has five years of experience as a writing specialist and has spent the past three years at Mosaic, where he has guided countless seniors through the college essay process. Miles’s favorite part of the work is using his creative writing background to help students explore the many strategies available for crafting a personal essay. A key part of his approach is getting to know each student—learning what they value, how they think, and what they love to do. He hopes these conversations help students reflect on who they are and offer a path to telling the stories that most excite them. His goal is to ease the stress of the process and help students find meaning in moments they might otherwise overlook. Miles lives in Brooklyn, New York, and is a graduate student at NYU’s Creative Writing Program.

 

Kristie Geller is a skilled writer, advocate, and mentor dedicated to helping students find and express their unique voices. She earned her B.A. in English and Political Science from the University of Southern California before obtaining her J.D. (Juris Doctor) from Southwestern Law School, where she received awards for her writing. As an attorney with experience at the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office and in private practice, Kristie honed her skills in communication, argumentation, and storytelling. Now, she brings that expertise to college admissions, guiding students to craft compelling, authentic essays that showcase who they are in a dynamic and engaging way.

 

Test Prep Tutors

Robert Otey has been teaching, tutoring, and mentoring students for over 20 years in ACT and SAT prep, English, Theater, and Speech and Debate. He has taught internationally in Tokyo, Oxford, and London, and is a graduate of UC Berkeley, where he majored in Political Science. He also earned an MFA in Acting at San Francisco’s American Conservatory Theater. His ability to break down the seemingly most challenging material into understandable concepts helps students of all abilities greatly improve their academic performance. In addition to tutoring, he also writes prep material for renowned test prep companies, helping him maintain a leading edge in prepping his students.