Education
Certificate in Educational Consulting, University of California, Irvine, 2018
Ed.M. in School Counseling, University at Buffalo, 1997
B.S. in Human Development, Binghamton University, 1996
MBTI (Myers-Briggs Type Indicator) Certified Practitioner
NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) Master Practitioner
Experience
Independent Educational Consultant since 2017
School Counselor:
• 16 years experience in suburban New York and Maine
• Twice the Director of a High School Guidance Department
Adjunct Instructor, Psychology, Central Maine Community College
Learning Mentor, London, England
GED Instructor
Professional Memberships
Independent Educational Consultants Association • Professional Member, Learning Disabilities and International Students Designations
Higher Education Consultants Association
• Former Regional Coordinator, Northeast IEC group
Michelle McAnaney,
Founder and President
Michelle McAnaney founded The College Spy® with this mission: Help students identify colleges that are a good fit for them and get accepted.
Michelle is an expert in college admissions and a leader in her field. She has over 20 years of experience as an educator, counselor and consultant, assisting students in making smart choices to reach their full potential. She is current on the latest trends in college admissions.
Her extensive admissions knowledge is coupled with firsthand experience with the colleges and universities your student will be considering. She tells students and families that the best way to get to know a college is to visit and she holds herself to the same standard. She visits approximately 40 colleges each year, attending information sessions and open houses, taking tours and meeting with admissions officers.
Michelle’s single greatest strength is her genuine concern for the wellbeing of her students. She encourages each one to explore new courses and activities, get involved in areas of interest, stretch their boundaries and expand their comfort zones. She encourages and guides students to take ownership of their college journey. Michelle believes that students should take the initiative in planning their futures. Students working with Michelle will attend interviews even when they are optional, think about themselves in new ways, dig deep to write revealing and powerful applications essays and ask the right people for letters of recommendation. Her encouragement is always supportive and understanding, with an eye on admissions outcomes, but also an awareness that these are growth experiences that will help students develop as young adults about to embark on one of the most important phases of their lives.
Michelle regularly presents to groups of parents and other professionals. She shares information through frequent webinars, The College Spy Podcast, blogging and various social media platforms. Learn more about Michelle by following The College Spy on Twitter or Facebook.
Melissa Starrett,
College Admissions Consultant
Melissa Starrett’s career as an educator spans more than three decades, during which she has held diverse roles, including teacher, charter school founder, and administrator. As a college admissions consultant, Melissa draws from her professional and personal experiences as an educator and parent, as well as extensive coursework in college consulting.
With a deep knowledge of colleges and universities, Melissa serves as The College Spy’s key researcher. She studies colleges extensively and is the author of The College Spy’s “College Spotlights”. Melissa draws on her substantial knowledge of colleges to assist students in identifying schools that match their academic and personal needs. Like all of our consultants, Melissa’s role extends beyond securing admission to a student's preferred college; she also assists students in building the necessary skills for success on the college level.
At the core of Melissa's approach is forging genuine relationships with students. She acknowledges the uniqueness of each student’s educational journey. Melissa guides students to recognize and build on their strengths so they are well positioned to not only get accepted to their dream college, but thrive when they get there.
Melissa holds a B.A. in education from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and is currently pursuing a Certificate in Educational Consulting from the University of California, Irvine (anticipated completion, Fall 2024).
Lisa Delfino,
Special Educator and Academic Coach
Lisa Delfino has been helping students figure out their strengths for over 35 years. She believes that every student can find their path when they know themselves. Lisa’s specialty is helping high school students with learning differences create a roadmap for success. Lisa builds confidence in students by helping them define learning strategies that work using their strengths. She also connects with parents to help them develop routines with their student for studying at home. Lisa is compassionate, yet honest. By using this approach, students who have been marginalized in school get good grades, realize they have a future and use tools to prepare for that future.
Lisa is a Nationally Board Certified (NBCT) Exceptional Needs Specialist and holds a B.A.E. from Arizona State University. She is credentialed and certified to teach students with mild/moderate learning differences.
Justin McAnaney
Director of Operations
Justin McAnaney, The College Spy’s Director of Operations, oversees The College Spy’s technical and business operations. He is in the background of everything we do, assuring that your experience with The College Spy is seamless. When not working with The College Spy, Justin is a practicing lawyer with more than 20 years of experience, focused on corporate matters for start-up and venture-backed growth companies.
Justin holds a B.S. in Business Admistration from Georgetown University and a J.D. from New York University School of Law.