Who We Are
Dr. Dean Skarlis
Dr. Skarlis is the President and founder of The College Advisor of New York. Dean has 20 years of experience in higher education, including 6 years as a Consultant at American College Testing (ACT) and 9 years as an administrator at Duquesne University and the University of Pittsburgh. A passionate student advocate, Dean has taught at the graduate and undergraduate levels, and has served as a Senior Lecturer at Tiffin University. He holds a B.A. in Psychology from Allegheny College, an M.A. in Psychology from Duquesne University, and a Doctorate in Educational Policy and Administration from the University of Pittsburgh. Dean also earned a certificate from the Harvard University Institute on College Admissions. His research has focused on quality teaching and learning, retention, and program design at four-year colleges. He is a member of the National Association of College Admissions Counseling and the Independent Educational Consultants Association.
Dr. Skarlis has conducted presentations about college admissions for thousands of students, parents, faculty, and administrators at more than 220 colleges, universities, and high schools across the United States. He has also been a featured speaker and trainer for hundreds of financial planners and Certified Public Accountants on the intricacies of college financial aid and scholarships. Locally, he has been a featured guest on the YNN – Channel 9 “Family Living” segment which is broadcast across upstate New York, as well a regular guest on CBS 6 WRGB TV. He has been quoted in several local and national publications including an article in The Washington Post entitled, “The Dirty Little Secrets of College Admissions,” The Times Union, The Associated Press, and TheStreet.Com. Dean also serves on the Board of Directors of the Albany-Colonie Regional Chamber of Commerce. In his spare time he coaches Little League Baseball and Pop Warner Football in the community of East Greenbush, NY.
Jim Humiston
Jim is the VP of marketing and coaching at The College Advisor of New York. Jim brings with him more than 20 years of corporate Human Resources, Training, and Marketing experience that includes work at two Fortune 100 Companies. He plays an integral role in coordinating the admissions coaching process, developing new markets, and helping students and their families realize their college aspirations. Jim has a BA in Economics from St. Michael’s College in Vermont and is a member of several local non-profit organizations. He is also the parent of two high school students which provides him real life perspective on the challenges and joys of transitioning young adults toward the College experience. Jim enjoys all things outdoors, reading, and sports.
Maggie Watson Skarlis
Maggie is director of admissions coaching for The College Advisor of New York. Her specialties are essay critique and resume development. Maggie has worked in the field of higher education administration for 21 years, including two managing the recruiting and admissions processes for the Harvard University School of Public Health. In addition, she spent two years working in the field of corporate human resources from 2000-2002. Maggie currently works in student services at the Samaritan Hospital School of Nursing. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Allegheny College.
Faith Critti
Faith is an admissions coach with the College Advisor of New York. With 3 years of college admissions experience at Hartwick College in Oneonta, NY, she has an insider’s knowledge of the admissions process. Faith served as the initial contact for prospective families. She met with students and their families to help them understand the campus climate. She offered campus tours and informed prospective students on the majors and extracurricular activities on campus. Faith believes that finding a “good fit” college is the key to being a successful student, having a rewarding college experience, and being an active alumnus. Her experience in admissions and marketing gives her the ability to tackle a variety of areas in the college search and admissions process. Faith currently serves as Director of the Liberty Partnership Program at Schenectady County Community College. The program helps at-risk youth graduate from high school and matriculate successfully in college. Faith holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Hartwick College.
Kathy Laberge
Kathy Laberge joined the College Advisor of New York as an admissions coach after several years of tutoring high school age students and leading them in workshops. She loves working with young adults and aiding them in their transition from high school to college. Kathy believes the college essay is critical to showcasing each student’s unique characteristics. She particularly enjoys helping students choose topics and develop writing styles and skills that will be necessary throughout their higher education. Kathy graduated from Siena College in 1983 with a BA in History.
Prior to leaving the workforce to raise her family Kathy enjoyed a successful career in management. As a parent of two college students Kathy has a unique perspective on the college search and application process.
Alyssa Sinclair
Alyssa has spent most of her career in college admissions at Middlebury College (VT), her alma mater. She also spent time interning during graduate school in the office of undergraduate admission at the College of William and Mary (VA) and worked for one year in the office of admission at Williams College (MA). Alyssa has a particular interest in helping students with their essay development and assembling their applications. Her experience reading applications and participating in admission committee decisions offers specific insight into how students can approach this process creatively and effectively. Alyssa holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Middlebury College and a master’s degree in English literature from the College of William & Mary.
Cyndi Herron
Cyndi Herron came to the College Advisor of New York with more than twenty years of college advising experience. A certified School Counselor, Cyndi’s higher education experience began as a College Admissions Counselor for the State University of New York at Plattsburgh and later as the Director of Residence Life at Newbury College in Boston, Massachusetts. Cyndi is well versed in the college admissions application and essay review process, and through her recruitment travels and networking, she has also visited numerous colleges and universities. Cyndi has counseled hundreds of students and their families through the admissions process in her role as a School Counselor. She has an intricate, first-hand knowledge of the litany of NCAA procedures and regulations. Cyndi’s BA degree in Communications/Public Relations and her Masters degree in Education and Counseling from The State University of New York at Plattsburgh have been a powerful combination when aiding young people through the application and college selection process so they can enjoy a positive college experience.
Deb Coco
Deb is a coach and administrative coordinator at the College Advisor of New York. She joined the staff after taking time off to raise her three daughters, the first of whom entered college in the fall of 2011. Deb’s background includes working in publishing and printing and as the Director of Publications for the Dana Hall School (MA). While at Dana Hall, she also served as the advisor to the student newspaper. Deb is instrumental in helping us provide excellent service to our families. She especially enjoys working with high school students in the fields of reading and writing. Deb holds a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Massachusetts.
