Hello, there. Let's introduce ourselves.
Alex Ellison, Founder & Head Guide
Alex Ellison launched her independent consulting practice in 2013 under the name Dunce, LLC, just to add some levity to what can be a stressful topic: college & career planning. She writes and lectures extensively on the subject of careers and college readiness and has been a featured speaker at SXSW and TedX. She is the author of Go Your Own Way: 7 Student-Centered Paths to the Best College Experience and the creator of the Go Your Own Way Student Archetype Quiz used in schools and by individuals to jump-start their college search. She is co-author of Your Hidden Genius (hitting shelves fall 2024!). Alex holds a BA from Northwestern University, a Masters in Public Policy from the University of Nevada, Reno, and a certificate in college counseling from UCLA Extension School. She lives in Santa Cruz, California.
Check out more of her work at alexellison.com
Lizzie Larkins, Client Services & Application Specialist
Lizzie Larkins joined Throughline Guidance as a Client Services and Application Specialist, with an emphasis on client relationship management. Lizzie most recently completed a Master’s Degree in Sport and Coaching Sciences while coaching at the Division 1 level. During her time at Montana State University, she was captivated by her academic research on people in transition. While she focused extensively on athletes transitioning away from competitive sport, she is excited to expand beyond the scope of sport, work alongside the Throughline Guidance team, and play a supporting role for clients answering the question, “What comes next?” Lizzie lives in Bozeman, Montana where she loves exploring on foot, on skis, or on a mountain bike!
Application Specialist, Rachel Zimmerman
After a decade working in the college and career readiness industry first as a teacher, then for Kaplan and Naviance, Rachel became an independent education consultant. She manages her practice on Chicago's north shore. We're lucky to have Rachel's expertise as an Application Specialist. Her figure-it-out, positive attitude, and project management background make her a major asset to students in the thick of the college application process. She holds a BA from the University of Michigan, a Masters in Education from DePaul University, and a certificate in college counseling from UCLA Extension School. She lives in Chicago, IL.
Nikki Roderman, Education Access and Resource Consultant & Application Specialist
Nikki works as an Accommodations Coordinator at Barnard College, specializing in facilitating the transition of students with disabilities from K-12 to the college environment. With a focus on supporting students through this critical developmental stage, Nikki provides expert guidance on executive functioning and ensures equitable access to educational opportunities.
Nikki holds a bachelor's degree in Psychology, Special Education, and Elementary Education from Marist College, and began her career teaching in West Windsor, NJ. She furthered her expertise by earning a master's degree in Special Education from Vanderbilt University.
Her passion and commitment lie in supporting students with disabilities to thrive academically and personally, making meaningful impacts within the educational community. Nikki joins Throughline Guidance as an Application Specialist for this upcoming season, as well as a consultant offering transition and executive function support. In her spare time, she likes to read, go for walks, and explore new places.
Arlene Mbonu, Application Specialist
With over two decades of experience Dr. Arlene L. Mbonu focuses on improving educational access and equity for underserved communities. She worked for the State University of New York (SUNY) Downstate Health Sciences University, School of Public Health for 14 years, as Science Technology Entry Program (STEP) Coordinator for City University of New York, New York City College of Technology and as Education Director for the Boys and Girls Club of America. Most recently, Dr. Mbonu launched her independent consulting agency Renewing Hope LLC, which offers educational support and guidance to students through the college and university admissions process and serves high school, undergraduate, and graduate learners in achieving their academic, personal, and professional goals. A graduate of Cornell University, College of Arts and Sciences, SUNY Empire State College, and Stony Brook University, Dr. Mbonu has remained consistent in her commitment to servant leadership.
Teresa Atkinson, Application Specialist
Teresa truly believes that we all serve a purpose in life, both personally and professionally. When people find a purpose in their lives, passion comes from it. Teresa is very passionate about working closely with students and families through the college admissions process. Teresa has over 15 years of school counseling experience in both public and private high schools. She obtained both her undergraduate and graduate degrees in education from Duquesne University. In addition, Teresa has obtained a certificate in College Admissions Counseling from UCLA. She also has been an Independent Educational Consultant (IEC) for 6 years working with various college consultants. As an IEC, she engages with students and families to empower, support, and guide them through the college application process. One of Teresa’s favorite parts of this line of work is traveling to a new city and attending college tours, so she can better serve her students and clients.
Parmod Aggarwal, Practicum Student & Application Specialist
Parmod has 14 years of experience with the college admissions process and successfully guided many students to top colleges. He is associated with the UC Berkeley Certificate Program in College Admissions and Career Planning and has had formal training in this field. He has excellent communication skills and connects well with teenagers. His research oriented, disciplined and methodical approach would be beneficial to students during their college application process.
Parmod holds a Masters degree in Computer Engineering from Indian Institute of technology, Kharagpur, India. He has been working in an Engineering Executive role at a high technology company in Silicon Valley. He lives in San Jose CA and loves to hike, run, bike and swim.
