Ann Marano – Colleges That Change Lives

Dallas – Fort Worth Counselor Breakfast, August 17, 2026

Ann Marano — Mon, 16 Feb 2026 11:04:05 +0000

School based counselors and college advisors, IECs, and college access professionals affiliated with community based organizations are invited to be our guests for a morning of thoughtful conversation, connection, and community.

What happens during the stay is what counts. Access to high-impact educational experiences. Independent and collaborative research. Professors who teach and mentor. Civic and community engagement. Study away and abroad. STEM within the liberal arts. CTCL member institutions create truly life-changing pathways to professional school, graduate programs, and transformed futures.

Over a buffet breakfast, we will celebrate You and your work as we engage in table talk on all that we are navigating together and the outstanding opportunities CTCL member institutions offer students.

(Re) Discover how the Colleges That Change Lives organization can support you and the students and families you advise.

Representatives from the CTCL-member institution will attend.

Breakfast will be served, but space is limited. Pre-Registration is required.

After you register, you will receive a formal confirmation with additional event details from CTCL. StriveScan will text and email you a barcode that CTCL and the CTCL member institutions can scan during the event so we can stay connected. Please have access to the barcode when you arrive for the event.

When CTCL or a CTCL member institution scans your barcode at the event, they will receive your information.

After the event, you will receive an email with information on the CTCL member institutions that scanned you, including the representative’s contact information. You will also receive information directly from the member institutions.

Monday, August 17, 2026

Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center
1501 Gaylord Trail
Grapevine, TX 76051

Salt Lake City, UT • August 11, 2026

Ann Marano — Mon, 09 Feb 2026 04:53:10 +0000

Tuesday, August 11, 2026
7:00 – 9:00 PM

Salt Lake Palace Convention Center
Room 255 B/C
100 South West Temple
Salt Lake City, UT 84101

The program opens with a 30-minute presentation on the student-centered college search, the value of the liberal arts, and an overview of what makes this collection of schools distinctly different.

After the opening presentation, attendees are invited to attend a 90-minute college fair. The fair provides students, families, and college access professionals with an opportunity to connect directly with admission officers from the CTCL member schools.

Attendees are encouraged to pre-register in advance.

CTCL programs are open to the public and free of charge. Register here.

CTCL member institutions
anticipated to be in attendance include:

Agnes Scott College · Allegheny College · Austin College
Bard College · Beloit College · Centre College · Clark University
Cornell College · Denison University · DePauw University
Earlham College · Eckerd College · The Evergreen State College
Goucher College · Guilford College · Hampshire College · Hendrix College
Hillsdale College · Hiram College · Hope College · Juniata College
Kalamazoo College · Knox College · Lawrence University · Millsaps College
Oberlin College · Ohio Wesleyan University · Reed College · Rhodes College
Saint Mary’s College of California · Southwestern University · St. John’s College
St. Olaf College · University of Lynchburg · University of Puget Sound
University of Redlands · Ursinus College · Wabash College
Whitman College · Willamette University · College of Wooster

See the entire list of programs here.

Chicago, IL • August 8, 2026

Ann Marano — Sun, 08 Feb 2026 23:49:02 +0000

Saturday, August 8, 2026
11:00 AM – 1:00 PM or 7:00 – 9:00 PM
Both programs include an identical information session and college fair, featuring 41 CTCL member institutions.

11:00 AM – 1:00 PM | Chicago Southwest
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Chicago Oakbrook
1909 Spring Road
Oak Brook, IL 60523

Grand ABC

7:00 – 9:00 PM | Chicago Northwest
Hyatt Regency Schaumburg
1800 East Golf Road
Schaumburg, IL 60173

Mahogany I-IV

Today’s programs are identical; please plan to attend either the 11:00 AM session (“Chicago Southwest”) or the 7:00 PM session (“Chicago Northwest”).

Each program opens with a 30-minute presentation on the student-centered college search, the value of the liberal arts, and an overview of what makes this collection of schools distinctly different.

Attendees are encouraged to pre-register in advance.
Click here to pre-register for the Chicago Southwest Event (11 AM-1 PM).
Click here to pre-register for the Chicago Northwest Event (7-9 PM).

CTCL programs are open to the public and free of charge.

CTCL member institutions
anticipated to be in attendance include:

See the entire list of programs here.

San Diego Counselor Breakfast, July 30, 2026

Ann Marano — Sun, 08 Feb 2026 21:55:26 +0000

(Re) Discover how the Colleges That Change Lives organization can support you and the students and families you advise.

Representatives from the CTCL-member institution will attend.

Breakfast will be served, but space is limited. Pre-Registration is required.

When CTCL or a CTCL member institution scans your barcode at the event, they will receive your information.

Thursday, July 30, 2026

San Diego Marriott Mission Valley
8757 Rio San Diego Drive
San Diego, CA 92108

Philadelphia Counselor Breakfast, March 10, 2026

Ann Marano — Thu, 29 Jan 2026 09:41:44 +0000

(Re) Discover how the Colleges That Change Lives organization can support you and the students and families you advise.

Representatives from the CTCL-member institution will attend.

Breakfast will be served, but space is limited. Pre-Registration is required.

When CTCL or a CTCL member institution scans your barcode at the event, they will receive your information.

Tuesday, March 10, 2026

Sheraton Philadelphia Downtown
201 North 17th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103

The 2024 Counselors That Change Lives Awards

Ann Marano — Mon, 26 May 2025 21:44:07 +0000

The Counselors That Change Lives Award recognizes those whose dedication to the college counseling profession reflects the CTCL ideals. By helping students frame their search beyond the ratings and rankings to find a college that provides the foundation for a successful and fulfilling life, these student-centered professionals powerfully communicate to students and families that what happens during the stay is what counts.

We have recognized the extraordinary work of individuals who counsel students in the college search process with this award since 2009, and we offer our sincere congratulations to the 2024 recipients!

Laura Baxter – Key School (Annapolis, Maryland
Nominated by Philippa Roberts, Associate Director of Admission, Eckerd College

Laura handles her caseload as if she were a team of three! Students benefit from highly individualized counseling: they can count on her hands-on support from research through the application process and successful transition. Laura recognizes that early outreach is important, so she teaches a life skills course for ninth graders; the Changing Lives unit is designed to help students understand and explore their learning styles, personality types, interests, and career options. She works with them to discover elements of how they learn and who they are becoming.

Laura is fiercely committed to myth busting and inserting reality into the rankings; educating her community on how best to interpret their usefulness as a college search tool. Laura’s programming reinforces that students have the agency and power of choice as they look for the community that will challenge, support, uplift, and celebrate them.

Because she deeply values partnerships with parents and families, she intentionally advises them on their role during the college admission process and how they can empower their students’ ownership of it. Laura also coordinates college bound workshops and programs for high school students in her local community. Sessions on how to do a college search, essay writing, and decision making extend her student-centered impact to reach those that do not benefit from working with her throughout their high school careers.

Cody Dailey – Lyons Township High School (LaGrange, Illinois)
Nominated by Carin Smith, Domestic Recruitment Manager & Chicago Based Representative, Beloit College

Cody has completely transformed the College & Career Center since his arrival at the high school three years ago. It’s one of the most popular spots on campus, constantly buzzing with students throughout the year. They’ve made it a space for checking in, conversation, group and independent research, essay brainstorming sessions, college application completion, milestone celebrations, and all kinds of counseling sessions.

He actively encourages students to look beyond the schools that dominate the headlines and soundbites to find those that are their next best homes. When organizing information panels and presentations, Cody looks to a diverse group of schools and speakers. He visits colleges – lots of colleges – so that he can faithfully represent lots of options for students and families.

He is an enthusiastic ambassador for the liberal arts and sciences, reality around rankings lists, and the scarcity myth. Cody wants his students to understand just how many options there are to consider, their personal power during the admission process, and that the “right” school for them is the one that provides ample opportunities to stretch, explore, and discover.

Cody stands next to his students, not in front of them. He is committed to guiding students from all backgrounds and identities to the places and people who will nurture, respect, mentor, and champion them.

Kathy Garrett, Minds Matter Portland (Portland, Oregon)
Nominated by Dev Devvrat, Associate Dean of Admission, Reed College

A retired school counselor, Kathy Garrett brings decades of experience and an insatiable curiosity for learning all she can about the college admission process to her work with the students of Minds Matter Portland.

A true social justice leader, Kathy ensures that she not only treats each student with respect and kindness, she focuses on guiding students to find schools that will welcome and celebrate their identities. She helps students think beyond just the first year of college and to focus on their interests and vision of a fantastic undergraduate experience that makes possible the goals and futures they dream about.

Kathy is keenly focused on guiding students through the often complex journey of paying for college. As they discover scholarships and assess financial fit, they start to understand that affordability is just as crucial as ensuring the campus culture and community align with the student’s values and aspirations.

She is a natural motivator and enthusiastic life coach. Kathy literally and figuratively meets students where they are, criscrossing the city to meet with students regularly at their high schools and connecting them to the resources they need to be successful. Because she believes that the family goes to college, she understands the generational benefits of higher education and prioritizes staying engaged with parents.

Kathy is a true change maker whose dedication to students is unrivaled.

Jason Harris – College Now Greater Cleveland (Cleveland, Ohio)
Nominated by April Gamble, Associate Director & Coordinator of Counselor Initiatives, College of Wooster

As the Scholarship and Financial Aid Specialist at College Now of Greater Cleveland, Jason Harris provides highly individualized, intentionally student-centered support for students. He is invested in their long-term success, from the initial college search through the maze of financial aid and enrolling in their best fit undergraduate community.

Jason and his College Now colleagues know how important it is for students to see themselves as college bound and thriving as undergraduates, so they facilitate regular visits to colleges and universities. He plans virtual visits and interviews, and works with local schools to coordinate college fairs, so that students are exposed to a wide variety of post-secondary options and institutions.

Jason practices holistic college counseling, focused on helping students align their choices with their personal values and aspirations and ensuring they thoroughly consider their personal investment and long term outcomes. Through his guidance, students come to understand that they have a range of choices and they learn to prioritize what truly matters to them. This thoughtful approach fosters a deeper engagement in the college search and application process, leading to self-discovery and more confident decision-making.

Jason also works to connect students to mentors from over 500 companies and organizations across Cleveland because he recognizes the lifelong benefits of these partnerships and how important it is for first-generation college bound students from low-income and historically excluded backgrounds to create professional networks.

Mo Kim – SEO Scholars (San Francisco, California)
Nominated by Seda Bagiryan, Assistant Dean of Admissions, International and Multicultural Recruitment, St. Olaf College

Mo brings a dynamic and multifaceted approach to his work with students. Known for his strong commitment to them, he is their coach, cheerleader, advisor, and mentor, tailoring his support to meet the unique needs of each individual. His enthusiasm for fostering personal growth and academic success creates an environment where students feel seen, encouraged, and empowered. Mo’s dedication ensures that every student he works with not only ably navigates the challenges of their educational journey but also emerges with a clearer sense of purpose and confidence in their abilities.

Mo respects each student’s individual journey, listens attentively, and identifies what each needs to be successful. He helps them discover supporting undergraduate communities where they will have access to a wide range of academic resources and co-curricular opportunities.

As a lifelong learner, Mo continually expands his knowledge and stays on top of trends in college admissions. He understands the importance of relationships and networks, particularly as he challenges systemic barriers and empowers students through higher education. He is committed to changing the odds by guiding students to break free from the narratives assigned to them and reclaim their stories.

Carmen Lopez – College Horizons (Peña Blanca, New Mexico)
Nominated by Sarah Schollmeyer, Assistant Director of Admission, Willamette University

After 20+ years of impacting lives as a teacher and higher ed administrator, Carmen Lopez assumed the directorship of College Horizons, a non-profit organization dedicated to increasing the number of Native American, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian students who enroll, thrive, and graduate from college and professional and graduate schools. College Horizons has served over 4,000 Native students on their path to higher ed through their college access and success programs.

A citizen of the Navajo Nation, Carmen leads an incredible team of world changers; they facilitate an intensive five-day, highly individualized retreat on the college admission and financial aid process for rising Native and indigenous Juniors and Seniors from all over the United States. College Horizons partners with over 70 colleges and universities and invites selected high school college counselors, Native educators, and educational partner volunteers to provide expert and one-on-one advising.

Carmen invests significant time and energy in leading in-depth training for new college representatives about the Native student experience, treaty rights, sovereignty, and nation-to-nation relationship work. Many of the college representatives are engaged in their campus’s equity, diversity, and inclusion work, but few are indigenous. This programming supports cultural competency and honors students’ experiences and histories.

Her vision and deep commitment continue to inspire both students and colleagues. She is a truly student-centered practitioner and a phenomenal mentor to so many!

Charlette Genne S. Santiago – Tiyan High School (Barrigada, Guam)
Nominated by Mateo Buack, Admission Counselor, Saint Mary’s College of California

This world changer is intensely dedicated to helping her students dream boldly: her approach weaves together an ethos of cultural pride and academic aspiration. She urges her students to carry their love for Guam and their family values as a source of strength and identity while attending college off-island.

As a visionary, she believes in the transformative power of higher education and sees it as a bridge to both personal and community growth. She works tirelessly to ensure her students not only grasp the richness of opportunities available to them but also understand how those opportunities can align with their heritage and values. Her guidance is not merely transactional; it’s transformational. She helps her students envision lives filled with purpose and promise, making them feel seen, heard, and capable of greatness.

Her devotion is absolute and unwavering. Whether she’s coaching a student on application essays, mentoring them through moments of doubt, or guiding them toward discovering vibrant communities both on and off the island, her passion shines through. She inspires her students to honor their roots while daring to embrace new and diverse experiences, cultivating a balance that leads to professional and personal success.