Our Team
Each member of the Ivy Compass team has experience in admissions at highly selective schools and in advising students and families on the college admissions process.
Jennifer Duran
Jennifer oversees curriculum development and training for Ivy Compass. Jennifer has considerable experience in highly selective college admissions. She was an admissions officer at Columbia University. In addition, she worked at College Coach where, among other things, she provided admissions counseling to students and families. Jennifer holds a B.A. from Columbia University and an MPA from Baruch College.
"The most rewarding part of this work is helping to demystify this process for students and families. Once they understand the process and how it works, students are less anxious. When they are at ease, they can be more creative and can focus on putting their best foot forward."
Ivelys Figueroa
Ivelys is an Ivy Compass workshop developer and designer. For several years, she held senior positions at the NYU College of Arts and Science Advising Center, where she provided academic advising to undergraduates and oversaw the delivery of tutoring services to thousands of NYU students. Currently completing her doctorate at Harvard University, Ivelys holds a B.A. from Columbia University, where she graduated magna cum laude and was a member of the Phi Beta Kappa Honors Society. She holds an MA from Columbia University, Teachers College and an Ed.M. from Harvard University.
"My hope is to empower students by taking the mystery out of the selective college admissions process. I would like to help prospective applicants shift their focus from viewing the process as an obstacle to seeing it instead as an opportunity to showcase the many wonderful contributions they can make to a college community."
Erin Lewis
Erin is Co-founder of Ivy Compass and Editor of its blog. She has several years of experience in highly selective college admissions and individual college counseling. She was an admissions officer at both Yale University and Barnard College. She also has experience as a secondary school administrator. Erin holds a B.A. from Yale University and Ed. M. from Harvard University.
"I consider myself extremely fortunate. I have the opportunity to help students understand that admissions process is about preparation, not competition. Nothing is more satisfying than watching a student’s perspective change from concern about her chances of admission to confidence about what she has already accomplished."
Brooke Stengel-Fitzgerald
Brooke is an Ivy Compass workshop developer and trainer. She has over 15 years of experience in selective college admissions and college counseling. She was Senior Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admissions at Columbia University, as well as an admissions officer at Barnard College. She was also Director of College Counseling at both the Lycee Francais de New York and College Coach, where she provided college counseling to students. She currently offers affordable, individual admissions counseling at Lantern College Counseling. Brooke holds a B.A. from Bryn Mawr College and MSEd from The University of Pennsylvania.
"The college process isn't about finding the "best" college -- it's about finding the "right" college. I really enjoy guiding students through the process of self-exploration in determining what they are hoping to gain from their college experiences, finding institutions that fit their preferences and then helping them to show the colleges, though their applications, how they will be active members in their future college community."