As MeriEducation’s founder and head consultant, Joan has nearly a decade of experience as an independent educational consultant, helping hundreds of students get into the college of their dreams. Consistently providing that personal MeriEducation touch, Joan has fused her understanding of platinum service, structure, organization, and technology to make the applications process a success (and a breeze!) for student-applicants.

Veronica graduated magna cum laude with a degree in Creative Writing. She’s studied under and worked closely with the poet laureate of California, the founder of the Los Angeles Review of Books, and numerous New York Times bestselling authors.While pursuing her degree, Veronica worked as an editor for her university’s interdisciplinary honors journal and traveled from open-mic to open-mic, honing her craft and performing her fiction with eager, direct sincerity. It’s this sense for honest and vulnerable prose that she now channels into helping college-applicants craft and edit their personal statements.

Therese brings to MeriEducation over 10 years of experience as a senior admissions officer for freshman, transfer, and graduate admissions. Currently the Associate Director of Admission at The Buckley School, one of Los Angeles’ oldest private schools, her background also includes several years as the Associate Director of Admissions for USC’s Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism and Admissions Counselor for UCLA’s School of Law. Therese brings behind-the-scenes knowledge, providing valuable insight to our students.

Looking at Stephanie’s resume, her dedication to English is clear. She’s earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s in English, tutored English for several years, and taught college-level courses. Fusing her strong educational and pedagogical backgrounds Stephanie brings that expertise to her students in MeriEducation.

Megan graduated cum laude with a degree in Creative Writing. As a writer, she’s a jack-of-all-trades, focusing primarily on poetry and essays. She currently edits for an experimental publishing company - assisting with all facets of book production, from development to proofreading to distribution. Megan has a discerning eye for detail and is enthusiastic about crafting holistic, balanced, and exciting personal statements.

A scholar of many disciplines, Emily helps students coalesce their experiences into the best possible representations of their talents and abilities, and simultaneously encourages the highest standard of literary excellence. A current nursing student, Emily integrates the demand for accuracy and perfection with personality, compassion, and investment in each student's success.

Currently the MeriNewport Director, Kristin knows what it takes to push her students towards their full potential. She’s always had a love for English, but got her Bachelor’s Degree in Biology just to challenge herself (why not?). Her insane organizational skills have been vital in keeping kids on track in both the Admissions Consulting and Academic Coaching programs.

As the MeriRedlands Director, the bubbly Cherisse is also a master-organizer and an expert at improving score progression. With a double-major in Psychology and Sociology along with a minor in Education, Cherisse has a passion for figuring out what makes her students tick and keeps them accountable with strategically designed study plans. You can always find her sitting in her office, asking about your day!