RODNEY MEEKER
Rod Meeker is a seasoned education consultant with over 19 years of experience helping students and families navigate the complex college admissions process. As the founder of College Planning Solutions LLC, a 2025 award winner for top college planning services by Education Insider magazine, Rod specializes in a comprehensive approach that covers all aspects of college preparation. His commitment to families includes ensuring they have clear, upfront knowledge of costs before applying, which is critical in making informed college decisions.
Rodney has built his career around advocating for students, providing tailored guidance to meet each unique academic and personal goal. He also holds a role on the National College Affordability Group (NCAG) Board of Directors, emphasizing his dedication to ethical and effective college planning. His work has transformed the college journeys of countless students, helping them access top colleges, secure financial support, and prepare for rewarding futures.
OUR TEAM
Dr. Christen Clemson
Lead Essay Specialist
“I love working with students to create the best essays possible that show off the student and their growth.”
Dr. Clemson is a former track and field state champion and state record holder in Ohio for discus. She then went on to the Pennsylvania State University where she earned two Big Ten runner-up medals in the discus, won the East Coast Regional Championship in the discus, and earned a bid to the NCAA Championships.
At Penn State she completed her bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education with a concentration in English and Communications; a master’s degree in Educational Administration and Leadership and then her doctorate. During her doctoral studies, Christen was the editor of the Journal of Research in Rural Education (JRRE) and wrote a book entitled, The Prison Path: School Practices that Hurt Our Youth based on her dissertation research. She currently teaches Advanced Placement Language and Composition, College Credit Plus Writing, Honors English, and English IV. Christen is a township trustee as well and has used her writing skills to write articles for her local paper and win various grants as both a teacher and a trustee.
CAREER COACHES
Madison Meeker
Essay Specialist & Career Coaching
“It’s about making the school or organization invest in you and your story. My goal is to help students get their story onto the page.”
Madison is a Certified College Advisor (CCA) and a member of the National College Advisory Group (NCAG) which is one of the top 3 national, professional groups for education consultants. A Summa Cum Laude graduate of Youngstown State University with a 4.0 GPA, Madison is a talented and award-winning writer who is working on her first novel.
Madison is one of our essay team experts and also works with our students as one of our career coaches. Madison was a standout athlete, 4-year letter winner in basketball, cross country and track & field. She was recruited to compete in college but chose to focus on her studies. Madison enjoys singing, song writing, running, staying fit and traveling.
Marina Simanovich
Essay Specialist, Career, Public Speaking, and Interview Coach
“Whether it’s a personal statement, supplemental essay, college interview, or scholarship speech, I help students find the genuine, powerful words that truly represent them and tell their story in a way that feels authentic and gets results.”
Marina is an Independent Education Consultant and a college essay expert, also specializing in building college lists and providing career, public speaking, and interview coaching.
Based in Boston, she is a Certified College Advisor (CCA) and a member of the National College Advisory Group (NCAG), one of the top national professional groups for education consultants. She is passionate about education’s ability to change lives and is dedicated to helping students unlock their future success.
Marina graduated Cum Laude from Brandeis University and holds a degree in Leadership and Management from Harvard Business School. When not coaching students or editing essays, Marina enjoys writing poetry and prose, exercising, traveling, and spending time with her family and friends.
Jillian Maynard
Essay Specialist
Jillian is an essay specialist with a bachelor’s degree in Professional & Technical Writing from Youngstown State University. She has currently moved to Boston and pursuing her Master’s degree at Brandeis University. She will continue to work with our students as an essay specialist.
Jillian previously served two terms with AmeriCorps VISTA. She was recognized nationally for her work on the Life Stories Project, which told the stories of Jewish older adults living in America’s Rust Belt. While growing up, Jillian played soccer for 12 years and was co-captain of her high school soccer team. She is an avid runner and hiker and continues to assist nonprofit organizations with grant writing, marketing, and fundraising.
Allison Wulotich
Essay Specialist
Allison, a dedicated educator with nearly two decades of teaching experience, is a Cleveland native now residing in Youngstown, Ohio. Throughout her 19-year career, she has taught advanced courses such as AP Literature and Composition, College Prep English, and Honors English for 9th and 10th graders. Passionate about essay writing and revision, Allison takes pride in guiding her students through the writing process, from classroom assignments to scholarship and college application essays.
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Bringing her expertise to College Planning Solutions, Allison is committed to helping students craft compelling essays that highlight their unique stories and aspirations. She holds dual Bachelor of Arts degrees in English and Education from Baldwin Wallace University, as well as a Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership and Administration from Cleveland State University.
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Beyond her professional endeavors, Allison enjoys running, reading, and spending quality time with her husband. She is also an avid sports and Netflix fan and loves doting on her two beloved cats, Willow-Pants and Neo.