Reach out to find out how we can help eliminate stress in the college journey today.
Reach out to find out how we can help eliminate stress in the college journey today.
Lia began her career perfecting the college essay in high school, when the captain of the football team asked her to help him flesh out his personal story for his college application essay. Through word of mouth, she gained a reputation post graduation, as someone who can painlessly draw out the story of the shyest and most hesitant to talk about themselves. Lia has combined her passion for higher education and love of writing into a long career of helping students and professionals realize and achieve their academic and career goals.
Lia completed her undergraduate degree in Communications with an emphasis in Human Relations. She went on to begin her first Masters degree before finishing college and earned it two years later. She has an M.S. in Leadership & Strategic Management as well as a Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management. Lia earned her Master of Philosophy and (presumably) final degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 2015. Her M.Phil is in Organizational Dynamics with a concentration in Executive Coaching and Organizational Consulting. She is also a Change Management Practitioner and holds numerous professional certifications from a multitude of global training organizations in the facilitation of various leadership training and the delivery of assorted organizational development assessments and tools.
Lia's professional career began in nonprofits as a public speaker and curriculum development specialist, designing preventative education for a rape/ domestic violence crisis center. She went onto briefly manage a mentoring program for children with incarcerated parents before transitioning to a customer facing role at an insurance giant. Lia was then promoted to one of two curriculum designers and facilitators of a prestigious sales leadership program there, before moving onto a global engineering firm. There, she created the first leadership development program and facilitated training in South America. She was hired independent of her full time role to rewrite a translation of a German book, for relevance to English readers. She worked most recently at a financial services company heading up Learning and Leadership Development where she was responsible for career coaching, interviewing skills and executive and leadership coaching and various other topics, before leaving to pursue consulting and writing. She has since consulted for global companies such as PwC, Harley Davidson, Travel Associates and Skillgym/ Lifelike, SA designing and presents interactive content across the country. Lia is also the founder and CEO of Ain't She Sweet, LLC, a company named for her Grandmother's favorite song, dedicated to redefining the conversation on aging. She is a charismatic speaker with expertise on care-giving, dementia and various other topics aimed at disrupting the status quo of healthcare. Lia's favorite audiences are the seniors themselves, who she delivers college level interactive workshops for on topics from travel to social justice causes.
Lia has traveled the world to over 70 countries and all seven continents, visiting awe striking Antarctica in 2024, to experience culture through meeting and interacting with locals. She is an avid reader and writer who finished a memoir dedicated to her Grandmother and is in the process of seeking literary representation. She is a proud Aunt to twin nieces and a nephew. Lia is a lifelong obsessed Knicks fan. She also is passionate about many philanthropic organizations and has volunteered for Hospice and currently is a Promise leader for Sandy Hook Promise, a Support Group Leader for the Alzheimer's Association and actively involved in and passionate about social justice causes. Lia looks forward to forming a relationship with you or your family to ensure your academic and career goals become a reality.
"I can certainly attest to Lia “the teen whisperer”! I presented my carefree very nonchalant teenager to Lia to light a fire under his bum! She is truly a blessing with our districts distance learning plan esp. since I am busier with work more then ever!“ Mimi González, Parent | Client since 2019 | Newtown, CT
Ariane graduated summa cum laude from Arcadia University with a B.A. in English and Creative Writing in 2016 and received her Master of Liberal Arts from Harvard University in 2022. Her area of research focused in trends in pop culture reception and consumerism. As an undergraduate, she interned at Mighty Writers, a Philadelphia non-profit, helping to develop writing programs for local students, and received the Doris Fenton
award for excellence in English.
Since graduation, Ariane has held a variety of positions in higher education, a journey which has taken her from enrollment services at a community college to program assistant for an international graduate program.
Most recently, she worked as an administrator at a New Jersey medical school and also has four years of university writing center experience. She is a devoted mom to two wonderful boys and is an avid football, hockey, and baseball fan! In her free time, you can find her jamming out to BTS, playing guitar, or inhaling contemporary romance novels.
Ariane is happy to meet virtually to help students with the complete array of college admissions tasks with a special focus and expertise on preparing for a variety of standardized tests, focused on reading comprehension, strengthening vocabulary, writing and grammar.
Jessica is the first one in her family to obtain a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, and is expected to graduate with her doctoral degree in Educational Leadership, May 2024. As a first-generation college student, she knows the importance of perseverance throughout the college process in order to choose the best option for each student.
As a native of Ecuador who came to America at 12, her educational journey began learning English by reading/listening to books. She visited the Danbury Public Library daily and it was no surprise that working at the library was her first job which continued throughout college. She loves drama/romance books such as The Notebook.
As a way to give back to her community, she became a teacher. After receiving her Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education Spanish from Western Connecticut State University, she taught Spanish at New Fairfield High School, and Westside Middle School Academy in Danbury. She received her Master of Science in Counseling in Higher Education from Central Connecticut State University, focusing on Student Development.
In her current role as the Associate Director of the Pre-Collegiate and Access Programs at Western Connecticut State University, she works with first-generation and low-income students to help them meet their goal of attending college. She has experience helping students individually and hosting workshops related to the Common App, essay development, college interviews, FAFSA, and the CSS Profile. She helps students gain admission into public, private, and Ivy League institutions. She received a leadership award by the American Dream Foundation for her outstanding work with the immigrant community in Danbury, CT in 2018.
Jessica loves spending time with her family, traveling, and Zumba. She’s traveled to 15 countries and studied abroad in Galicia, Spain for a semester. She loves to dance and participated in cultural dance groups as well as played soccer for the Ecuadorian league in Danbury. Jessica is excited to support all families regardless of backgrounds. She is delighted to offer services when applicable, in Spanish as well as English to create a more comfortable atmosphere for parents who are primarily Spanish speaking. Jessica is also available to support students in any level of high school Spanish up to and including AP/ UCONN Spanish. She is so excited to share her vast knowledge about the college admissions process and meet remotely or in person.
“So many colleges to choose from, so let’s start this journey together without pressure and always with support.” Jessica
Jessica es la primera en su familia en obtener una licenciatura, una maestría y espera graduarse con su doctorado en Liderazgo Educativo en mayo del 2024. Como estudiante universitaria de primera generación, ella conoce la importancia de la perseverancia en el proceso universitario para elegir la mejor opción para cada estudiante.
Como nativa de Ecuador, llegó a los Estados Unidos a los 12 años, su trayectoria educativa comenzó aprendiendo inglés leyendo y escuchando libros. Visitaba la biblioteca pública de Danbury a diario y no fue sorpresa que su primer trabajo fuese en la biblioteca y allí continuó durante toda la universidad. Le encantan los libros de drama y romance como El Cuaderno de Noah (The Notebook).
Como una manera de contribuir a su comunidad, se convirtió en maestra. Después de recibir su Licenciatura en Ciencias en español en Educación Secundaria de la universidad de Western Connecticut State University. Enseñó español en New Fairfield High School y en Westside Middle School Academy en Danbury. Recibió su Maestría en Ciencias en Consejería Universitaria de la universidad de Central Connecticut State University, enfocándose en el desarrollo estudiantil.
En su puesto actual como directora asociada del departamento Pre-Collegiate and Access Programs de la universidad de Western Connecticut State University, trabaja con estudiantes de primera generación y de bajos ingresos para ayudarlos a alcanzar su objetivo de asistir a la universidad. Tiene experiencia ayudando a estudiantes individualmente y organizando talleres relacionados con la aplicación “Common Application”, el desarrollo de ensayos, entrevistas universitarias, FAFSA y el perfil CSS. Ayuda a los estudiantes a obtener la admisión en instituciones públicas, privadas y de Ivy League. Recibió un premio de liderazgo de la fundación American Dream por su destacado trabajo con la comunidad inmigrante en Danbury, CT en 2018.
A Jessica le encanta pasar tiempo con su familia, viajar y hacer Zumba. Ha viajado a 15 países y estudió en el extranjero en Galicia, España, durante un semestre. Le encanta bailar y participó en grupos de baile culturales, además de jugar fútbol en la liga ecuatoriana en Danbury. Jessica está emocionada de apoyar a todas las familias, independientemente de sus orígenes. Ella está encantada de ofrecer servicios cuando corresponda, tanto en español como en inglés, para crear una atmósfera más cómoda para los padres que hablan principalmente español. Jessica también está disponible para apoyar a los estudiantes en cualquier nivel de español de escuela secundaria hasta español AP/UCONN. Está muy emocionada de compartir su vasto conocimiento sobre el proceso de admisión a la universidad y reunirse de forma remota o en persona.
“Hay tantas universidades para elegir, así que comencemos esta trayectoria juntos sin presiones y siempre con apoyo”. Jéssica
Nick is a client of Academic Architect turned employee who works with our clients to improve their Math SAT & ACT scores. He has a knack for explaining complex mathematical and scientific concepts. Clients who work with him are always impressed by his knowledge and patience.
Nick graduated from a prestigious five year engineering program at Drexel University in Philadelphia in 2017. During Nick's engineering program, he performed various roles at his three co-op's at Johnson & Johnson, ZebraSci Inc. and Spanco Inc. He earned a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and had a job offer before he walked at graduation. He is currently a Draftsman/qC Inspector for Greener Corporation. Previously he worked as a Drafter at Edmund Optics specializing in the creation of 2D and 3D models of precision optics.
Nick has experience in college level courses including but not limited to: Thermodynamics | Computer Aided Design | Chemistry | Dynamics | Statics | Fundamentals of Physics I, II, III | Mechanics of Materials | Linear Algebra | Differential Equations | Calculus I, II | Multivariable Calculus | and Freshman Design I, II, III. He meets with clients via phone and Skype appointments and is an invaluable resource in increasing confidence around mathematical and scientific topics.
Nick is a doting father to two adorable sons. He is proud of his Thai roots and has traveled to Thailand over ten times since he was a small child. Arrange a meeting with Nick today to enhance your standardized test scores in the areas of math and science.
Sam is a client turned employee of Academic Architect who works with students to improve their math SAT & math & science ACT scores. He is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering at Virginia Tech and enjoys explaining and helping others understand math problems. In addition to multiple other science and engineering classes, Sam’s math courses at Virginia Tech so far include Calculus I & II and Linear Algebra; and he is currently enrolled in Multivariable Calculus and Differential Equations.
Sam is available to support students as a tutor with concepts in high school courses such as: Physics I & II, Pre-calculus and Algebra.
Sam is an avid skier and a member of the ski club at Virginia Tech. His favorite slopes are Mount Snow and Smugglers Notch in Vermont. Sam also has a passion for fishing and the outdoors! Sam is looking forward to helping students increase their standardized math scores each season.
Previously a client of Academic Architect, Madi is excited to now work for the company, focused on scheduling and social media content. Madi is currently pursuing a combined degree in computer science and business administration at Northeastern University and is in the honors program.
She spends her time competing on the rugby team, along with volunteering at local preschools in the Boston area multiple times a week. Madi also is a member of the Women in Tech club and DATA club.
In her free time, Madi enjoys rooting for the Jets and Mets. She also plays sports herself, with her current favorite being pickleball. While it started as just playing with her grandparents, Madi now plays all the time, especially with the older generation in her hometown.
Along with working for Academic Architect, Madi works for the athletic department doing ticketing and customer service for games at Northeastern. Madi is excited to start off the 2024 season managing the schedule for all consultants and supporting students and families having just been through the college admissions process herself. She will be generating new and relevant content on social media and is looking forward to getting to know our clients.
Will was recruited as a pitcher for Harvard University where he attends to also study economics. Will is a graduate of Newtown High School where he was Named a 2023 Preseason All-American and All-Region honoree. He was rated as the No. 10 player in the state of Connecticut per Perfect Game.
Will works with our aspiring student athletes to provide an edge in the recruitment process from helping craft emails to prospective coaches to meeting with students to provide relevant and helpful assistance in forming and executing their recruitment strategies from developing their reels to their social media sports profiles.
Outside of baseball and classes, Will enjoys fishing in freshwater lakes, kayaking, and hiking and is a devoted Baltimore Orioles fan.
Will looks very much forward to helping our aspiring divisional athletes achieve their dreams.
Katelyn is currently pursuing a degree in Political Science and International Studies at the University of Wisconsin - Madison. Katelyn is also an Academic Architect client turned employee and looks forward to working with Lia in the future when applying to law school.
Katelyn is an avid sports fan of any and all Wisconsin teams, loves to travel, and has a special flare for international relations and politics.
Katelyn not only works for Academic Architect but is currently working on the Mayor of Danbury's re-election campaign, and works for a Wisconsin Assemblyman in Madison.
Katelyn interacts with Academic Architect clients on a daily basis to support scheduling, triage questions and assists with project management. She also creates content for physical and virtual audiences and manages our Instagram, Tiktok & Facebook.
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