How long have you been with Doorway to College? 

I joined as executive director in September 2017.

Name something you do to help students thrive.

I set the organization’s strategy, motivate the team, and do whatever is required to support our amazing staff to execute our mission.

What do you love most about working here? 

The opportunity to be part of an organization that has student access and success at the heart of the mission.

What sets us apart from our competition? 

We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity. We are not in the business of lining our pockets; we exist to help young people achieve their educational goals. There are plenty of competitors in the market that promise the moon and charge an arm and a leg – yet under-deliver. We have 35+ years of proven success, are far more affordable, and focus on strategies that transcend socioeconomic background and prior academic success.

How long have you been with Doorway to College?

In 1984, I moved from the University of Iowa’s Center for Educational Experimentation, Development, and Evaluation (CEEDE) to a startup company named Profiles Corporation, which was developing an ACT workshop for high schoolers. Profiles Corporation spun off a company known as ZAPS Learning Company, which became Doorway to College and – in 2015 – Doorway to College Foundation. The workshop has evolved into a five-hour seminar and also prepares students for the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT)/PSAT. 

Name something you do to help students thrive.

I am responsible for day-to-day bookkeeping activities and long-term financial planning. And, on snowy days, you might find me clearing the sidewalks!

What do you love most about working here? 

I appreciate the feedback we receive: the excitement of students telling us how our program and our excellent instructors exposed the mystery of standardized tests and provided confidence. Their comments validate that Doorway to College Foundation is fulfilling its mission of helping students prepare for lifelong learning. 

What sets us apart from our competition? 

Our centered moral compass. We’re in business to help students. Our partner schools appreciate the fact that we offer great preparation at a reasonable price. Our five-hour seminar provides students with what they need to know. Our take-home practice materials provide tools to prepare on their own.

How long have you been with Doorway to College? 

I've been with the Foundation since the 2019-2020 academic year. Previously, I held positions at Mount Mercy University and the University of Iowa's Division of World Languages, Literatures and Cultures. 

Name something you do to help students thrive.

I get to roll up my sleeves with a new initiative each day! Externally, I create partnerships with community organizations that may join in our efforts to provide access and opportunity. Internally, I conduct quantitative/qualitative research, coordinate resources, develop new programs/campaigns, and assess operations. 

What do you love most about working here? 

There's a lot of really important work to be done here, and with stellar teammates who have amazing wellsprings of experience. I have a strong professional pull toward working with low-income students along their path to a college education. Working for a 501(c)(3) organization means we focus our efforts on the collective mission of addressing achievement disparities and inequities. Every day, I get to carve out a new plan, propose a new idea, or dive into a data project to produce meaningful results. 

What sets us apart from our competition? 

We hold ourselves and our offerings to incredibly high standards, serving to level the playing field for high school students regardless of ability, background, ethnicity, socio-economic status, or English-language level. This is achieved by being accessible to all students in terms of where we work and what it costs to engage with our learning modules. We meet students where their greatest needs are: we engage with families in meaningful ways, offer scholarships to deserving students, and offer holistic test-prep strategies to students.

How long have you been with Doorway to College? 

I have been with Doorway to College since August 2021.

Name something you do to help students thrive. 

Working for Doorway to College Foundation allows me to utilize my career skills and personal passion at the same time to help more students thrive. I love volunteering my time to help high school students who are my friends and family prep for college to get into the higher-education school of their choice. The Foundation’s mission and affordable solution allow me to help more students raise their scores to attend a post-secondary school, and I do what I love to do at the same time!

What do you love most about working here? 

We have a great team in place that shares the same goal of helping students, family, and institutions make a successful transition from high school to higher education.

What sets us apart from our competition? 

We have an excellent, 5-hour college prep seminar in place with exceptional instructors who train students on how to strategically increase their ACT/SAT scores in hours vs. weeks at an affordable cost.

How long have you been with Doorway to College? 

Since 2019, beginning first as an instructor and travelling the United States to teach students throughout the Midwest. I moved into my current role in 2021.

Name something you do to help students thrive.

I get them laughing. It's amazing what real smiles can do for learning.

What do you love most about working here? 

The people I get to work with. It's great to help students alongside an amazing group of people.

What sets us apart from our competition? 

As far as test prep goes, we are much more behind the scenes when it comes to how the test is created, which gives students unique strategies to build confidence and increase scores. Just as important, we are one big family, and we focus on building relationships with schools and students. We take personal interest in the success of those who trust us with their futures.

How long have you been with Doorway to College? 

I have been working as the office and operations manager for 23 years.

Name something you do to help students thrive.

Given my longevity of employment, I have been able to grow and change our offerings as the needs of students change as well. I oversee all office operations as they relate to customer service, mailing services, sales support, and traveling instructor support. The bottom line: I make sure our processes and procedures provide a good customer experience.

What do you love most about working here? 

I work with a very talented group of people who support our mission to bring test prep to as many college-bound students as possible across the United States.

What sets us apart from our competition? 

We work directly with a contact at each school who has the same passion we do: to help students get into the college of their choice.

How long have you been with Doorway to College? 

I have been working with the Foundation since the fall of 2005!

Name something you do to help students thrive.

I handle student seminar registrations, incoming questions from callers, seminar transfers, refund requests, etc. I also ensure accuracy of seminar mailers before they’re printed or emailed to parents and schools.

What do you love most about working here? 

I love working with this team of dedicated employees and seminar presenters! They bring a wide variety of special talents to the company, along with expertise that motivates us all!

What sets us apart from our competition? 

Our desire to provide affordable, effective college entrance test-prep seminar to all students as they make the transition from high school to college – and then on to a successful career.