Our People
The team of professionals at Riley Baker is passionately committed to your academic success. Together, we represent more than 95 years of experience with college preparation and admissions. And we’re ready to get to work for you.
Stacey Riley Baker, Consultant
B.A., English/Creative Writing, DePauw University, 1991
M.S. Ed., College Administration, Northwestern University, 1992
From her undergraduate days as a peer advisor and student admissions counselor at DePauw to her professional experience evaluating and selecting candidates for admission to Northwestern University and the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, Stacey has spent virtually her entire life in the world of admissions, where her successes led her to pioneer the unique four-year program that is now Riley Baker's hallmark. Students and parents alike find Stacey to be eminently relatable, warm and trustworthy, an attentive listener who can be counted on for straightforward assessments and recommendations.
Stacey's holistic perspective on the college process emphasizes personal growth alongside academic achievement, helping students discover pathways that genuinely reflect who they are and empowering them to take ownership of their journey with confidence and self-advocacy skills that serve them well beyond high school.
Matt Baker, Consultant
B.S., Education, University of New Hampshire, 1994
M. ED., Special Education, University of New Hampshire, 1998
As a former teacher (in Westport, Connecticut, and Northfield, Illinois), college counseling intern (at the Francis Parker School), and Division I athlete and assistant coach (lacrosse), Matt has an experiential understanding of the pressures students confront in school as well as in selecting a college, stresses that are often multiplied for the student-athlete. Matt's calm nature and play-by-play approach prove very reassuring to students as they formulate and execute winning application strategies.
Still a competitor at heart, Matt spends his free time running, skiing and teaching his daughters to conquer the black diamonds. Drawing on his coaching background, Matt helps students approach college admissions with the same preparation and resilience that leads to success in athletics— one strategic step at a time.
Kendell Anderson, Essay Coach
B.A., Rhetoric, University of California, Berkeley, 1991
After many years in the fields of marketing and career coaching, Kendell is passionate about the art of communication. As a dedicated essay specialist, she works with students to showcase their strengths in their personal statements and supplementary essays. Kendell recognizes the challenges placed on today’s teens, to know what they want at such a young age and to articulate that vision in a succinct and meaningful way. It can be a daunting task. Kendell helps clients evaluate their experiences, both successes and setbacks, to convey how they intend to grow in their college years. She is committed to helping students craft genuine essays that accurately reflect who they are and what they can contribute to a college or university. Kendell loves writing, editing, cooking and winemaking. She and her husband recently launched their eldest to college and still have a high schooler at home.
Kim Bell, Consultant
B.A., English, The University of Iowa, 1996
M.ED., English Education, The University of Minnesota, 1998
M.A., Creative Writing - Poetry, Boston University, 2003
After twenty-two years of teaching teenagers how to express themselves and their ideas in writing, Kim specializes in guiding students through the college process. She especially enjoys helping students with the essay writing portion of the application. She has won several awards for her teaching and writing, including being named a Golden Apple Teacher of Distinction and Teacher of the Year (more than once). More importantly, she has devoted her life to working with adolescents. With warmth, patience, and enthusiasm, Kim helps students identify potential schools that will provide opportunities for personal growth, intellectual exploration, and skill development. She also teaches them how to shape their most meaningful experiences and attributes into richly detailed, polished admissions essays. She is happy to meet students at any point on their journey, whether they are just beginning the college search process or they are ready to draft essays. When she is not writing or editing, Kim likes to run, play tennis, read really long novels, and challenge her husband and two daughters, Charlotte and Amelia, to fierce ping pong matches.
Susan Brady, Consultant
B.A., Economics, Miami University, 1992
Certificate in College Counseling with distinction, UCLA Extension, 2021
Blending her 15 years of experience in financial planning with a passion for helping students make informed decisions, Susan is a resourceful project manager with the proven expertise to synthesize moving parts into a strategic college plan. Susan stands out for her even-keeled disposition and high level of organization, recognizing the college application process can be stressful. Susan has guided a variety of students towards remarkable college journeys.
Her commitment to touring renowned institutions and uncovering hidden gems throughout the country provides valuable insights into a wide range of colleges and the evolving landscape of college admissions.
With an appreciation for the impact of education, Susan gives back to the community by evaluating essays for a national scholarship foundation. In her free time, Susan is also a soccer mom and burgeoning pickleball player.
Audrey Brown, Consultant
B.A., Psychology, University of Michigan, 2021
Independent Educational Consultant Certification, UC Irvine (in progress)
As a Riley Baker alumnae, Audrey brings a full-circle perspective to college counseling. She once navigated university applications as a North Shore student, and now - she walks families through the admissions process.
Before joining the team, Audrey spent her career in executive talent and business development, advising leaders on growth strategy and change management. That background shows up in how she works with students: she breaks down ambitious goals into achievable next steps, while keeping the process calm during a stretch that often feels anything but.
Patient, creative, and easy to talk to, Audrey motivates students to take ownership of their college search rather than just checking boxes. As a coach for the Glenbrook South Model United Nations team, she inspires curiosity, cultivates confidence, and empowers students to conquer self-doubt and see their own strengths clearly.
Audrey is a member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA). She lives in Chicago's Wicker Park neighborhood, where she spends her free time at live music concerts and out on the lake with family and friends.
Ana Costello, Consultant
B.S., Psychology, Villanova University, 1997
M.A., Counseling, University of San Diego, 2000
Ana has extensive experience in the college application review process after working at Villanova University for 14 years, originally serving as the Western Regional Representative and more recently as an Associate Director of Admission. With a background in counseling and college student development, Ana began her career in higher education working in the California State University system and Scripps College. Ana is an attentive listener and shows compassion and patience while working with students. A mother of four, Ana enjoys family road trips and time spent at the beach.
Hilary Holder, Consultant
B.S.J., Journalism/Political Science, Northwestern University, 1994
M.A., Communication Sciences & Disorders, Northwestern University, 1999
Certificate in College Counseling, UCLA Extension, awarded with distinction, 2022
Hilary has more than 20 years of experience as an educator, first as an LD Resource Teacher and later as the Director of Admissions & Financial Aid for two independent day schools in the northern suburbs of Chicago. She is committed to developing meaningful relationships with families and fostering a trusting environment where students feel valued. Hilary takes a pragmatic approach to list building, identifying a range of schools where students will thrive academically and socially. With her strong organizational and communication skills, Hilary keeps clients on track with clearly articulated goals and timelines. In addition to her teaching and college counseling certificates, Hilary holds a B.S. in Journalism from Northwestern University and draws on that experience to help students brainstorm, develop, and revise their written work.
In her free time, Hilary enjoys spending time with family, taking long walks with friends, and maintaining her Wordle streak. Hilary is a member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA) and the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC). A lifelong learner, she engages in ongoing professional development and loves visiting new college campuses each year.
Carolyn Duffy Marsan, Consultant
B.A., English Literature/Speech Communications, Boston College, 1986
M.S.J., Journalism, Northwestern University, 1987
Certificate in College Counseling, UCLA Extension, 2016
Carolyn’s goal is to help minimize anxiety around college admissions by helping students find a variety of schools that are a good fit academically, socially and personally. An award-winning journalist, Carolyn enjoys working with students on their college essays and views this part of the process as an opportunity to teach them how to write engaging stories about their experiences, opinions and goals. She loves tapping into the creativity of her students-- not just those applying to arts programs but also those who are pre-med, pre-law, business-minded or still undecided. Carolyn is one of the few IECA members who is qualified to work with graduate school students. She has experience helping successful applicants draft personal statements for medical, law, business school and other Master's and PhD programs.
Natalie Marsan, Consultant
B.A., Boston College
M.A., Pace University
After earning her Bachelor's degree from Boston College and Master's degree from Pace University, Natalie worked as an Application Specialist at the University of Michigan before transitioning to college counseling. Having initially pursued nursing, Natalie stands out for her ability to help students discern what they actually want to study. She also believes "I'm not sure" is a perfectly acceptable answer—that's why she's here.
Natalie has worked at multiple educational consulting firms across the U.S. with specialties ranging from performing arts to BS/MD programs. As an actor, singer, and playwright, she is uniquely equipped to work with students interested in the arts: performing, visual, and studio. She has also recently assisted students applying to BS/MD programs and the nation's top business programs.
Natalie leads with curiosity and empathy, working to instill self-confidence in her students throughout the application process. She excels at helping students articulate why they want to pursue their academic pathways, and her approach emphasizes attainable small goals on the way to larger objectives. Her highly individualized style draws on her playwriting background to help students craft their unique narratives.
Aaron Minkus, Consultant
B.A., History and Secondary Education, Indiana University
M.A., Educational Leadership and Special Education, North Park University
Aaron joined Niles North High School in 2005 and brings over 21 years of dedicated teaching experience. He teaches exclusively in the Level 2E program, a fully co-taught classroom designed to support diverse learners through collaboration and individualized instruction. Aaron brings the same enthusiasm and passion he has in the classroom to assist students with their academic and college admissions processes. He believes that every student has a unique path, and his role is to support, coach, and empower them to find the college that best aligns with their goals and potential. Aaron aims to make the college process less overwhelming and more rewarding—helping each student find not just a school, but also feel confident and excited about the journey ahead.
Aaron holds Master’s degrees in Special Education and Educational Leadership, along with a Certificate and Endorsement in High School Special Education. His expertise centers on supporting neurodivergent students, with a focus on executive function skills, ADHD learning strategies, and social-emotional development.
When not working with students, Aaron enjoys spending time with his wife and three children, cooking, reading, and traveling.
Barb Perce, Consultant
B.S., Political Science, Miami University, 1989
M.S.W., Loyola University, 1993
Certificate in College Counseling, UCLA Extension, 2014
With a Master's Degree in Social Work and a College Counseling Certificate from UCLA-Extension, Barb’s experience as part of the Riley Baker team since 2012 make her an ideal consultant for getting the job done thoroughly and efficiently. Her calm, yet enthusiastic manner assists in guiding students through the college search and application process with ease. Barb loves to travel and visits 25-30 college campuses per year. She has experience working with a variety of students, including artists, musicians, engineers, business majors and recruited athletes, along with international students locally and abroad. Barb focuses on the individuality of each student and loves finding that perfect fit for them. Barb also specializes in the college transfer process and is a professional member of the IECA. In her free time, Barb's favorite activity is spending time with her family boating on Lake Michigan.
Heike Spahn, Consultant
BA, Economics, DePauw University, 1992
JD, Valparaiso University School of Law, 1995
Heike has been working in the admissions space since 1997, first focused on law school admissions and then broadening to include graduate and undergraduate admissions. A former Assistant Dean at The University of Chicago Law School and Valparaiso University School of Law, Heike initially transitioned to independent admissions consulting in 2004 where she focused on law school admissions. She most recently served as the Director of College Counseling at the British International School of Chicago, where she expanded her focus to include undergraduate admissions, in the US and abroad.
Heike enjoys working individually with each student (and family). She treated her students at BISC as independent admissions clients, working with each student individually to navigate the admissions process. Heike strives to remove the stress from the admissions process by calmly supporting each student. She believes that students/applicants should have an understanding of the factors involved in the admissions process so they have a clearer understanding of how they are presenting themselves to and being reviewed by the admissions offices.
Audrey Smith, Essay Coach
Audrey joins Riley Baker as an Essay Specialist after spending four years as an English teacher on the Big Island of Hawai’i and one year teaching in the North Shore suburbs. She lives in Chicago and works as a curriculum designer in educational publishing. As a writing teacher, Audrey cherishes opportunities to help students fall in love with—and harness the power of—writing. She approaches writing with a growth mindset and believes everyone has the potential to write a college essay that reflects their individuality and tells an authentic, compelling story.