Sam Prouty
Executive Director of Admissions, Middlebury College

Sam joined the staff at Middlebury College in 2014 and was appointed Director of Admissions in 2019. He began his career in college admissions at Swarthmore College, his alma mater, where he earned a BA in English and economics. Sam then spent a total of 11 years on the high school “side of the desk” as a college counselor and award-winning teacher at The Hotchkiss School in Connecticut and at Buckingham Browne and Nichols School in Cambridge, Massachusetts; he sustains a connection to secondary-school life as a trustee at the Northwood School in Lake Placid, NY. Sam is a frequent guest speaker on all matters pertaining to college admissions, and he enjoys dispensing free college admission guidance—so don’t hesitate to ask him your questions. He and his family enjoy exploring Vermont’s natural beauty by bicycle, kayak, hiking trail, and ski run. 

About Middlebury College

Middlebury College is a private liberal arts college in Middlebury, Vermont. Founded in 1800 by Congregationalists, Middlebury was the first operating college or university in Vermont. With about 2,800 undergraduates and 700 graduate students, the school is renowned for its leadership in language instruction and global studies.

Jim Femia
Senior Financial Advisor & Director of College Planning, Apella Wealth

Jim Femia has been helping clients reach their long-term financial goals for more than 30 years. He provides independent, fee-only investment advisory and financial planning services, specializing in the areas of retirement and college planning. He combines his financial planning experience as a Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC) and Accredited Asset Management Specialist (AAMS) with his college planning knowledge as a Certified College Funding Specialist (CCFS). Jim holds a B.A. from Villanova University and obtained additional education through Merrimack College. He currently resides in Marblehead, MA.

About Apella Wealth

Apella Wealth is a dedicated wealth management firm committed to helping you plan for and achieve your ideal financial future. Our experienced team offers personalized, hands-on support backed by advanced tools, technology, and expertise in areas like retirement planning, taxes, college savings, and more. Whether you’re just starting out or navigating complex financial needs, we’re here to guide you through life’s biggest financial decisions with confidence, clarity, and care.*

Jean Ricker
Assistant Vice President of Student Financial Planning, Dean College

Jean has worked in the higher education affordability space for over 25 years. She joined the Dean College Student Financial Planning team in 2024, where she oversees the coordination of the Financial Aid and Student Accounts functions. Jean received her B.A. from Providence College and an M.S. from Northeastern University.  She has a special interest in promoting access and equity within the enrollment process through student centered financial counseling, advising, and providing life-long financial literacy to students as they progress through their degree programs. Jean currently resides in Boylston, MA

About Dean College

Dean College is a small liberal arts college in Franklin, MA, that prides itself on a supportive academic environment that thrives on student engagement, exceptional teaching, and delivering The Dean Difference. The Dean Difference is exemplified through each student’s commitment to their professional futures, social responsibility, and leadership.

Margaret Bolton Baudinet
Owner, CEO, & National Scholarship Specialist, College Solutions

Margaret graduated from the University of Virginia with the highest distinction with a political and literary thought degree, finishing her academic tenure with research at Oxford University. She holds five years of admission experience from the University of Virginia, specializing in legacy admissions. Margaret has served on the selection committee for the Coca-Cola Scholarship Program and the University of Virginia’s Jefferson Scholarship. At College Solutions, Margaret has been a writing coach, counselor, application editor, managing director, and CEO. She is the proud mother of eight-year-old quintuplets and a busy toddler.

About College Solutions

Since 2003, College Solutions has been a trusted partner for families facing the challenges and complexities of college admissions. Guided by an unwavering commitment to ethical standards, College Solutions provides personalized coaching, expert guidance, and a deep understanding of the admissions process. Through its holistic approach, College Solutions has helped thousands of students embrace their best selves, achieve their academic dreams, and build meaningful futures. 

Margaret BOlton Baudinet

Owner, CEO, and Scholarship Specialist, College Solutions

Margaret graduated from the University of Virginia with the highest distinction with a political and literary thought degree, finishing her academic tenure with research at Oxford University. She holds five years of admission experience from the University of Virginia, specializing in legacy admissions. Margaret has served on the selection committee for the Coca-Cola Scholarship Program and the University of Virginia’s Jefferson Scholarship. At College Solutions, Margaret has been a writing coach, counselor, application editor, managing director, and CEO. She is the proud mother of eight-year-old quintuplets and a busy toddler.

Jane Hale Paulsen

President, the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation

Jane joined the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation in 2001 and is responsible for advancing the Foundation’s efforts to develop an influential community of socially conscious and service-minded leaders who positively shape the world. She serves on the Board of Directors of the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation, the Jeanette Rankin Foundation, and GA CASA, and on the Board of Trustees for her alma mater, Centre College. She is the past Chair for the Emerge Scholarships in Georgia and the past Treasurer for the National Scholarship Providers’ Association.

Anna Brown

Transfer Admissions Specialist and Senior Counselor, College Solutions

Anna has over a decade of experience working in higher education in a variety of roles, including admissions, student affairs, and fundraising. Originally from Birmingham, Alabama, she graduated from the University of Virginia with a B.A. in English and an M.Ed. in Higher Education. She worked as an admissions reader for UVA for three years, reading in-state, out-of-state, and transfer applications. Anna feels strongly about helping students find the right fit in the college admissions process, as she transferred colleges after her freshman year. She lives in Richmond, Virginia, where she enjoys spending time with her young son, diving into a good book, and attending as many concerts as possible.

Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation

The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation exists to bring better to the world through investment in exceptional high school students who are dedicated to leadership, service, and action that positively affects others. With its recently announced 37th class of Coca-Cola Scholars, the Foundation has provided more than $87 million in scholarships to over 7,050 program alumni who together have become a powerful force for positive change.

College Solutions

Since 2003, College Solutions has been a trusted partner for families facing the challenges and complexities of college admissions. Guided by an unwavering commitment to ethical standards, College Solutions provides personalized coaching, expert guidance, and a deep understanding of the admissions process. Through its holistic approach, College Solutions has helped thousands of students embrace their best selves, achieve their academic dreams, and build meaningful futures.