With over 20 years of experience, Deb guides students and families through the complexities of the college process. She founded Personal Best College Coaching in 2002 following a successful career as a public school counselor and guidance department chairperson. In addition to leading her firm, she has served as the Transfer Admissions Advisor for the Kaplan Leadership Program since 2008. Deb thrives in her role as a supporter, organizer, and 'myth-buster' for high school, transfer, and non-traditional students, acting as a dedicated peace-maker and fact-checker during their journey of self-discovery.
Meet The Team
Since 2002, Personal Best College Coaching has delivered expert, independent college counseling from our home base in Northern New Jersey. We specialize in helping families in the Tri-State area and nationwide navigate the path to higher education with confidence, clarity, and personalized support.
Brianna is passionate about helping students explore their interests and identify post-secondary options that align with their goals. She currently serves as a high school counselor in Bergen County and aims to guide students through a thoughtful and thorough college application process. Brianna prioritizes active partnerships with students and families, empowering them as they identify the best fit for their future education.
For over a decade, Jen has served as a school counselor in Bergen County, specializing in helping students transition seamlessly to the right post-secondary options. She is passionate about motivating students to find a healthy balance between rigorous academics and personal interests. By prioritizing strong communication, Jen connects students and parents throughout the search process to ensure the journey is both fun and exciting. Her primary goal is to remove stress and guesswork from the equation, drawing on her extensive travels across the country researching diverse college campuses to provide families with firsthand expertise.
With a career spanning nearly 30 years, Patty Barlow has a proven track record of helping hundreds of students navigate the college landscape. She focuses on streamlining the process to make it a rewarding experience for students and parents alike. By aligning a student's unique needs with the right institutional opportunities, Patty ensures that every applicant finds a college home that fosters their long-term success and growth.
Coach Melissa brings a comprehensive perspective to the admissions process, having served both as a high school counselor and a university admissions officer. This dual experience allows her to help families demystify what can initially feel like an overwhelming journey. Melissa excels at identifying creative options for students with unique requirements and diverse priorities. She also offers specialized expertise for those pursuing health science fields, including medicine, nursing, and physical or occupational therapy.
For nearly 20 years, Suzanne has thrived as a true partner to families, finding immense joy in helping young people design the lives they envision. She guides students toward campus environments that align with their personal, academic, and professional goals. Suzanne is dedicated to fostering a peaceful, stress-free experience, providing the structure necessary to complete high-quality applications well ahead of schedule. Her expertise also includes supporting budding artists and designers, young adults seeking career direction, and those navigating the graduate school admissions process.
Kandace has over 14 years of experience helping students and families navigate the college and graduate school process. She began her career as a professor at Auburn University and has spent more than a decade in graduate admissions, coaching students individually and leading workshops on personal statements, financial aid, and planning for advanced degrees. Kandace loves partnering with students to create life plans that align with their goals, meet their financial needs, and support careers that reflect their passions.”
About Coach Erica
Erica oversees the heart of the application journey as our Application Process Director and Head Writing Coach. A certified educator, she thrives in one-on-one sessions where she empowers students to find their voice and translate their experiences into impactful college essays. Her method balances academic rigor with personal growth, helping students build self-awareness and professional writing skills. Through her workshops, Erica is dedicated to lowering the pressure of the process and helping every student shine.