Meet Our Admissions Counselors!

Meet Our Admissions Counselors!

If you’ve been selected to participate in an admissions interview, you’ll be speaking with one of these friendly faces. Take a moment to learn a little about our team of Admissions Counselors.

Meet Our Admissions Counselors!

Find the Counselor you’re interviewing with by scrolling down or search for them by name in the field below.

Alina Mervis

Alina Mervis

Los Angeles, California

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Alina has an international background in education and the arts, having studied and worked in both Europe and the US. She  holds a BA degree from Bates College and an MA from Washington University in St Louis. Fluent in English, Russian, and Ukrainian, she has taught and coached a wide variety of individuals, including global professionals applying to MBA programs.

Where would you go if you could travel to any time and place in the universe? Why?

I have always been fascinated by the Middle Ages. I would love to travel to medieval Europe to discover how people lived and see how political life was run in the various kingdoms.

What is your favorite famous or inspirational quote? Why?

"My experience is what I agree to attend to." (William James) What we pay attention to influences the experiences we have, which in turn determines the life we lead.

Amy Bell

Amy Bell

Dallas, Texas

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In addition to curriculum development and delivery, Amy has over a decade of experience in the administration of educational programs and workforce development. Her diverse background includes law, economic development, higher education, and nonprofit work. She holds a BA in English from Hendrix College and a JD from the University of Arkansas.

What is an accomplishment that you’re especially proud of?

I am very proud to have passed the Bar Exam on the first try. But more than that, I am proud of raising a responsible, hard working, and respectful son.

What is the best advice you have ever received? Why was it good advice?

My grandmother always said “you catch more flies with honey than vinegar.” I learned the hard way to take this advice to heart. People truly respond to kind words and actions!

Amy Hertz

Amy Hertz

Asheville, North Carolina

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Amy has a background in higher education. Most recently she worked as the registrar for Brevard College where she evaluated transcripts and maintained a student-centered focus. In addition, she has worked in admissions and student accounts. Amy received a BA in Psychology from Brevard College.

What is the most adventurous thing you have done? Why?

After high school I traveled alone to Spain to meet a friend. We stayed with a local family for a month and explored Pamplona’s culture. It was a wonderful experience that pushed me out of my comfort level.

What is your favorite famous or inspirational quote? Why?

"Whatever be the means adopted, you must at last return to the self, so why not abide as the self here and now?" (Ramana Maharshi) I like this quote as it reminds me to stay true to myself and stay present"

Anna Kreigh

Anna Kreigh

Colchester, Vermont

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Before joining Quantic, Anna was an Accessibility Coordinator at a private college in Vermont where she ensured that all students had equal access to educational programs, services, and activities. She has also worked in the public school system and is passionate about inclusive education. Anna has a BS in Recreation Management and an MEd in Special Education, both from the University of Vermont.

What is your favorite famous or inspirational quote? Why?

"Let each morn be better than its eve and each morrow richer than its yesterday." It is a simple reminder to cherish each day. I actually found it written in a used book I bought when I was working for the US Forest Service in Kentucky and was quite homesick. It brought me comfort and has been applicable ever since.

Would you rather win an Olympic Medal, an Academy Award, or the Nobel Peace Prize? Why?

I would rather win the Nobel Peace Prize because that would mean that I would have made a lasting impact to make the world a safer, better, and happier place.

Brandi Burkowsky

Brandi Burkowsky

NEW HAVEN, CONNECTICUT

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Brandi is an entrepreneur, having run a successful family business for over 20 years. Her previous experience in the financial services industry includes working as Chief of Staff for Prudential Financial. Brandi earned a BA in Sociology and an MBA in Finance from the University of Connecticut at Stamford.

Who are three people from the past or present that you would choose to have dinner with? Why?

Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, and Martin Luther King, Jr. I would love to talk to them about their resiliency and ability to strongly hold to their convictions through the most difficult of situations.

What is the best advice you have ever received? Why?

"You can't add logic to an emotional situation." I love to exchange ideas with people who offer different viewpoints and find that it is the best way to grow as a person.

Brooke Burke

Brooke Burke

Stockholm, Sweden

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Prior to joining Quantic, Brooke worked in sales and marketing, including at a marketing and EdTech company for higher education, where she developed a deep appreciation for education. With extensive experience in account management and client relations, she holds a BS in Business Administration from Colorado State University.

Where would you go if you could travel to any time and place in the universe? Why?

I’d visit Paris during the Belle Époque (1871–1914), a golden age of art, culture, and innovation. Strolling along grand boulevards, witnessing Impressionist masterpieces, and soaking in the energy of café society would be a dream—a glimpse into the height of creativity and elegance in the City of Light.

Who are three people from the past or present that you would choose to have dinner with? Why?

Princess Diana for her compassion and dedication to humanitarian causes, Michelle Obama for her wisdom and advocacy for education and equality, and Catherine the Great to learn how she shaped history as a powerful and visionary leader

What is the best advice you have ever received? Why was it good advice?

The advice from my parents to always see through on your commitments is invaluable because it builds trust, enhances your reputation, and fosters accountability. By following through, you promote personal growth, reduce regret, and demonstrate integrity, all of which contribute to stronger relationships and long-term success.

Emma Ragnarsson

Emma Ragnarsson

Stockholm, Sweden

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Emma has a background in the education industry working with admissions, business development, marketing, project management and leadership roles for teams across Europe and Central Asia. She is passionate about exploring the world and has lived abroad for a decade. Emma has studied International Marketing and Management at University of Miami and holds a MSc in Business and Economics from Uppsala University.

Who are three people from the past or present that you would choose to have dinner with? Why?

Warren Buffett for his insights on business and investing, fellow Swede and my favorite childhood author Astrid Lindgren for her timeless stories and wisdom, and Nelson Mandela for his leadership and commitment to justice. Their unique perspectives on life, history and the world would make for an interesting dinner conversation.

What is the most adventurous thing you have done? Why?

Ziplining over the rainforest in Costa Rica. I’m afraid of heights, but decided to face my fears—and it turned out to be an amazing experience swooping over the lush green rainforest. Plus, the alternative was hiking through the rainforest among snakes, so ziplining seemed like the better option…

What is your favorite famous or inspirational quote? Why?

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor, catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” – Mark Twain or in short ”Just do it!” – Nike This has helped me decide to say yes to both professional opportunities and other adventures, like moving abroad to different countries.