Find the Counselor you’re interviewing with by scrolling down or search for them by name in the field below.
Alina Mervis
Los Angeles, California
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
Dallas, Texas
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
Asheville, North Carolina
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
Colchester, Vermont
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
NEW HAVEN, CONNECTICUT
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.
Cindy Hartin
Tucson, Arizona
Cindy previously worked with founders and owners at the Small Business Development Center at Angelo State University and she currently runs her own business in the health and wellness industry. Cindy holds a BBA in Marketing from the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire and an MBA from Texas A&M University.
What is the most adventurous thing you have done? Why?
Taking laps around Texas Motor Speedway in Tony Stewart’s NASCAR race car. I went 150 mph (241 kph) and passed most of the cars in my heat. It was exciting and I would do it again.
Would you rather win an Olympic medal, an Academy Award, or the Nobel Peace Prize? Why?
An Olympic Medal. Only a few have the ability to win an Olympic medal. It requires discipline to train at a level that is beyond comfortable, a mindset of confidence, and a will to win.
Gemi Gural
Spokane, Washington
Gemi has a passion for continuous learning and received her MBA from Gonzaga University. She has extensive experience in the technology industry, successfully completing a 20+ year career at AT&T. Most recently, Gemi has focused on creating joint solution offerings with hyperscalers and GSIs in the go-to-market space.
What is the most adventurous thing you have done? Why?
During college I traveled to Europe on my own to explore different countries and to learn French for 6 months. I roomed in hostels and met incredible people. I even witnessed the Berlin wall being torn down!
Who would you most like to swap places with for a day? Why?
No one - I love my life!