Meet Our Team

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR & FOUNDER,
COLLEGE ADMISSIONS ADVISOR

Sydney Montgomery is the Executive Director and Founder of Barrier Breakers®. She was named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 list in 2024 and is a TEDx Speaker.

As the first lawyer in her family, the first person from her high school to attend Princeton University, and a Harvard Law School graduate, Sydney has used her platform since 2012 to help students break down generational barriers and step confidently into their future.

As the daughter of military and immigrant parents and as a lower-income college student, Sydney battled insecurities, financial challenges, and debilitating chronic illnesses to defy societal labels and expectations. Now, as a TEDx Speaker and Forbes 30 under 30 entrepreneur Sydney inspires others to believe in themselves, find their voice, and confidently pursue their goals no matter their background or obstacles. Sydney holds a B.A. in English from Princeton University, a J.D. from Harvard Law School, a Masters of Theological Studies from Princeton Theological Seminary, a Certificate in Independent Educational Consulting from UC Irvine, and a Certificate in Anti-Racism in Urban Education from UNC Charlotte. Sydney is a member of the Forbes Nonprofit Council and has been featured in Inc., Forbes, US News, Medium, CNBC and others.

Her TEDx talk, “First-Generation Graduates Drive Business Success,” has over 137,000 views.

DIRECTOR OF STUDENT SUCCESS & ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP

Dr. Nadia Castriota is a seasoned higher education administrator with over 20 years of experience in professional and graduate school admissions, student development, and academic leadership. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a deep commitment to student success, diversity, and access, with a particular focus on law school enrollment and support services. She has held progressive leadership roles at a variety of institutions, where she has developed and executed strategic enrollment plans, led scholarship and financial aid initiatives, overseen holistic admissions practices, and collaborated closely with faculty and university leadership. Her previous positions include Assistant Director of Admissions and Financial Aid at Florida International University College of Law, Director of Admissions at Case Western Reserve University School of Law, Assistant Dean for Admissions and Student Services at Albany Law School, and Director of Admissions at St. Thomas University School of Law.
In addition to her expertise in admissions and enrollment management, Dr. Castriota has extensive experience in student affairs, academic advising, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programming. She has successfully built pipelines for underrepresented students, spearheaded student success initiatives, and mentored countless individuals pursuing careers in law and public service. She holds a Bachelor of Science from Florida International University, a Master of Science in Criminal Justice and Administration from Nova Southeastern University, and a Ph.D. in Ethical Leadership from St. Thomas University.

DIRECTOR OF PARTNERSHIPS AND ACCOUNTS

Dr. Paul Patterson has over two decades of experience in higher education and advising. Throughout his career, he has lectured and published on a variety of topics, from the history of race in the Middle Ages to the present day to the psychology of fear in horror films. In his current role as Professor of English and Faculty Pre-Law Advisor at Saint Joseph's University, he assists students on their path to law school. He is dedicated to helping students achieve their goals. In his community, he has served as Chair of the Board of Directors for a non-profit that assisted former foster youth with employment and professional training and has volunteered with unhoused communities in Philadelphia.

COLLEGE ACCESS COUNSELOR

Sylvia brings over 15 years of experience in higher education, having served as a faculty member at two New Jersey State universities. As both an educator and Director of Experiential Learning, she has worked closely with students to design meaningful internship experiences that enhance employability and launch successful careers—particularly in the field of public health.

Sylvia’s passion for student success extends beyond the classroom. As an active homeschooling parent, she believes that every student is a unique individual with their own story, goals, interests, and talents—and that educational experiences should reflect and honor that individuality.

In her work with students and families, Sylvia is deeply committed to creating a supportive and inclusive environment.

Sylvia is a proud alumna of Syracuse University, where she earned her BA in English. She holds a Master’s degree in Public Health from the City University of New York at Hunter College and earned her Independent College Consultant Certificate from the University of California, Irvine. As a member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA), Sylvia is committed to providing the highest level of professional guidance to students and their families as they navigate the college admissions process.

COLLEGE ACCESS COUNSELOR

Sara is a dedicated college access professional with experience in admissions, advising, and postsecondary planning. She has supported hundreds of students throughout the college journey, from application review and enrollment processes to individualized mentorship and long-term pathway exploration.

With a background in admissions, Sara has dedicated time to holistic review of many applications and guided students and families through complex enrollment steps with clarity and care. Through her service and mentoring roles, she has facilitated workshops on best fit and college affordability, coached high school students in grades 9–12, and provided one-on-one support to help students navigate critical academic and postsecondary decisions.

Sara holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Philander Smith College and a Master of Science in Leadership from Cabrini University. Her approach combines data-informed organization with relationship-centered advising, ensuring students feel both supported and empowered. She is passionate about breaking down barriers to opportunity and helping students pursue pathways aligned with their strengths, goals, and potential. Above all, she is committed to creating spaces where students feel seen, heard, and confident in the futures they are building for themselves.

COLLEGE ACCESS COUNSELOR

Nathaniel Hayes was born and raised on Chicago’s Southside. He graduated with a Bachelor’s from Washington and Lee University and a Master’s from The Clinton School of Public Service.

His various professional roles in the field of College Access and Success have led him throughout U.S. and International cities, celebrating the culture and values of the people therein. His endeavors center on fostering skill development and guiding others toward meaningful achievements through empowerment and social-emotional assurance.

He dedicates himself to serving his area’s youth through the recent founding of a community center advancing education and literacy through fine arts - The Freedom Center for Arts and Education.

COLLEGE ACCESS COUNSELOR

Kimberly Norfork has over a decade of experience in college access, admissions, and college counseling, with a strong commitment to helping students and families navigate the path to higher education. Her work focuses on building meaningful partnerships with schools and districts, supporting educators, and developing programs that expand college knowledge and opportunity, particularly for students from rural communities and historically underrepresented backgrounds. Kimberly previously served as Director of College Counseling at North Cobb Christian School, where she led comprehensive college counseling efforts and worked closely with students, families, and school leadership to strengthen postsecondary planning and outcomes. She has also held admissions and counseling roles centered on individualized advising, program development, and access-focused outreach. Kimberly earned her bachelor’s degree from Austin Peay State University, a master’s degree in Professional Counseling from Middle Tennessee State University, and is currently a doctoral candidate in Learning and Leadership at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Her dissertation examines school counselor self-efficacy in promoting college knowledge and reflects her ongoing commitment to strengthening the systems that support students on their college-going journeys.

COLLEGE ACCESS COUNSELOR

Dr. Madeleine Ryan is a native of Massachusetts and a first-generation college graduate. She earned bachelor’s degrees in psychology and French from Smith College, a Master of Social Work from the University of Michigan, and a Doctor of Education from Northeastern University. With over a decade of experience in college admissions and counseling, Dr. Ryan has worked at several higher education institutions supporting students across 32 states, as well as U.S. citizens and permanent residents living abroad.

She began her career at the University of Michigan’s Office of Undergraduate Admission, where she evaluated domestic and transfer applications and co-led the Michigan Student Ambassador program. Dr. Ryan later worked at Emerson College in Boston, leading multicultural recruitment efforts and advancing equity and access within the admissions process. She also served students through roles at West Virginia University while living in Texas and North Carolina, counseling families through every stage of the college application and enrollment process.

Throughout her career, Dr. Ryan has supported students and families through one-on-one advising on major selection, financial aid and scholarships, learning accommodations, and dual enrollment or college coursework. Most recently, she worked as a college counselor at an independent school, guiding students in grades 10–12 and conducting mock interviews and preparation for engagement with selective institutions.

Drawing on her background as a youth clinician and social worker, Dr. Ryan is known for her ability to tailor her approach to diverse student populations. Her multicultural perspective has been shaped by living, studying, and teaching abroad, including teaching English virtually in China and in Seoul, South Korea. Outside of work, Dr. Ryan enjoys spending time with her young children, exploring the arts, playing basketball, and discovering new brunch spots.

COLLEGE ACCESS COUNSELOR

Melvin Nguyen (he/him) is a social impact professional working at the intersection of postsecondary success, workforce development, and equity-centered student support. His work focuses on creating programs and systems that expand access to education and career opportunities for first-generation, low-income students.

Melvin has supported student success initiatives across national nonprofits and community-based organizations, including APIA Scholars and Future Chefs. He has led career development, alumni engagement, and work-based learning programs with a focus on culturally responsive care and the development of transferable skills. Drawing on his background in the restaurant industry and experiential learning, Melvin brings a hands-on, people-centered approach to program design and student coaching.

Melvin holds a B.S. in Hospitality and Tourism from New York University and a graduate certificate in Gastronomy from Boston University. Outside of work, he enjoys recipe testing, international travel, and taking on side quests with friends. He currently serves as a Fellow in Strategy Leadership at the College Board.

COLLEGE ACCESS COUNSELOR

Tamara Baptiste is a dynamic college admissions coach, speaker, author, and engineer determined to increase the presence of women in science, technology, engineering, and math careers. Tamara mentors men and women whose goals include growing and applying their skills, navigating difficult situations, defining their goals, and devising a course of action to achieve them. She brings this passion as she provides families and students with the information needed to confidently apply to higher-education opportunities that fit them academically, socially, and financially. Tamara has partnered large county library systems and churches in Maryland, DC, and Virginia, the Anne Arundel County NAACP, and True Ground Housing (formerly APAH) to provide college admissions and financial aid knowledge to thousands of parents and teens.

Tamara graduated from Cornell University with a BS in Engineering and a M.Eng. in Engineering Management. She holds a College Counseling and Higher Education Certificate (with Distinction) from the UCLA, and an Executive Certificate in Organizational Development and Change Leadership Consulting from Georgetown University. Tamara is a member of the ITSMF, SACAC, PCACAC, and IECA. She is also a proud member of Top Ladies of Distinction – Concord Chapter and the Queen City Metropolitan Chapter of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc.

COLLEGE ACCESS COUNSELOR
Michelle Gbelama-Okore is a seasoned Youth Development Specialist and Professional Tennis Coach with over 18 years of experience, having positively impacted the lives of more than 5,000 young people across the New Jersey and New York regions. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and a Master’s degree in Creative Writing from Drew University.

She is the Founder and Executive Director of WE Lead Sports Inc, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing affordable tennis, soccer, leadership development, and college readiness programs to youth in Mercer County, New Jersey. Through this work, Michelle is committed to expanding access, opportunity, and equity for young athletes in communities that have traditionally lacked access to these resources. Michelle is also the Founder of She Leads Sports LLC, a mission-driven enterprise offering elite tennis training to girls preparing to compete at the high school and collegiate levels.

She has also held leadership roles with several organizations, including New York Junior Tennis and Learning, Play Rugby USA, HomeWorks Trenton, and others. She has also held board positions with the United States Tennis Association (USTA) New Jersey District Council ,the USTA Middle States Board and Capital Harmony Works.

Beyond her professional work, Michelle is a proud wife to Pastor James Okore and a devoted mother of two daughters.

COLLEGE ACCESS COUNSELOR

Zhané Garlington is the Founder and Executive Director of Empower Youth, a nonprofit organization she launched in 2025 to advance holistic, equity-driven educational programming in Title I schools. She currently serves as an Admissions Specialist at Rivet School, a nonprofit that supports adult learners in completing accelerated degree programs to close equity gaps in higher education. In addition, she works as a Resource Teacher and Expanded Learning Manager in Solano County, where she designs culturally responsive lessons and professional development that integrate trauma-informed practices and experiential learning.

Zhané previously held roles as Assistant Dean of Admissions and Assistant Director of Enrollment, where she led student retention efforts and implemented data-informed strategies to improve educational outcomes. She earned her M.A. in Educational Leadership from Dominican University of California and her B.A. in Media Studies and Mass Communications from the University of California, Berkeley.

Her work bridges research, policy, and practice to create equitable, community-rooted solutions in education and public systems.

COLLEGE ACCESS COUNSELOR,
LAW SCHOOL ADMISSIONS ADVISOR

Glenn E. Bell is a strong advocate for diversity in higher education, and his career has spanned many disciplines. Born and raised in Northern New Jersey, he has been a frequent lecturer on issues related to the African American community, including Negro Leagues Baseball, Blacks in the Military, and Black activist thought.

Glenn received a Bachelor of English degree at Hampton University, and a Master of Education degree from Northeastern University. He served in the Language Arts staff at Prentice Hall publishers as the only African American editor in any of the four major disciplines. He joined the staff of the United Nations Association of the United States of America, where he worked with Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Community Colleges to build their International Affairs curriculum and Model United Nations programs.

Glenn later joined the staff of the Law School Admission Council, where he served as a key member of the Diversity Initiatives team. He also served as the Assistant Director of Admissions and Financial aid at New York Law School, and the liaison for recruiting diverse students to the law school.

LAW SCHOOL ADMISSIONS ADVISOR

Arturo Hodgson has over 20 years of experience in higher education admissions and student affairs. He previously served as the Director of Admissions and Recruitment at Ave Maria School of Law, the Associate Director of Admissions at Nova Southeastern University Shepard Broad College of Law, the Associate Director of Admissions at Lynn University, and the Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admissions at Nova Southeastern University’s College of Undergraduate Studies. While these roles and their responsibilities have differed, Arturo believes the most important common denominator was that of student success. Arturo earned his BS from Florida Atlantic University, MS from Nova Southeastern University, and is currently earning his PhD in Ethical Leadership at St. Thomas University in Miami, Florida.

COLLEGE ACCESS COUNSELOR, LAW SCHOOL ADMISSIONS ADVISOR

Roxanna Cruz is an accomplished, results-driven enrollment professional with over 20 years of working in higher education. Roxanna currently serves as the Associate Dean of Admissions at a law school in Florida. Prior to this role, Roxanna held the position of Associate Vice President of Enrollment at Barry University in Miami Shores where she oversaw all undergraduate, graduate & professional enrollment. Roxanna also served as the Assistant Dean of Admissions at Barry University School of Law, Associate Director of Recruitment & Marketing at FIU Law, and as Director of Student Recruitment at Miami Law.

Roxanna holds a Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Leadership from St. Thomas University and a Master of Business Administration in Management at Nova Southeastern University. As a first-generation college graduate, Roxanna takes pride in her accomplishments and her professional development in enrollment management. Roxanna’s creativity, adaptability, innovative thinking, and passion for access to higher education has provided successful outcomes in many aspects of her work. In addition, she considers her most prominent role to date as that of wife and mother of four children.

LAW SCHOOL ADMISSIONS ADVISOR

Patricia Kinney has over two decades of experience in legal education administration, including serving as Assistant Dean of Admissions for 15 years, guiding thousands of students through their law school application process.  A first-generation law student and lawyer, Patricia began her career in trust & estates and sports licensing before returning to legal education.  She has helped design programs that support student success, well-being, community engagement, and access to legal education.  She has worked extensively with initiatives like Indiana CLEO and the Indiana Supreme Court’s Coalition for Court Access.  

Passionate about mentoring and empowering future lawyers, Patricia brings a wealth of experience and a personal understanding of the challenges students face. She frequently speaks on topics related to access, belonging, de-escalation, generational differences, and well-being.  She is a certified MIEA Mindfulness teacher and Mental Health First Aid facilitator, committed to fostering resilience and confidence in aspiring law students.

LAW SCHOOL ADMISSIONS ADVISOR

Gabriela Amador (Gaby) earned her undergraduate degree in English at Northwestern University and her Masters in Public Administration from the Stuart School of Business at Illinois Tech. Gaby has over 10 years of experience as a law school admissions director and more than 15 years of experience in law school admissions advising.

Gaby has also worked closely with prospective law students on financial aid and scholarship matters. As a first-generation college graduate, Gaby enjoys helping prospective students demystify the law school admissions process in pursuit of increasing access to higher education.

ESSAY EDITOR

Nana Koranteng is the Assistant Director, Public Administration, Government, & Law at Suffolk University Center for Career Equity, Development & Success. She received her B.A. from Pomona College in Southern California and her M.A. from Harvard University. After completing a Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship in Manama, Bahrain, she spent two years as an education consultant in Dubai. Throughout her professional journey, she has enjoyed supporting applicants in putting forth their most authentic selves in essays.

BOOT CAMP INSTRUCTOR; ESSAY EDITOR

Howard Manuel, a lawyer based in Washington, D.C., serves as a senior advisor for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. His career has been dedicated to collaborating with Congressional and White House stakeholders to enhance government modernization and efficiency. A Columbus, Ohio native, Howard completed his undergraduate studies at Ohio University and received his legal education at Cleveland State University. His federal policy career commenced in 2012 when he was appointed as a Presidential Fellow. Howard is on the Board of Directors of No One Left Behind, a 501(c)(3) organization aiding the resettlement of Afghan nationals who have worked with U.S. and NATO forces. He also actively contributes to Ohio University, serving on the Scripps College of Communication's board and as the D.C. Chapter President of the Ohio University Alumni Association.

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF DATA & SYSTEMS

Shiela finished her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a focus on Operations Management in the Philippines. She also took up teaching units because of her passion to teach and help students in the public college in her community. It has always been in her heart to be part of the training and development of the next generation. For over 7 years now, she has been actively helping people around her through various community outreaches and volunteer work in church, where she plays drums and leads a study group for young professionals.

OUTREACH & WELLNESS COORDINATOR

LoVetta is a Multimedia Journalist with a Master's Degree in Entertainment Business from Full Sail University. LoVetta also works as a radio personality and podcast host. She loves to read, talk to new people and to learn. She's most passionate about sharing knowledge with others and being a champion for positivity.

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Pfungwa is a Mechanical Engineering student at Ashesi University with a multifaceted background in brand identity and technical engineering design. Originally from Zimbabwe, she brings a unique perspective to Barrier Breakers, blending analytical problem-solving with a sophisticated approach to digital storytelling and social media management.

With an academic focus on sustainable systems and mechanical innovation, Pfungwa is committed to leveraging her engineering background to advance social equity and accessibility. At Barrier Breakers, she focuses on crafting cohesive brand narratives that effectively communicate the mission to a global audience. Her work is centered on amplifying organizational impact through strategic communication and fostering engagement with stakeholders, donors, and the community.

STUDENT SUPPORT COORDINATOR

Dr. Mackessa Holt is a Lecturer of Health Education in the Department of Public and Allied Health (PAH) in the School of Community Health and Policy (SCHP). Mackessa pursued higher education at Xavier University of Louisiana in New Orleans, LA, earning a Bachelor of Science in Biology. She earned a Master's in Public Health and a Doctorate in Public Health at Morgan State University in Baltimore, MD. In addition, she earned a Master’s of Divinity from Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC. She recently earned a Master of Business Administration with a Human Resources concentration from the Earl Graves School of Business and Management at Morgan State University in Baltimore, MD.

Dr. Holt has taught and advised students in health education for over ten years. Her main courses focus on the foundation of health education and the social determinants of health. She uses multifaceted pedagogy to meet the diverse needs of the students inside and outside the classroom. Being a part of the students' learning process is one of the greatest joys of being an educator.

Dr. Holt has engaged in several research studies on project management. In her project management and coordination work, she developed strong skills in planning, organizing, communicating, and evaluating complex and sensitive health initiatives. As a Project Manager for VALUE Baltimore, she supervised and supported the ambassador coordinators and the peer ambassador team, which conducts outreach and education on COVID-19 prevention and vaccination among marginalized and underserved populations in Baltimore. She also deepened relationships with the VALUE project, the Baltimore City Health Department, and community stakeholders to ensure the project's alignment with local needs and priorities. In Phase 2 of VALUE, Baltimore, Dr. Holt served as the Community Engagement Coordinator.