Our Team Goes to Battle for Your Kids
Colleen Paparella, MST
Educational Consultant
Colleen Paparella is a seasoned educational consultant and nationally-recognized authority in the field of college admissions.
As the founder of DC College Counseling, she leads a group of superstars that specialize in the combination of strategic decision-making and effective project management techniques, seamlessly guiding families through today’s college admissions landscape.
Colleen spent the first decade of her career working as an undergraduate admissions officer and independent school college counselor. Most recently, she spent six years as the Director of College Counseling at Oakcrest School in Vienna, VA (formerly McLean), after working as a college counselor at Oak Knoll School in Summit, NJ. Her insider knowledge and experience on “both sides of the desk” gives her students a competitive advantage.
As an excellent resource about current programs and trends in independent school, college, and graduate admissions processes, Colleen’s advice is regularly featured on local and national media. She is also the owner of Educational Advisory Group, which provides training to educational consultants worldwide. Additionally, Colleen instructs her colleagues on a national level at seminars and conferences. She is a professional member of IECA, the Independent Educational Consultants Association, in which she serves on the organization’s Finance Committee; as well as NACAC, the National Association of College Admissions Counseling. She also belongs to the Leadership Council of the National Small Business Association.
Colleen is a graduate of Choate Rosemary Hall and Washington University in St. Louis, from which she graduated with honors in only three years’ time. She was later awarded a New York City Teaching Fellowship, through which she received her master’s degree in education from Fordham University and became a New York State-certified English teacher. More recently, Colleen was one of 170 small business owners nationwide chosen for the fully-funded Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses entrepreneurship program through Babson College, from which she graduated in 2023.
In her spare time, Colleen enjoys exploring DC with her two elementary and middle-school aged children; planning her next travel adventures; landing hard-to-get restaurant reservations; and volunteering for the Junior League of Washington.
SONYA OHLSSON, MSC
EDUCATIONAL CONSULTANT
Sonya Ohlsson is a highly sought-after specialist in domestic and international admissions, boasting over twenty years of expertise in college counseling, undergraduate admissions, and youth educational attainment.
At DC College Counseling, Sonya enjoys using the college search and application process to help students dig deep and explore the questions of who they are and what they want. In addition to spending most of her career working with students applying to schools in the United States, she also has a wealth of experience assisting US and international passport holders seeking admission to universities in the UK, Europe, Asia and Australia/New Zealand.
After working in two highly selective undergraduate admissions offices, Sonya began her work in independent school college counseling at Westtown School, a boarding school in West Chester, PA. Sonya later served as the Director of College Counseling at the Field School in Washington, DC and Co-Director of College Counseling at Moses Brown School in Providence, RI. She was also the Director of University and Careers Counseling at YK Pao School in Shanghai, the top ranked bilingual school in China; and Head of University Counseling at International School Bangkok, one of the premier international schools in Southeast Asia.
After growing up on a sheep farm in Vermont, Sonya graduated Magna Cum Laude from Johnson State College (now Vermont State University) with a self-designed BA in Race, Ethnicity and Gender in Literature. This confidence and willingness to take full ownership of her education eventually led her to get her MSc from the London School of Economics in Gender and Social Policy. She also holds a Certificate in College Counseling from the University of California San Diego.
Outside of the office, you'll find Sonya searching for all the best Indian and Mexican cuisine she can find; reading her mystery or sci-fi books; and planning her next exciting trip somewhere in the world.
STACI STOCKLOS, MA
HEAD ESSAY COACH
Staci Stocklos is a talented and committed EDUCATOR WITH A PASSION FOR HELPING STUDENTS SHOWCASE THEIR BEST SELVES THROUGH WRITING.
As the head essay coach at DC College Counseling, she works with our students and essay coaches to ensure that every piece of writing is "17-year-old perfect"! Staci has over fifteen years of experience teaching middle school, high school, and college students, and she brings this expertise to serve our families at DC College Counseling.
Staci is the first point of contact for all clients as they begin brainstorming topics for their Common Application ® essays or graduate school personal statements, and she carefully helps each one select a unique and compelling approach. She also assists some students side-by-side throughout their entire writing journey, ensuring that their individualized voices shine through their work. Even the most reluctant writers love working with Staci because of the enthusiasm and support she provides through what is often the most challenging part of the application process.
After graduating from Franklin and Marshall College, Staci completed graduate study at Lehigh University and the University of Delaware. While at Lehigh, she had the opportunity to read applications on the “other side of the desk” in the Office of Undergraduate Admissions, and this background gives her a valuable perspective on college essays.
When she's not helping our clients, Staci trains international teachers; develops courses and curriculum frameworks; works individually with students who have special needs or those who need extra reading/writing support; and teaches dance and fitness classes for fun!
We believe in a bright future for our students
Can you imagine your argumentative son negotiating deals with investors? Can you imagine your Sephora-obsessed daughter formulating best-selling concoctions as a chemical engineer? We can. Every single teenager has unique talents, abilities, and needs -- they just need some help reaching the surface.
Do you believe there’s a “right fit”? We do, and we believe in empowering our students as they take steps toward their future goals. We personalize the process to ensure we find that ‘right fit’ for them every time.
Do you believe in the power of accountability? Through hard work and persistence, our students can create the lives of their dreams. We provide project management techniques to help them take ownership of their outcomes while developing the confidence and skills necessary for a successful future.
Do you value integrity? We are committed to the highest standards of honesty and character, and we promote authenticity in all that we do. The path to a successful future begins with core values, and we model these each day in the trusted relationships we develop with our clients.
We are not authorized, affiliated or sponsored by The Common Application, Inc., or any of its subsidiaries or its affiliates.
For The Common Application, Inc., website, see https://www.commonapp.org/