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Michelle Smoley

College Finance Consultant
Michelle Richardson Bright Horizons College Coach
College Finance Consultant
Former Senior Manager of Student Success Student Connections
Former Assistant Vice-President Chase Student Loans
Former Vice-President Sallie Mae
Former Bursar /Operations Specialist Mayo Clinic College of Medicine

My Background

I began my financial aid counseling career working in a community bank. I provided families with paper FAFSAs and assisted them in completing the application in person. Through the years, the process, products and regulations in the financial aid industry may have changed, but the reward I feel when I help students and families has not. During my tenure at the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, I had the opportunity to work with a very diverse group of students working towards all types of degrees from certificate programs to doctoral degrees. From there, I worked in student loan finance and became very passionate about financial literacy. I love educating families about various financial vehicles and assisting them in determining what is the best financial strategy to pay for college.
I had high standards before beginning the service based on the many wonderful reviews and feedback. I am glad the service went above and beyond, exceeding my expectations.
Student at Cornell University

Why I Joined College Coach

I joined College Coach to return to my passion, assisting students and families on how to access and pay for college. As a product of higher education myself, I have personally experienced the return on investment and I want to ensure that other students and families know that college is possible and can be affordable. A post-secondary education is truly the best investment that one can make in themselves and that parents can make in their children’s lives. I love being able to assist them in the financial aid process.

Get to Know Me

My Education

Buena Vista University Bachelor of Arts Degree in Banking and Finance
Cardinal Stritch University Master's in Business Administration Degree
Michelle Richardson

Some of my favorite pastimes

Exercising, golfing, shopping, traveling and spending time with my family and friends, volunteering, and community and personal development

Interested?

Interested in learning more about how our college admissions counseling services can help your student succeed?

Call 877-402-6224 or complete the form for information on getting your student started with one of our experts.

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