
Melinda P.
5.0
(19)
Studied at Columbia University - Teachers College
Hiring Manager at Sarah Lawrence College
Successful clients at
Available Monday at 4:30 PM UTC
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About Melinda
With more than 20 years of experience in higher education, I have guided hundreds of students through academic decision-making, personal challenges, and complex pathways toward graduate and professional school. My career began in student affairs at UCLA Medical School, followed by graduate study at Columbia University, and a pivotal leadership role directing NYU’s career changer postbaccalaureate premedical program, where I discovered my passion for supporting aspiring healthcare professionals and mentoring students at critical moments in their academic journeys. I work closely with college students across all fields of study, helping them navigate the full arc of the undergraduate experience - course selection and academic planning to overcoming setbacks, building strong faculty relationships, and developing the skills needed to thrive independently. As a program director, I have led the redesign and expansion of multiple prehealth programs at institutions including Barnard College and Sarah Lawrence College. I extend this depth of institutional and advising expertise into personalized, one-on-one support for students and applicants. My approach reflects a deep understanding of the challenges students face during college and a commitment to helping them make thoughtful decisions that position them for long-term success academically, professionally, and personally.
Why do I coach?
I founded ElevatEd Pathways to extend my work beyond the walls of traditional institutions and to provide individualized support to students who benefit from dedicated, one-on-one guidance. Over the years, I have seen that the journey through college and toward graduate or professional school is rarely linear. Students often face moments of uncertainty, competing priorities, and important decisions that can feel overwhelming without the right support. I coach because I believe every student deserves a trusted partner who can offer clarity, structure, and encouragement along the way. My goal is to help students make sense of their experiences, stay focused on what matters most, and build strong academic and professional narratives that reflect who they are and where they want to go. There is nothing more rewarding than helping students move forward with confidence and a clear sense of direction.
Work Experience

Associate Dean for Preprofessional Advising
Sarah Lawrence College
April 2018 - July 2024
Hiring Manager

Associate Dean for Health Professions Advising
Barnard College
March 2016 - August 2018
Interviewer

Health Professions Advisor
Barnard College
October 2015 - March 2016
Presentations, Career Development and +4 skills

Director, Postbaccalaureate Premedical Program; Associate Director, Preprofessional Advising Center
New York University
2012 - 2015
Admissions Committee
Presentations, Career Development and +6 skills

Academic Affairs Manager, Department of Psychology
New York University
2010 - 2012
Hiring Manager
Academic Support Services, Written Communication and +2 skills

Educational Consultant
Columbia University Medical Center
2008 - 2010
Written Communication, Project Management and +1 skill

Student Affairs Officer, School of Medicine
UCLA
November 2004 - July 2007
Education

Columbia University - Teachers College
Master of Arts (M.A.), Cognitive Studies in Education (Educational Psychology)
Concentration in Higher Education
University of California, Santa Barbara
Bachelor of Fine Arts, Dance & English
19 Reviews
Overall Rating
5.0
Melinda has helped clients get into these schools:
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