College Counseling Headquarters

Dr. Niki Mendrinos-Hardy brings 20+ years of experience in higher education, specializing in college admissions, marketing, and event planning. Her extensive background includes serving as a Senior Associate Director of Admissions and Vice President of Enrollment Management, where she oversaw undergraduate, graduate, and professional studies admissions, as well as the Office of Financial Aid. Most recently, Dr. Mendrinos was appointed Director of College Counseling at a competitive college-preparatory high school, where she guides students and families through the college application process. She is deeply passionate about helping students find the right college fit—academically, socially, emotionally, and financially.

Dr. Mendrinos holds a doctorate in Higher Education Administration and Educational Leadership from Temple University. Her research on predicting college success beyond standardized test scores has influenced the national shift toward test-optional admissions policies. She has presented her work at conferences both locally and nationally and has served as a panelist for numerous high school events.

As an Adjunct Professor, Dr. Mendrinos has taught graduate-level courses on Strategic Enrollment Management and co-led the development of the College Access and Success Certificate at Temple University—one of the first fully online programs of its kind in Pennsylvania. Additionally, she taught the first-year seminar for incoming freshmen at Temple University for over five years.

Dr. Mendrinos has held leadership roles as Vice President of The College of Education Alumni Executive Board at Temple University, Corporate Board President for HOBY-PA EAST, and an executive board member for Hellenic Hearts, an organization supporting Greek-Americans in need. In addition, she sits on a number of college advisory boards, including the Princeton Review,

With a deep commitment to student success, Dr. Mendrinos has helped thousands of students overcome challenges and achieve their academic and personal goals. She firmly believes that there is a college for everyone and remains dedicated to educating and supporting students and families throughout the college admissions journey.

With more than a decade of experience in education and college admissions, Cedrick Alexis is a seasoned college admission consultant dedicated to helping students and families navigate every aspect of the college planning process with confidence and clarity.

Cedrick spent seven years working in the Office of Undergraduate Admissions at Mercy University, where they reviewed thousands of applications, led regional recruitment efforts, and developed a comprehensive understanding of what colleges seek in prospective students. This admissions-side perspective uniquely positions Cedrick to offer strategic, insider guidance on college applications and personal statements that resonate with admission committees.

Transitioning from Mercy University, Cedrick is currently serving as a school counselor for the last four academic years at Union Catholic Regional High School. There, he is supporting students in crafting balanced academic schedules, developing their college lists, preparing for standardized tests, and writing compelling personal narratives. In this role, Cedrick provides critical financial aid advisement, helping families understand FAFSA, CSS Profile, scholarship opportunities, and the broader financial aid landscape.

In addition to these roles, Cedrick is an active contributor to the statewide college counseling community as a secondary school representative for the New Jersey Association for College Admission Counseling (NJACAC) for two years. In this capacity, he has collaborated with college admissions professionals across New Jersey to advocate for student access and equity in the college admissions process.

With deep expertise in college applications, personal statement coaching, academic planning, and financial aid advisement, Cedrick is known for a student-centered approach that blends empathy with strategy. Whether working with first-generation college applicants or high-achieving students with ambitious goals, Cedrick is committed to helping every student find the right college fit and take the next step with purpose.