Meet Our College Experts
FOUNDER & LEAD COLLEGE COUNSELOR
Kaara Koplowitz
Kaara Koplowitz has spent more than 12 years working in education, guiding students and families through every step of the college process, and she still loves it as much as she did on day one.
Over the course of her career she has supported students through some of Connecticut's most demanding academic environments, helping families build school lists, navigate financial aid, craft compelling essays, and make confident final decisions. What she learned along the way is that the college process is overwhelming for every family, regardless of where they live. The details change. The anxiety doesn't.
At Strides, Kaara brings that experience directly to West Hartford families who want someone genuinely in their corner. Not a formula. Not a portal. A real person who takes the time to learn what makes your student tick and builds a plan around them, with a full team of specialists ready to support every part of the journey.
She holds a Master's degree in Organizational Leadership and is an Associate Member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA). When she's not working with families, you'll find her with a good book, trying a new restaurant, or spending time with the people she loves.
TEST SCORE STRATEGIST
Kathryn Coursey
Kathryn Coursey has been an educator for twelve years, mostly in the greater Hartford area. She is a graduate of both Marist College and Boston Colleges Lynch School of Education. Kathryn has taught a variety of high school history courses including multiple AP history courses. As a graduate of the West Hartford school system, Kathryn understands the importance of taking advantage of the awesome opportunities offered through the school system. Kathryn is an avid trivia player and has dreams of one day making it to Jeopardy.
CERTIFIED AP READINESS COORDINATOR, TEST SCORE STRATEGIST
AJ Santos
AJ Santos is a dedicated educator and leader in the field of education. With a Bachelor's Degree in History and American Studies from Colby College, AJ began their teaching journey in 2011 in Hartford, CT. Quickly rising through the ranks, they served as the AP US History Teacher and Academic Dean at Achievement First Hartford High School. Driven by a passion for curriculum development and educational innovation, AJ transitioned to the role of Principal at a charter school in Massachusetts before deciding to shift gears and move into a Director of Curriculum position. With a Master's Degree from the University of Kentucky, AJ is committed to lifelong learning and making a positive impact on the lives of students and educators alike.
Outside of the professional realm, AJ finds joy in watching baseball games and cherishing moments with their family.
COLLEGE ESSAY SPECIALIST
Karen Prager
Karen Prager began her teaching career in Texas after graduating from Colby College in Waterville, Maine. She earned her Masters in Educational Leadership through Lamar University, part of the Texas State University system. In 2013, she moved with her family to Connecticut and has taught in Hartford County ever since. These days, Karen is proud to tell students that she's been teaching longer than they've been alive. Karen firmly believes that students should choose their college (rather than letting their college choose them), and is proud to help students navigate through the college process.
When she's not working, she's a personal taxi service for her own children. She also loves hiking, birdwatching, and weightlifting.
EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONING COACH
Shayne Koplowitz
Shayne, a Central Connecticut State University alumna, holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and a master’s in Counselor Education. She has extensive experience in higher education, having served as Interim Assistant Director of Recruitment and Admissions at Central Connecticut, Academic Advisor for Stony Brook University’s basketball teams, Assistant Athletic Director of Academic Support at Quinnipiac University, and Associate Director of Academic Support at Southern Connecticut State University. She recently returned to her alma mater as Assistant Director of The Learning Center.
Outside of work, Shayne volunteers with the Bloomfield Center Fire Department Auxiliary and enjoys spending time with her husband, Taylor, and their daughter, Olive.
COLLEGE ADMISSIONS STRATEGIST
Diana Mastrocola
Diana Mastrocola has been in the education field for 12 years, serving for seven of those years as the Director of College Counseling at City on a Hill Charter Public School in Boston, Massachusetts. Diana currently serves the Dean of Counseling & Students Services at a private school in western Massachusetts and lives in West Hartford. She is a foodie and likes checking out local breweries. Diana loves to cook and experiment with creating new dishes. In the summer months, Diana works for a local farmstand making jam and selling vegetables at local farmer's markets.
