Passion. Purpose. Path.

About the Team

Melissa Farrah Bouzianis is founder and principal consultant at Farrah College Consulting, LLC.

After many years as a management consultant, Melissa successfully transferred her skill set to help students navigate the college selection and application process. Her analytical and comprehensive approach incorporates understanding the student’s academic profile and learning style, their desired educational setting, and their family’s financial budget. The goal for each student is to leave the process knowing about their gifts, talents, and abilities, and how they can find their purpose in life. She expects and gives her students the support and guidance to graduate college in four years, make the Dean’s List, and graduate with honors with little or no debt. In addition to working with her students, Melissa has worked closely with the Boys and Girls Club of Lawrence, MA (BGBL) for years to connect other New England consultants with the BGCL to volunteer their time helping highly motivated students with the college search and application process.

Melissa holds a Graduate Certificate in College Counseling, earned with distinction from UCLA, an MS in Plastics Engineering, and a BS in Biological Sciences from the University of Massachusetts at Lowell. Before working as an independent management consultant, Melissa was an international management consultant for Arthur D. Little, Inc. In addition, she held marketing and technical management positions at the General Electric Company, where she was an on-campus college recruiter for many years. She is currently a Professional Member of IECA and a member of NACAC and LDA. Melissa is actively involved in her church, St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, Portsmouth, NH. She enjoys spending time with family and friends. She enjoys sailing, traveling, hiking, weightlifting, and reading.

Marilyn S. Zotos

Marilyn’s approach to college consulting begins with listening. She helps create a personalized roadmap that honors each student’s strengths and aspirations by forming strong partnerships with students and their families. 

With over 40 years of experience as a writer, journalist, and teacher, Marilyn understands the power of an authentic personal voice. The college essay is a rare opportunity for students to express who they are beyond grades and test scores. She guides them through a thoughtful, personalized process that helps turn their ideas into compelling, well-crafted narratives. Drawing on her background in education and writing, she helps students create clear, engaging essays that reflect their individuality and resonate with admissions committees. 

Marilyn taught English and Social Studies for 15 years in the Wells-Ogunquit Community School District. The classroom experience gave her invaluable insight into how students learn, communicate, and grow during high school. She served for 11 years as a member and chairperson of the Town of York, Maine, School Committee and as Religious Education Director at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Portsmouth, NH, for 16 years. Before teaching, Marilyn was a writer and editor-in-chief of corporate publications at the Charles Stark Draper Laboratory in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Marilyn holds a Master of Science in Education and a Certificate of Graduate Study in School Administration from the University of Southern Maine, a B.A. in English from the University of South Florida, and a graduate Certificate in College Counseling with distinction from UCLA. She is an Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA) Associate Member.

Kerry E. Koroski

After many years of counseling in pediatric health care, Kerry turned her interest to helping teens with the college search and application process.

As a pediatric dietitian, Kerry helped teens and their families by developing individualized care plans based on their specific needs, unique circumstances, and outcome criteria. Kerry is committed to using a similar approach to understand a student’s college preferences while evaluating their academics, learning styles, and family’s financial needs. Her goal is to help each student gain confidence and knowledge, allowing them to feel empowered to choose the right fit college or university, placing them on the road to their future.

Kerry holds a Master of Science degree in Human Nutrition and Metabolism, earned with honors, from Boston University. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education & Sports Medicine from Keene State College. Kerry spent most of her professional career at teaching institutions, including Johns Hopkins Hospital and UMass Memorial Medical Center, and consulted in the primary care setting.

Kerry earned a graduate Certificate in College Counseling with distinction from UCLA. In addition to her experience working with students independently, she also served as the College Counselor long-term substitute at Portsmouth High School, Portsmouth, N.H. She is currently an Associate Member of IECA.

Larisa Henderson

Larisa has built her career in high-tech marketing, focusing on communications, events, demand generation, and global program management. She has acquired extensive experience working at startups, mid-sized companies, and large organizations, including positions at Teradyne, Unica, and IBM. Most recently, Larisa transitioned from the corporate sector to serve as the Office Administrator for a local church, where she utilized her leadership, communication, and organizational skills to enhance community engagement and improve operational efficiency. She holds an MBA from Simmons College – Simmons School of Management and a BA in History, graduating cum laude from Regis College. In her free time, Larisa enjoys reading, traveling, and following sports.