The Experts
Perhaps you’ve heard her warm, assured voice on WCCO radio or seen her appear on KARE TV? Or maybe, you’ve read her words of wisdom in Consumer Digest Report? Sue Luse founded College Expert to guide students, and their sometimes-frazzled parents, through the nuances of the college admissions process. A Certified Educational Consultant, Sue is a bit of a trailblazer. For years, she served the Twin Cities’ south metro community as a high school guidance counselor. Read more about Sue.
Ryan Luse is an Independent Educational Consultant and co-owner of College Expert in Minnesota. Ryan attained his undergraduate degree at Emerson College in Boston and received his certificate in college counseling through UCLA and trained through IECA’s Summer Institute at Swarthmore. He has a background in education, performing arts, writing and technology. His own college experience was a profound time in his life that has resonated with him to this day to find the right fit for his students. Read more about Ryan.
Michelle has been on the College Expert team since 2016, first as an essay expert, and more recently, as an education consultant.
Michelle earned her B.A. from St. Olaf College in Sociology/Anthropology and M.A. in Education Psychology from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. During Michelle’s career, her work has centered on supporting students to achieve their goals. Previously, Michelle was an AmeriCorps fellow through a non-profit, College Possible, and has worked in financial aid and career services at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. Currently, Michelle works for the College of Science and Engineering (CSE) at the University of Minnesota.
At College Expert, Michelle delights in helping students craft their life stories into applications and writing pieces that reflect students’ unique selves. She believes that the college search and application process can be enlightening for students to reflect on their values and goals as they prepare to take off on life’s next chapter.
Katie has spent her professional career supporting students as they dream big about their futures. After earning her B.A. from St. Olaf College in English and Media Studies, she entered the college admissions field as an AmeriCorps fellow with College Possible, a local nonprofit. It was there that Katie learned the ins and outs of college advising as she guided local high school students through the college application and enrollment process. She is currently a Career and College Center Coordinator at South High School in Minneapolis.
In addition to college advising, Katie has taught ACT classes through the Princeton Review and has sat on local and national scholarship committees; however, her main passion is working with students one on one to concoct their dream plan. Every person’s college journey is unique, and so is their planning process. Katie loves getting to know young people, talking with them about what they want their life to look like, and helping them put together a plan to get there.
Aleece Helland comes to College Expert with 10+ years of experience in admissions and higher education. She is currently the Associate Director of Admissions at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota. Prior to that role, she worked for two years in the admissions office at the University of St. Thomas, most recently as the Enrollment Services Communications Manager. Previously she served for five years as Assistant Dean of Admissions at St. Olaf College.
Aleece earned her M.A. in higher education from the University of Denver and her B.A. in English from St. Olaf College. Although she grew up in the Chicago suburbs, she is happy to call Minneapolis home.
