The College UnMazed Team

Dr. Amanda Sterk

Dr. Amanda Sterk has worked in education for 20 years, as a teacher, school counselor, counselor educator, and higher education administration. In all her roles, she has focused on student programming and curriculum with a focus on increasing communication and information to all stakeholders for college and career readiness. Dr. Sterk is active in community and state programs, such as the Florida Alliance of Dual Enrollment Partnerships, Florida College Access Network, and FutureMakers (Talent Hub). After 20 years in education, she brings her passion for helping students realize their full potential through academic planning and college decision-making. Her responsibilities include content creation, presentation, and collaborator relations.
Dr. Timothy Poynton is a Professor and Counselor Educator committed to improving the transition from high school into young adulthood through his research and teaching. A former school counselor, Dr. Poynton is currently an associate professor in the department of Counseling & School Psychology at the University of Massachusetts Boston. Dr. Poynton has published several research articles and book chapters related to school counseling, career development, and college readiness, and was recognized in 2011 as the Counselor Educator of the Year by the American School Counselor Association. His responsibilities include technology, school-based analysis, and assessment.
Dr. Richard Lapan is a professor, counselor educator, and psychologist committed to transforming the profession of school counseling from an ancillary support service to a comprehensive program central to the academic, personal development, and social justice/ diversity mission of every school. The effectiveness of these efforts was recognized in 2006 when Dr. Lapan won the prestigious Counselor Educator of the Year award from the American School Counselor Association (ASCA). His responsibilities include research, innovation, and curriculum development.

College UnMazed Collaborators

We are excited for Dr. Jessica Ruzicka to join the College UnMazed team of outstanding educational providers passionate about student success.

Dr. Jessica Ruzicka has an earned Ed.D. from Nova Southeastern University in Organizational Leadership and over twenty years of professional experience working in the educational field. She has extensive experience in higher education enrollment management field to include: admissions, recruiting, marketing, advising, community involvement, career counseling, financial aid and alumni relations. Most recently, she has served as the Director of Guidance at a private high school working with students and their families on navigating the college admissions process. Dr. Ruzicka is also a certified independent career consultant and an adjunct professor working with PhD students. She is passionate about educating high school students and their families on all of the options to consider when choosing a major and selecting a college to attend.

THE VISION

Our mission is: To provide comprehensive resources to guide students through the college decision-making process.

College UnMazed is a comprehensive, user-friendly destination for anyone looking for guidance and support in making informed college decisions. Dr. Sterk, Dr. Poynton, and Dr. Lapan have partnered together to bring research informed practices and data driven strategies to help students and families navigate the college-going process. As school counselors, nationally and internationally recognized counselor educators and researchers, and parents, we have developed a school and family-inclusive curriculum to take the stress and misinformation out of navigating the high school to college maze. Written for students, the College UnMazed workbook and curriculum will be an integral part of your college and career programming.

College UnMazed’s mission is twofold: 1) to help students and their families successfully navigate the transition from high school to college, and 2) collaborate with educators to promote the success and satisfaction of students and their families.