Meet your advisor
- FROM THE DESK OF ALLIE PIERSON -
Dear Students,
This adventure isn’t just about getting into college, it’s about finding the most YOU college there could be. Whether that’s landing among the Ivies, or on Broadway. D1 athletics, or super awesome scholarship for your niche major at a tiny liberal arts school in Maine — whatever makes you shine. Whatever makes you, YOU! That’s your superpower and this is your journey.
I promise to guide you, support you, and cheer you on, wherever your arrow points. The Magnolia Method focuses on understanding your needs and celebrating your unique gifts. Together, we will create your personalized roadmap to success. Your application process will be curated to perfectly reflect who you are and what you aim to achieve, AND we’ll have a ton of fun doing it!
- Allie
Academic Advisor and Magnolia Founder, Allie Pierson, has been guiding students to discover their dreams and follow their arrow for over twenty years. During this time, her role has extended beyond private, public, and independent schools. She has served as a leader through numerous professional organizations, presented her knowledge on a national scale, and trained other educational consultants. But the role that has shaped The Magnolia Method most is being a mother.
Morgan Elmslie, Senior Essay Specialist & Assistant College Consultant
Morgan helps students find their voice and tell their story with confidence. A Tulane University graduate with a B.S. in Psychology and a double major in Sociology, she brings a deep understanding of human behavior to her work. She got her start in essay editing when friends on her school newspaper asked her to review their college essays, and her to-do list has been growing since! She loves prompts that are unconventional, creative, or slightly weird, and her favorite essays showcase a student's authentic voice. Morgan's background spans mentorship, teaching, and leadership, from directing Montessori summer programs to guiding Tulane first-year students and leading initiatives with YPO Louisiana. As part of The Magnolia Method, she partners closely with families to ensure every student feels supported, understood, and empowered throughout the college journey.
Aimee Stricklin, Career Readiness Specialist
A New Orleans native, Aimee spent several years in California, where she graduated from the University of California, San Diego, and earned her master’s degree in education. After returning home to New Orleans, she spent years in the classroom, including teaching at Benjamin Franklin High School. She later transitioned into educational publishing, where she contributed to textbook writing and editing, with a strong focus on standards alignment. Most recently, Aimee worked closely with Allie as an assistant, supporting students and families while also contributing behind the scenes through administrative work and research at Magnolia Academic Planning.
Aimee brings a unique blend of classroom experience, curriculum expertise, and student-centered support to her role. She is excited to begin this new chapter, working more directly with students to help them prepare for their futures. She lives in New Orleans with her husband and their two sons. Her oldest, Atticus, is a junior studying mechanical engineering at UC Santa Barbara, and her younger son is a rising senior at The Willow School and an aspiring filmmaker.
Fun fact:
Aimee and Allie have been friends for nearly 40 years — yes, really!
Summer of ‘92, Here is Aimee helping Allie move into her first college apartment!
Erin Engelhardt, College Tour Specialist
Erin Engelhardt is the founder of Abeona Travel, a boutique agency specializing in custom travel, including personalized college tour planning for families. With over a decade of experience designing complex itineraries and firsthand travel across multiple continents, Erin brings a calm, detail-driven approach to every journey she plans. A mom herself, she has planned her own child's college tours, giving her firsthand insight into what families need during this busy and emotional season. For college-bound families, she manages all logistics, from strategic routing and hotel stays to campus tours and transportation, so parents and students can focus on the visits themselves. Erin partners with Magnolia Academic Planning to remove the stress from college travel and create smooth, well-organized trips that support confident decision-making.
CeCe Lampa, Musical Theatre Program Specialist
CeCe Lampa is a performer, choreographer, and teacher hailing from Elmhurst, IL. She graduated from Emerson College with a BFA in Musical Theatre and a minor in dance, which she now uses to perform regionally around the area and teach throughout the Chicagoland area. Recent credits include choreographer and dance captain at the Skokie Theatre, swinging at Chicago Children’s Theatre, and performing at her alma mater. They are very grateful to be on the Magnolia Team and excited to help cultivate the new generation of musical theatre performers.
READY TO FOLLOW YOUR ARROW TO YOUR DREAM SCHOOL?
