Meet The Team
Arun Ponnusamy
Arun has spoken truths and busted myths about applying to college for nearly three decades. With admissions experience at three highly selective universities—UCLA, Caltech, and the University of Chicago (his alma mater)—he has guided hundreds of students on their unique paths to higher education. His approach emphasizes self-reflection, storytelling, and strategic planning. Arun is the founder of Fat Mango Education and the former Chief Academic Officer of Collegewise and host of "Get Wise: College Admissions Explained," a podcast aimed at helping families understand the college journey.
He is a frequent media contributor, providing insight to outlets like USA Today, NPR, The Washington Post, and The Chronicle of Higher Education, and has appeared on local and national television.
Thousands of students, parents, and educators have heard him speak at high schools, conferences, and community events worldwide. Arun’s enthusiasm for life includes a fervent belief that there is no such thing as bad pizza, a love for all things space, Ohio State football, and invigorating multi-day hikes to the top of tall mountains.
Chelsea Harder
Chelsea brings a deep background in student development, mentorship, and university partnerships to her college counseling work. With years of experience as an Executive Director at UCLA, she has guided students through academic, career, and personal growth—helping them define success on their own terms.
At leading edtech organizations, Chelsea built innovative programs that connected students to meaningful learning opportunities. Families value her approachable, “meet students where they are” style, which empowers students to navigate the college admissions process with confidence and clarity.
Chelsea leads a team of 10 conselors at Headed for College and regularly speaks at high schools, to parent groups, and leads training sessions for college counselors. Chelsea holds a B.A. in Sociology from UC San Diego, an M.Ed. in Higher Education Administration from the University of Southern California, and Management Certificate from UCLA Anderson.
When she’s not working with students, Chelsea can be found soaking up the Southern California sunshine, traveling with her family, and exploring new food & wine destinations.
Michael Silipo
Coach Mike Silipo brings extensive collegiate coaching experience and a passion for developing student-athletes. He spent nine years at Boston University as Associate Head Coach, Recruiting Coordinator, and Offensive Coordinator, helping elevate the program into a perennial top-20 team while capturing two regular-season titles and the 2022 conference championship.
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Prior to BU, Mike spent three seasons at his alma mater, Ithaca College, contributing to two conference championships. He began his coaching career at Williams College, spending his three years with both the football and lacrosse programs.
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A graduate of Ithaca College and the Williston Northampton School, Mike was a three-sport captain in high school and captained his collegiate lacrosse team. He is the son of NEPSAC Hall of Fame football coach Mike Silipo, whose mentorship helped shape his passion for coaching.
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Mike serves as Head Coach of varsity lacrosse at St. Sebastian’s and contributes to the Athletics Department and College Counseling Office. He and his wife, Jessica, and their son, Sonny, live in Winchester, MA, where Jessica works in residential real estate.