The Midwest College Consulting Team

Dana Rolander

The founder of Midwest College Consulting is Dana Rolander. Dana attended the University of Iowa, receiving her BA in Journalism & Mass Communication with minors in Sociology and English with an emphasis in creative and expository writing through the renowned Iowa Writers’ Workshop. She went on to pursue freelance writing and a long-standing marketing career in the financial services and education industries. She received a Certificate in College Counseling with Distinction from UCLA, is a professional member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association and a member of the Higher Education Consultants Association, the National Association for College Admission Counseling, the Ohio Association for College Admission Counseling and the Wisconsin Association for College Admission Counseling. Dana is a Certified Educational Planner and vigorously pursues professional development opportunities through conferences, workshops, seminars and webinars, and visits between 20-25 colleges each year. She is a former member of the Board of Trustees for the Mariemont School Foundation, the Mariemont Athletic Boosters and the Lake Geneva Yacht Club, and resides as a new empty nester in Terrace Park, Ohio and Fontana, Wisconsin with her husband John and dog Hobbes.

Jennifer Moriarty

Jennifer Moriarty grew up in the San Francisco area and graduated from Georgetown University with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. At Georgetown Jennifer received the Dean’s Award at graduation for her outstanding leadership and service to the school and remains active in the Georgetown alumni network. She conducted prospective student interviews for six years on behalf of her alma mater. Jennifer is a licensed nurse and practiced for several years. While raising her family, Jennifer served as president of the Association of Volunteers at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital and on the board of the Convalescent Hospital for Children. With her thoughtful, flexible and organized style, Jennifer knows the admissions process and understands what colleges are looking for in prospective students. She is passionate about helping her clients navigate through each step in the process. Jennifer received a Certificate in College Counseling with Distinction from UCLA, is an associate member of the Independent Educational Consultant’s Association and a member of the Ohio Association for College Admissions Counseling. She is the mother of three children who currently attend The College of William & Mary Law School, Vanderbilt Law School and Mariemont High School. Jennifer lives in Terrace Park, Ohio with her husband, youngest son and two Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.

Jennifer Obert

Born and raised in Cincinnati, Jen Obert attended Kent State University as a recruited volleyball player and earned a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies with a minor in Sociology. Jen graduated Magna Cum Laude and earned Academic All-American honors as well as a four-year letter on the volleyball team. Jen continued her education at the University of Cincinnati where she received a Master of Education and became a licensed school counselor. Through her thirteen years of experience working with high school students, Jen developed an in-depth knowledge of the college search and application process. As a former athlete, Jen understands the complexities of athletic recruiting and guides families and prospective athletes through the process with ease. She is passionate about connecting with students and helping them attain their personal and academic goals. Jen received a Certificate in College Counseling with Distinction from UCLA, is an associate member of the Independent Educational Consultant’s Association, and a member of the National Association for College Admission Counseling and Ohio Association for College Admissions Counseling. She lives in Wyoming, OH with her family and enjoys outdoor activities including walking, running, and hiking. On most weekends you can find her at the baseball park watching her son play, or in the theater watching her daughter perform on stage.

Ashley Pinnell

Originally from Northern California, Ashley Pinnell attended Santa Clara University and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communication with a minor in Sociology. She graduated Magna Cum Laude and went on to receive her Master of Arts in teaching with a credential in secondary Social Studies education. After several years in the classroom she moved to New York City and began her work in high school admissions. Through her five years of experience working as an independent high school enrollment director, Ashley developed an institutional perspective while taking the time to deeply understand and care for each prospective student and family. She has worked in public, charter, and independent high school settings as well as served as an academic and resident advisor at summer programs on the campuses of Harvard, Georgetown, and UC Berkeley. Ashley is pursuing a Certificate in College Counseling from UCLA and is a student member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association. She lives in Cincinnati, OH with her husband, and corgi Stanley.