Kelley Ching is a college advisor and test prep specialist at MCC. For twenty-five years, Kelley has helped students as a private tutor, college advisor, and educator, helping students with test prep for the ACT, SAT, and PSAT, essay writing, and navigating the college application process. Kelley’s keen eye, grasp of the English language, and passion for college admissions make her an asset to the students she guides and the MCC team. With her classroom experience and passion for teaching, Kelley connects well with students and is committed to helping them achieve their educational goals. Kelley grew up in Los Angeles and moved to the Bay Area, where she graduated from the University of California at Berkeley as a sociology major and education minor.  She then attended Stanford University for graduate school, earning her master’s degree in education and her teaching credential for secondary education. Kelley worked as the Associate Dean of Students at The College Preparatory School in Oakland, California, and taught middle and high school English in public and private schools. Kelley is an associate member of the Independent Educational Consultant’s Association and a member of the Ohio Association for College Admissions Counseling. She and her husband live in Cincinnati, Ohio and have four sons. The oldest is a student at Grinnell College and runs on their cross country and track teams, and the other three attend Mariemont City Schools. 

Ashley Pinnell is a uniquely qualified college advisor. Her independent college advising work is informed by her experience as a high school guidance counselor, an independent high school enrollment manager, and a summer program resident advisor on Harvard, Georgetown, and UC Berkeley campuses. At MCC, we depend on Ashley for her zest for in-depth research on any college-related topic and her talent for picking up new skills, from technical to creative. Originally from Northern California, Ashley earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communication with a minor in sociology from Santa Clara University. 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, Ashley moved to New York City to begin her work in high school admissions, where she developed an institutional perspective while taking the time to understand and care for each prospective student and family deeply. Ashley brings that same care and understanding, combined with her knowledge and years of experience, to each student she guides through the college planning process. Ashley is an associate member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association and a member of the Kentucky Association for College Admissions Counseling. She completed her Certificate in College Counseling with Distinction from UCLA. Ashley resides in Cincinnati with her husband and corgis, Stanley and Lucy.

Jen Starr’s calm and informed approach to college planning is valued by the many families she advises. At MCC, we appreciate Jen’s insight and eye for detail, along with her Zen. She is passionate about connecting with students and helping them attain their personal and academic goals while getting to know each student and where they will thrive. Through years of experience working with high school students as an independent and high school counselor, Jen has developed an in-depth knowledge of the college search and application process. As a former college athlete, Jen understands the complexities of athletic recruiting and guides families and prospective athletes through the process with ease. She values the need for students to balance academics with activities outside of the classroom. Jen earned a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies with a minor in sociology, graduating Magna Cum Laude and earning Academic All-American honors and a four-year letter on the volleyball team. Jen also earned a Master of Education from the University of Cincinnati and became a licensed school counselor. She holds a Certificate in College Counseling with distinction from UCLA, is an associate member of the Independent Educational Consultant’s Association, and is a member of the National Association for College Admission Counseling and the Ohio Association for College Admissions Counseling. Jen lives with her family in Wyoming, Ohio, 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.

Jennifer Moriarty is passionate about helping her clients navigate each step in the college planning process. With her thoughtful, flexible, and organized style, Jennifer knows the admissions process and what colleges look for in prospective students. Jennifer 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 practiced medical/surgical nursing 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.  Jennifer received a Certificate in College Counseling with distinction from UCLA, is an associate member of the Independent Educational Consultant’s Association, and is a member of the Ohio Association for College Admissions Counseling. She is the mother of three children, one who attends Vanderbilt Law School, a soon-to-be first year at the College of Wooster, and a recent graduate of The College of William & Mary Law School. Jennifer lives in Terrace Park, Ohio, with her husband, youngest son, and two Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. 

Jennifer is at capacity for the class of 2025 and will be taking a subsequent sabbatical. We will eagerly await Jen’s return to MCC.