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 a wealth of experience and a deep passion for the game. He spent nine years at Boston University as Associate Head Coach and Offensive Coordinator for the men’s lacrosse program, helping build it into a perennial top-20 team. During his time there, BU captured two regular season titles and a conference championship in 2022. Prior to that, he spent three years coaching lacrosse at his alma mater, Ithaca College, where they won two conference championships in three years.
Mike started his coaching career at Williams College where he coached both football and lacrosse. A graduate of Ithaca College, Mike played lacrosse at the collegiate level and attended the Williston Northampton School, where he competed in football, basketball, and lacrosse. He is the son of NEPSAC Hall of Fame football coach Mike Silipo, whose influence helped spark Mike’s own passion for coaching. He and his wife, Jessica—who grew up in Winchester and now works in residential real estate—currently reside there. In addition to serving as St. Sebastians Head Coach of the varsity lacrosse team, Mike contributes to the Athletics Department, College Counseling Office, and Admissions.