Shelly, brings a distinctive blend of professional expertise and personal experience to the world of private and boarding school admissions. With a successful career in finance and accounting, Shelly understands the importance of strategic decision-making, especially when it comes to investing in a child’s education. As a parent who has personally navigated the independent school admissions journey, Shelly founded Nova Unitas to support families through a process that can often feel overwhelming and opaque. Her insight comes not only from the parent perspective but also from active involvement in school communities, volunteering on PTA boards and leading school initiatives focused on engagement, equity, and student success. Shelly’s mission is simple: to guide families with empathy, integrity, and personalized support, helping each student find the school that best fits their strengths, aspirations, and needs. Under her leadership, Nova Unitas has become a trusted partner for families seeking clarity, confidence, and meaningful results throughout the admissions process.

My personal and professional journey uniquely equips me to guide your daughters and sons into, through, and beyond the prep school experience, toward both academic achievement and personal growth. I am a proud graduate of The Stony Brook School on Long Island, was accepted to Cornell University, chose Trinity College in Connecticut for my undergraduate studies, and earned a Master’s degree from Howard University. Over the years, I’ve taught history, political ideologies, and world religions, across advanced, standard, and ESL levels, to both domestic and international students at respected institutions such as The Taft School, Milton Academy, The Key School (Annapolis, MD), and Western Reserve Academy, as well as through private tutoring agencies. This fall, I will be teaching humanities at the Maine School of Science and Mathematics, with a focus on Greek philosophy and American and Roman histories. As a former boarding school student and dorm parent, academic advisor to students from diverse backgrounds, and an admissions counselor with a focus on Asia, I understand the full arc of the prep school experience, both academically and culturally. My frequent visits to China to spend time with my grandparents, siblings, and lifelong friends have reinforced the importance of guanxi - relationships, which I extend to every family I support. I bring both experience and empathy to this work and will form a meaningful partnership with your family, drawing on my lived experiences to support your child's success, academically, socially, and personally.

As the son of immigrant parents, I know firsthand how transformative the right educational environment can be. From my formative years at The Stony Brook School to Trinity College and beyond, I’ve experienced the value of character, mentorship, and community, qualities that shape how I guide families through the admissions journey. With over a decade of experience as a Physician Assistant and a background in healthcare leadership, I have honed the ability to listen deeply, assess complex situations, and help people make thoughtful, informed decisions. My MBA in Healthcare Administration and Data Analytics complements this work, equipping me to approach enrollment strategy with both empathy and precision. Beyond my professional achievements, I am passionate about teaching, coaching, and mentorship. As an avid soccer player, referee, and league manager, I’ve spent years building teams, fostering discipline, and helping athletes develop their potential on and off the field. These experiences give me unique insight into supporting student-athletes and families navigating competitive environments. At Nova Unitas, I am committed to partnering with families to identify schools where their children will not only thrive academically but also grow into confident, well-rounded individuals prepared to lead in an ever-changing world.

As a proud U.S. Navy veteran, I’ve lived the challenges that come with military life, frequent relocations, long deployments, and the uncertainty that makes planning for your child’s education feel overwhelming. For eight years, I served as an Operations Specialist, managing high-pressure, 24/7 environments that required leadership, adaptability, and precise execution. That experience shaped not only my professional mindset but also my personal mission. At Nova Unitas, I lead operations with a deep understanding of what military, national and globally mobile families go through, because I’ve been there. I know the stress of finding the right school while managing PCS orders or overseas transitions. That’s why I’m committed to building secure, efficient, and flexible systems that give families like ours peace of mind and a clear path forward. I hold a Bachelor’s in Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics and am currently pursuing my Master’s in Cybersecurity. I’m passionate about continuous learning and using my experience to ensure every student has access to the best-fit education, no matter where life takes their family. At Nova Unitas, my goal is simple: to help you secure the best possible future for your child, just like I did for mine.

Having been part of the independent school system since kindergarten, so I understand firsthand the challenges and opportunities students face, both inside and outside the classroom. Having navigated the admissions process myself, I know how overwhelming it can feel to prepare for interviews and communicate your story with confidence. That’s why I partner closely with students to help them feel calm, clear, and ready to express who they are in a way that feels authentic and strong. I’m passionate about being a resource and guide for students as they take this next step, and I believe that with the right preparation, every student can shine.