Holly views her role as an expert guide on the college journey. She has worked with high school students in their post high school journey since 2010, both in Michigan and virtually across the country. Holly has worked in two high schools (Mercy High School and U of D Jesuit) and three universities (Butler University, Ball State University and Marian University).

Holly earned a MS in School Counseling from Capella University, a post-graduate certificate in Mental Health Counseling from Capella University, an MSEd in Higher Education Student Affairs Administration from Indiana University and a BS in Biology with a Chemistry minor from Alma College. Holly also earned a Michigan College Access Network (MCAN) Certification in College Counseling.

Holly founded Bennetts Consulting, LLC in 2019. Her goal as an independent college advisor is to help students build on their strengths and goals, discern their fit (academic, social, financial) and explore colleges to create a list that aligns with the student and their family. Her mantra is, “This college stuff should fit into your life, we don’t try to fit your life into the college stuff.” Taking advantage of the opportunities in high school is the best preparation for the college journey.

As a life-long learner, Holly is active within the Michigan Association for College Admission Counseling where she has served as delegate to the National Association for College Admission Counseling and is a past-president. In 2024, MACAC awarded Holly their highest honor, the Gramenz Award for "for outstanding service to students, counseling, our profession, and the association." Nationally, she has served as the Affiliate Presidents Council Coordinator and served a one-year term on the National Association for College Admission Counseling Board. She has also served on the NACAC Governance and Nominating Committee and the Ad-Hoc Committee: Reimagining the NACAC and Affiliate Partnership.Holly is also a member of the American School Counselor Association and the Michigan School Counselor Association. Holly was the 2019 Joyce Ivy Foundation Counselor of the Year. 

Holly has worked with artists, actors and athletes. She has produced over a dozen high school musicals. Additionally, Holly understands the complexities of a student wishing to play college hockey. 

Holly loves learning about colleges and participates in numerous virtual and in-person college programs yearly. She brings the same enthusiasm in her own college exploration to the work with her students. Holly is patient, knowledgeable and actively works to keep the process student-centered. 

Read Holly's work on behalf of the NACAC Journal of College Admissions here.