About Us

the college plus Team

Tina Forbush

Tina Forbush has over two decades of college counseling experience, both in the United States and internationally. Most recently, she worked at Singapore American School (SAS), where she managed a team of eight college counselors as the Director of College Counseling from 2017-2023. While at SAS, Tina played an active role in the professional community, both on the organizing committee of the Global University Counselor Connect conference and as a member of the Advocacy & Outreach Committee of the International Association of College Admission Counselors (International ACAC). She has worked with supporting students’ application journeys all around the world.

Prior to moving to Singapore, Tina was the Co-Director of College Counseling and a member of the History Department of the Park School of Baltimore. She spent multiple years serving as the chair of the Association of Independent Maryland & DC Schools college counselors organization. Her diverse career path also includes significant legal and teaching experience: she has been a history teacher at the Punahou School in Honolulu, Hawai’i, worked for multiple law firms, clerked for the State Supreme Court of Hawai’i, earned her mediation certification, and coached a state-championship winning Mock Trial team. Tina holds a Juris Doctorate from Yale Law School and a Bachelor’s degree in History from Yale College.

With over 25 years of experience in education, Tina remains deeply committed to supporting students, families, and schools. Her passion for helping students navigate their academic and personal journeys has shaped her approach as a college counselor, and she continues to make a lasting impact in the lives of those she works with.

Malissa Takacs

Malissa Takacs is an international college counselor who has worked in the field of college admissions and counseling for two decades, most recently at schools in Switzerland and Singapore. She serves as a Senior Application Reviewer for the Office of Admissions at Northeastern University, in which capacity she evaluates 1500 applications annually. Previously, Malissa served as Director of College Counseling at a college preparatory boarding school, as a university admissions officer, and as a school-based therapist.

Malissa holds a Master of Education from the University of Virginia, a Master of Social Work from Case Western Reserve University (focusing on children, youth, and families), and a Certificate of College Counseling from the University of California at Los Angeles. Malissa was awarded the National Association of College Admission Counselors (NACAC) Rising Star Award (2022) in recognition of her work to create and implement a formal mentorship program that spans the globe. She also earned the International Association for College Admission Counseling’s Member of the Year Award in 2024.

Malissa is deeply committed to helping students realize their full potential. She mentors them through a process of self-discovery to promote the version of themselves that feels most authentic. Her goal is to be available to students and parents in a way that ensures the least amount of stress and the most amount of excitement about future opportunities.

Andrea Hendrickson

 

Andrea Hendrickson is a college counseling and college admissions professional with nearly two decades of experience. Prior to becoming an independent counselor in 2022, Andrea was a college counselor in an international school, a director of admissions at a PK-12 school, an admissions professional at three universities, and a seasonal undergraduate application reader for two additional institutions. Andrea has advised students on college admissions domestically and globally and has both organized and presented at national and international conferences.

 

Ever since her work as a college tour guide, Andrea has been dedicated to helping students find the place that will best help them grow and learn. She is passionate about students’ self-knowledge and exploration, the essay-writing process, and understanding college admissions from all perspectives. 

 

Andrea holds a BA in English Literature and Philosophy from Lawrence University, an MFA in Creative Writing from Carlow University, and is currently pursing an MEd in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Oregon State University-Cascades.

 

 

Marsha Ohsima

Marsha photo

Marsha is an experienced university counselor with over twelve years working at international schools in Switzerland, guiding students through the application process across multiple countries. She is committed to helping students take ownership of their university journeys while supporting them and their families through what may feel like a complex process. Her approach focuses on each student’s specific academic and personal goals.

Prior to her work as a college counselor, Marsha managed international exchange and scholarship programs, including the U.S. Department of State Fulbright Teacher Exchange Program at the Institute of International Education (IIE) in Washington, D.C., giving her a deep understanding of global educational systems. A leader in the international admissions community, Marsha serves as the Vice President for Professional Development for the International Association of College Admission Counselors (International ACAC) and as a member of the Times Higher Education (THE) International Schools Advisory Board. In recognition for her work with students and contributions to the counseling community, she received THE’s 2026 Global Counselor of the Year award. 

Marsha holds a Bachelor of Public Communication from The American University and a Master of Asian Studies from Cornell University. She has lived and worked in the U.S., Switzerland, and Japan.

Zoë Williams

Zoë Williams is a dedicated international college counselor with over 25 years of experience in education in London, Dubai, and Singapore. She is currently the head of a college counseling department at an international school in Singapore. She contributes her expertise as a Southeast Asia Regional Advisor for the University of St Andrews, is a member of the Mentor Year Program Committee for the International Association of College Admission Counselors, and has played a pivotal role in supporting counselor scholarships for the Global University Counselor Connect conference.

Before transitioning to college counseling, Zoë was a history teacher and Head of Humanities at a school in London. She holds a BA (Hons) in History and Drama from the University of Surrey, a Postgraduate Certificate in Education from Kingston University, and a Certificate in College Counseling from the University of California at Los Angeles. Most recently, she completed a certificate in Neurodiversity Coaching from Beacon College in Florida.

Zoë has a wealth of experience advising students on college admissions around the world. She understands the importance of education, is passionate about empowering students to find great fit universities by exploring their interests and passions, and is dedicated to helping each student navigate their unique path with confidence and enthusiasm.

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