Admission Counselors

Our admission counselors are here to guide you through the application process and to answer any questions you may have. We also travel across the country and the world to visit schools, attend college fairs and meet prospective students. Feel free to email us with any questions you have about Bentley!

Jennifer Bethke
Territories: DE, FL (Tampa), MD, NJ (Middlesex, Princeton and Bergen Counties)

Contact: jbethke@bentley.edu

jenn bethkeWhile I was born in New Jersey and am a Jersey girl at heart, Bentley has been my home for the last nine years — as both an undergraduate and graduate student, as well as a member of the Undergraduate Admission team. It gives me so much joy and pride to work for the school that gave me such a rewarding education.

When I have a free minute, I enjoy reading, exercising, taking a trip to the beach and spending time with my family and friends. Boston is a great city to spend time people watching, shopping, and trying new restaurants — I recommend a trip to Downtown Crossing or Copley Square.

Having a younger brother who recently completed the college application process — as well as a sister on her way to doing the same — I know how stressful this time can be. The most important advice I've shared with them is to get out there and visit college campuses. It's the best way to learn if you can see yourself as a member of that community!

Maggie Brogan
Territories: MA (Western area), NJ (Union, Essex, Passaic, Hudson, Morris, Sussex, Warren and Hunterdon Counties), NY (Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse)

Contact: mbrogan@bentley.edu

maggie broganWhile I'm originally from Syracuse, I have come to call both Boston and Bentley my home. I completed my undergraduate career at Bentley, earning my degree in marketing and a minor in international studies. Being part of the Undergraduate Admission Office has been a wonderful experience, as it has allowed me to share my love of the university with prospective students and their families.

In my spare time, you can find me traveling the world, scrapbooking my adventures, and trying out new restaurants here in Waltham (if you have adventurous taste, you can't go wrong with a trip down Moody Street, which has everything from Mexican to barbeque to Thai). My biggest advice for students trying to find that right college fit is to visit as many different schools as possible. You may never know how much Bentley can feel like home until you get to campus.

Valerie Como
Transfer Counselor

Contact: vcomo@bentley.edu

I grew up in Rhode Island, and love living in New England.  There is so much to do in this area, and each season offers new opportunities for fun.  I also enjoy reading nonfiction, working out, and making my own cards. 

As a proud Bentley alumna, it is exciting to see how the university continues to evolve and set the standard for business education.  I work primarily with students who are looking to transfer to Bentley, and appreciate learning more about them and their previous collegiate experience.  During the application process, I encourage students to visit campus to obtain a better understanding of the school and its potential fit for you.

Suzanne Cuccurullo
Territories: IL (Chicago)

Contact: scuccurullo@bentley.edu

suzanne cuccurulloI was born in St. Louis, but grew up in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, home of the Little League World Series. It's a good thing I like to travel, because I have lived all over the United States, including California, Louisiana, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Ohio, upstate New York and New York City. In 2009, I made a career change and decided to use my marketing skills to help students through the admission process at Bentley University. This is the best job I have ever had.

Prior to joining Bentley, I founded my own marketing consulting firm and worked in marketing positions for companies like Fidelity Investments and New England Financial, a subsidiary of MetLife and CitiBank.

As a mother of teenagers, I know the college search process can be stressful, but I hope we can make it an incredible adventure.

Jennifer Ehalt
Territories: MA (Cape Cod & the Islands), NH (Merrimack Valley), Puerto Rico, PA (Pittsburgh)

Contact: jehalt@bentley.edu

I was born in Baltimore and moved to Highland Mills, New York before entering college. While attending Bentley — I majored in management and minored in marketing — I fell in love with the Boston area, and it's been my home ever since!

In my spare time, you can find me reading, exploring Boston's museums, and enjoying almost any outdoor activity. The best advice I have for students going through the college search process is to make sure you clearly describe your activities and interests. Don't be afraid to write a resume, as the space provided on the Common Application isn't always enough.

Derick Eng
Territories: CT (New London, Windham and New Haven Counties), MA (Boston and Greater Boston Area), VA

Contact: deng@bentley.edu

derick engI grew up in Fairfax, Virginia, a suburb of Washington, D.C., and moved to Rochester, New York, to earn my college degree. After working in the public education and nonprofit sectors, I joined the Bentley undergraduate admission team in 2009. I really enjoy helping young people on their path to success.

In my spare time, I enjoy music — I have been a singer since my senior year of high school and love all genres, especially alternative, classic rock, R&B, and a capella. My best piece of admission advice is to fully leverage your strengths and interests when writing your essay, completing your application, or conducting an interview. If you are genuine and passionate, you will be all the more memorable.

Michelle Finno
Territories: MA (Essex County), NH (Seacoast), FL (Naples, Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, and Miami)

Contact: mfinno@bentley.edu

michelle finnoI grew up just 30 minutes north of Boston, the greatest college town in the country. My favorite part of working in undergraduate admissions is helping students gain access to the same opportunities that Bentley provided me. When I'm not at work, I love to travel, hang out with family and friends, shop for bargains and laugh with my daughter. My best piece of advice for prospective students is to make the most of every experience — they will only happen once.

Emma Ingram
Territories: NY (Long Island), TX (Houston and Dallas)

Contact: eingram@bentley.edu

emma ingramAs a native of Massachusetts and a recent Bentley graduate, the university is my home and I wanted nothing more than to work for my alma mater. After completing my bachelor's degree in marketing and working four years in the Bentley Athletics Office, I decided to shift to undergraduate admissions to help bring students to the university I love and know so well.

Having grown up in the waterfront town of Ipswich, I enjoy going to the beach and spending time on the boat in the summer. I also enjoy exercising, exploring Boston, and spending time with my family and friends. Because I went through the college search process not long ago, I understand how stressful visiting schools and choosing a college can be. As an admission counselor, I — along with all of the other staff at Bentley — want to help you get through the process. My best advice is to be honest with yourself about where you would truly be happy and would be a good fit for you. So get out there and explore!

Rosemary Kelly
Transfer Counselor

Contact: rkelly@bentley.edu

I’m a city girl at heart, living in Boston since I was 8 years old except for a 3 year stint in Beijing, China.  I have to say you’re never at a loss for things to do in the area and Harvard Square is a short hop on our shuttle bus. Or maybe you go there for a connection on the ‘T’ into the city because like today maybe you want to see the Red Sox and Yankees play, go to the North End for amazing Italian food or just hang out.

I work with transfer students and love watching prospective transfers being blown away by all that Bentley has to offer. I ejoy hearing the stories of why your college journey has brought you to Bentley’s door and encourage you to visit, explore our website, and know why Bentley is the best place for you to finish your college degree.

Lauren Lanzillo
Territories: CT (Litchfield Area), NY (Central Hudson Valley, Rockland County, the Bronx, Queens, Manhattan, and Brooklyn), NJ (Monmouth County)

Contact: llanzillo@bentley.edu

Born, raised and educated in Massachusetts, I grew up just a town away from Bentley University’s location in Waltham. I can truly attest to Bentley’s wonderful location, in such close proximity to Boston and all of its splendors.

While I did not attend Bentley, I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and appreciate the merits of a business foundation that is blended with a liberal arts curriculum. I have three younger siblings, one of whom recently graduated from Bentley.

In my free time, you’ll find me spending time with family and friends, reading, shopping, and when New England weather allows for it, hitting the beach!

I am really looking forward to getting to know you as a prospective college student and having the privilege of helping you through your college admissions experience.

Yen Nguyen
Territories: CT (Hartford Area), MA (South Shore and Worcester County)

Contact: ynguyen@bentley.edu

I graduated from Bentley in 2006 with a major in Management and a minor in Marketing, and I’m excited to be back on campus! I really enjoyed studying at Bentley because the university provided me with a fun environment while at the same time seriously preparing me for the real world. I love meeting and providing guidance to prospective students.

I enjoy spending time with my family and friends and traveling to sunny places. I love the beach; however, I’ve learned to embrace the winter season with snowboarding.

Kristin Nichols
Territories: California (Los Angeles), Washington, D.C.; GA; MA (Middlesex County)

Contact: knichols@bentley.edu

kristin lamontagneAside from three years living in Washington, D.C., I have lived in New England most of my life. I have worked in college admissions for eight years, and enjoy meeting prospective students and their families during such an important time in their lives.

When I am not working at Bentley, I enjoy heading up to Ogunquit, Maine, with my family; taking my west highland terrier Maisie, a registered therapy dog, to her job; practicing yoga; and cooking.

Bentley's Waltham location has so much to offer students. It's a gorgeous, traditional college campus — and Boston is so close by! You must check out Fenway Park, the Boston Public Garden, and the penguins at the New England Aquarium. My advice to all prospective students is to visit as many schools as possible and introduce yourself to your admission counselor at each one. Don't be afraid to ask us questions!

Megan Sireci
Territories: California (San Francisco and San Diego Areas), Southern ME, PA (Philadelphia and Greater Philadelphia, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery Counties), RI

Contact: msireci@bentley.edu

megan laniganI started working in the Office of Undergraduate Admission at Bentley in fall 2008. As a former Bentley student, I have truly enjoyed working at my alma mater. After graduating in 2006, I moved to New York City and worked at CNN in advertising sales. While I enjoyed the Big Apple, I decided to move back to my beloved Beantown and have been at Bentley ever since!

My favorite part of the admission process is meeting prospective students. There is nothing more gratifying than interacting with a student who is excited about the possibility of becoming a Bentley Falcon. When not on campus, I enjoy traveling around the country, spending time with family and friends, reading, and golfing.

Justin Smith
Territories:CT (Fairfield County), MA (Fitchburg and North Worcester Counties), NY (Albany and Westchester County)

Contact: jsmith3@bentley.edu

I grew up in Wethersfield, Connecticut, which is just outside of Hartford. I attended college in Worcester, Massachusetts; after graduating with a degree in Business in 2003, I moved to Boston. After a year working for a large corporation, I joined the admissions department at my alma mater. I quickly fell in love with the field. I was the first person in my family to go to college, so helping to make that dream a reality for others is a great passion of mine. My advice to you is to be prepared and be yourself. The college search process is all about finding the right fit. Be sure to visit as many schools as you can and try to picture yourself as a student there.

Last year, my wife and I built a home in a small town outside of Boston. We are within walking distance of the commuter rail and head into Boston quite a bit. In my spare time, I love running and volunteering for the Leukemia Lymphoma Society. In 2007, I raised funds for research and ran the Boston Marathon, which was one of the best experiences of my life.

Bentley is an amazing institution offering a world-class education in an environment surrounded by the latest technologies and approaches to being a successful member of the business world. The campuses close accessibility to Boston affords you limitless possibilities for internships and the ease of enjoying one of America’s greatest cities.

Erika Vardaro
Territories: Hawaii

Contact: evardaro@bentley.edu

Having grown up half way between Boston and Cape Cod, I am truly a South Shore gal at heart. I bleed blue and gold as I am a Bentley alumna with a degree in Business Communications- which has changed to be the Information Design and Corporate Communication major. I started out as a volunteer tour guide my freshman year and have been part of the Office of Undergraduate Admission ever since. I knew I wanted to work with people in an advising capacity so I set my sights on the higher education sector upon graduating from Bentley. Thankfully, there was a full-time position available to join the Bentley Admission Team so I applied for it and haven’t looked back!

It has been so rewarding to see Bentley change over the years and participate in its evolution. Bentley is truly unique in higher ed and the experience afforded to students is second to none. This is such an AMAZING place and to be able to share Bentley with so many people is energizing! I welcome every opportunity to educate you about the Bentley experience and determine if this is the right place for you. After all, selecting a university to attend is truly about discovering the best place for you to develop and succeed as a student, citizen and individual. I look forward to working with you during your college search process.

West Coast Regional Representative
Territories: AZ, CA, CO, HI, NV, OR, WA