Hi, I’m Caroline van der Poel, the founder of VDP College Counseling. My passion is helping students discover and follow the path the Lord has for them as they take the next step into college. For more than a decade, I’ve worked alongside families and institutions to guide students toward opportunities where they can thrive.

Currently, I serve as Senior Vice President of Partner Success at Clark Higher Ed, where I collaborate with colleges and universities across the country to strengthen student recruitment and success. I began my career in admissions at Gardner-Webb University, giving me an insider’s perspective on how colleges make decisions.

I also bring a strong academic foundation to my work. I hold a Master of Business Administration degree as well as a Master Plus Certificate in Marketing. My research has focused on Generation Z, regression analysis trends within the college decision-making process, and the macro- and micro-level environmental factors that shape enrollment.

My goal is to make the college search process less overwhelming and more purposeful by helping students feel both confident and excited about their future.

When I’m not working with students, you can usually find me cheering from the stands with my husband as we work our way through all the MLB ballparks, enjoying the beach, spending time with family and friends, or tossing the ball with our Lab/Husky mix, Tessie.