about alicia

Alicia Kelly is an educational professional with 7+ years of experience in the fields of school counseling and college advising. Prior to her position as Assistant Director of College Counseling, Alicia has focused her entire career advising high school students and returning adults with postsecondary endeavors and processes.

Experience & Education

Alicia graduated from the University of Colorado-Boulder with a B.S. in Psychology, and a minor in Education. Additionally, she holds two Master’s degrees: one in Curriculum and Instruction and one in School Counseling, with a professional license in School Counseling issued from the state of Utah. Alicia has spent her most recent years of her career as a school counselor at the public level and later as a college counselor at an independent, liberal arts institution. She currently serves on the University of Utah Admissions Advisory Board, and has presented regionally and nationally on high school to college transitions. Alicia was spotlighted by Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions for AAPI Heritage Month, and in their school magazine in an article entitled, “Counseling Alumni Making a Positive Impact in the World.”

philosophy & values

Alicia’s love for social impact, fostering supportive student relationships, social emotional wellness, and postsecondary transition has been the focus of her career. In everything she does, Alicia understands the importance of the development and leadership of the student throughout the college application process. If your main goal is to gain an advantage to the admission of an elite institution for the prestige and branding of the name of the school, Alicia has a comprehensive network of colleagues for reference. Because, for Alicia, finding the right postsecondary fit is essential, extending outside of the name of the institution. There are no guaranteed outcomes in this process, but success in the college journey can start with building relationships and a personalized approach throughout every step.

professional memberships

  • National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC)

  • Rocky Mountain Association for College Admission Counseling (RMACAC)

presentations

  • Rocky Mountain Association for College Admission Counseling Annual Conference

    • “Advocating Through Context: Making School Materials Work for Students” (2026)

    • “The First-Gen Experience: The Importance of Inclusion and Belonging on Retention and Student Well-Being” (2023)

  • Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions Workshop Facilitator

    • “Becoming an Inclusive Counselor” (2022)

  • Weber State University - Expect The Great Conference

    • “Navigating High School and Advocating for Yourself” (2020)

outside interests

When she isn’t diving into academia or keeping up with new college admission updates, Alicia loves reading various genres of novels, attempting to make her favorite Filipino recipes (though they never taste as good as her mom’s), watching reality TV, playing cozy video games, and attending her spin and boxing gym. She can also be found in the stands of her local high school for Friday Night Lights in the fall, cheering on her partner’s team while he coaches on the sidelines.