About Us

Michelle J. Cassel,

B.A., J.D., M.L.S.

After having guided several families through the college search and application process, Michelle founded College Search Navigators in 2006, based on her assessment of the growing need to provide high school students and their families with professional college placement advice and assistance. Michelle is a Professional Member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA) and attended the IECA Summer Training Institute. Michelle is also a Member of the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), New Jersey Association for College Admission Counseling (NJACAC), New York State Association for College Admission Counseling (NYSACAC), as well as the Higher Education Consultants Association (HECA), and subscribes to HECA standards of good practice. Michelle earned a Certificate in College Counseling with Distinction from UCLA Extension in 2016. Michelle attends national and state association conferences, and regularly participates in regional college counselor campus tours. She has personally toured over 300 college campuses.

Prior to founding CSN, Michelle earned her B.A., Magna Cum Laude, from Marymount University and her law degree from the City University of New York Law School. Michelle also studied Comparative Law and European Union Law in Madrid through the Marshall Wythe School of Law of The College of William and Mary. A public interest law litigator for over ten years, Michelle received the 2004 Legal Services of New Jersey Attorney of the Year Award. While practicing law, Michelle earned her Masters in Library Science and Information Technology from Rutgers University. Michelle is a certified Professional Librarian and is an experienced reference librarian.

Experience stands out.

  • HECA Member

  • IECA Professional Member

  • NACAC Member

  • Certificate in College Counseling with Distinction

  • NYSACAC Member

  • NJACAC Member