About
Alma Mater

Founded in 2012, Alma Mater was created with the purpose of guiding students who aspire to study at the world’s leading universities.

Established by specialists who have personally gone through this experience, the company was built on close mentorship, a global perspective, and a strong commitment to the academic and personal development of each student.

With consultants based in Brazil, the United States, Europe, and South Africa, we have become the standard for personalized educational consulting, combining strategy, ethics, and excellence at every step of the admissions journey.

Our mission

Alma Mater is an educational consultancy specialized in international admissions, connecting students to the world’s best universities and boarding schools through a personalized and results-driven strategy. Our work extends far beyond the application process. We focus on developing each student’s academic profile, strengthening their unique qualities and guiding them toward institutions that best reflect their potential and individuality.

With expertise in admissions processes across the U.S., the U.K., Europe, Canada, and other destinations, we provide comprehensive and continuous guidance, from primary school through undergraduate and postgraduate education. Our commitment is to academic excellence and informed decision-making to achieve meaningful results, while guiding families throughout the entire journey with close support and peace of mind.

Guidance with results

Each client works closely with a dedicated strategic consultant, supported by a team that understands their goals. Together, we build a compelling, authentic narrative.

Ethics and transparency

Garantimos que os clientes se sintam seguros e empoderados para contar suas próprias histórias, sempre dentro de um ambiente de confiança e apoio.

Crescimento Integral

We go beyond academic achievement, supporting the development of soft skills, leadership, empathy, and a globally minded perspective.

Personalized journeys

We work closely together to create pathways that are built around their aspirations and talents, always respecting their individuality.

Meet the team

Alma Mater’s CEO, with degrees in Journalism and Advertising from Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro. She lived in New York City for ten years, where she studied at Parsons School of Design and completed a master’s degree at Fashion Institute of Technology. A certified college consultant through University of California, Los Angeles, she brings over 15 years of experience in college counselling.

Fernanda Mariani

Managing Partner at Alma Mater. British/Brazilian, born in London, completed the IB at the British School of Rio and studied Communications and Arts in the UK. Certified College Consultant by UCLA.

Gabriela Davies

Partner and Director of European Applications at Alma Mater, she brings extensive experience in international admissions. She studied Languages and Psychology at Rhodes University and holds a degree in Translation from the University of South Africa.

Wendy Turner

Partner at Alma Mater, specializing in U.K. and postgraduate admissions. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Literature, a Master's degree in English Literature and a certification in College Advising from Columbia University.

Luiza Provedel

Partner and Financial Director with more than 20 years of experience in financial management, administration, and corporate leadership across multinational organizations.

Simone Rodrigues

Contracted Essay Editor at Alma Mater. British, she holds a degree in Classics from University College London (UCL). Based in Brazil since 2017, she brings over 8 years of experience as an editor and writer.

Elissa Rose

Contracted Consultant at Alma Mater. American, Brazilian, and European, graduated from Vassar College and holds a Master’s in Law and Diplomacy from Tufts University. Former candidate for State Assembly in New York.

Raphael Mariani

Contracted Consultant at Alma Mater. Brazilian/Canadian, completed the IB at Graded - The American School of São Paulo and studied Psychology and Sociology at McGill University. Experience in international academic research.

Maria Moretzsohn

Contracted Consultant at Alma Mater. A psychologist with a Master’s degree in Educational Psychology and Human Development from the University of British Columbia (UBC) and the University of São Paulo (USP), she also works as an English teacher.

Alessandra Ribeiro

Contracted Consultant at Alma Mater. Brazilian, she graduated from Grinnell College. An actress, writer, and arts educator, she trained at the National Theater Institute and The Second City, and is a recipient of the Lin-Manuel Miranda Family Fellowship.

Letícia Monteiro

Contracted Consultant at Alma Mater. Brazilian, she studied Art History and Fine Arts at Parsons School of Design and has worked in art institutions in New York and São Paulo.

Luiza Caramez

Contracted Consultant at Alma Mater. Graduate of the University of London, with experience representing European Commission funding programs and European universities.

Ingrid Le Van

Contracted Consultant at Alma Mater. Luso-Brazilian, studied English/French Literatures and Film at Georgetown University and completed an MBA in Tokyo. Fluent in Portuguese, English, French, and Spanish, she advises students applying to universities across the U.S., Europe, and Asia.

Juliana Souza

Intern at Alma Mater. Brazilian, currently studying Business Administration at Unicarioca and has completed the advanced Master course at Sociedade Brasileira de Cultura Inglesa.

Giulia Benarroz

A New Yorker with a double major in English and Theatre/Performance Studies from Tufts University. She has worked as a writer across fields including theater, media, and fashion, and has been an essay editor at Alma Mater for over 12 years.

Lisa Radano

Tutor with over 20 years of experience in the U.S. and internationally. She holds a degree in Mathematics from Vassar College and began her career at a leading tutoring firm in New York, where she served as a senior tutor for 10 years. Since 2014, she has worked independently, designing personalized academic programs for students from primary school through university.

Kathy Wasik

Contracted Consultant at Alma Mater. Portuguese, born in Mozambique, she holds a degree in History from the University of Lisbon. Advises students pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate studies in Portugal.

Isabel Canelhas

Graduated summa cum laude from Syracuse University. For over two decades, he has helped students worldwide master academic contents, achieve strong exam results, and gain admission to top institutions.

David Bogdan

Began tutoring while at Yale and brings over 15 years of experience supporting students across standardized testing and advanced academic subjects. Has helped students gain admission to leading universities through a thoughtful combination of academic rigor, empathy, humor, and encouragement.

Chase Ebert

Graduate of the University of Toronto with extensive experience in test preparation and academic support across disciplines, particularly in mathematics. Known for a patient, open approach that fosters confidence, critical thinking, and intellectual independence.

Ben Reed

Tutor with over 10 years of experience working with students in the U.S. and internationally. Holds a Master’s in Political Science from Columbia University and has taught at both the high school and university levels. Specializes in creating personalized study plans for standardized exams and quantitative subjects, helping students achieve ambitious academic goals.

Stoyan Stoyanov

of our students receive multiple offers of admission
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acceptances at top institutions across the U.S., Europe, and the U.K.
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higher admission success rates
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in merit scholarships awarded annually
US$ 0 M