Bob Mahmoudi
Bob Mahmoudi
Founder, Executive Director
Bob Mahmoudi is the visionary, founder and CEO of College Planning Solutions, Inc. (CPSi). The seed for CPSi was planted when Bob was admitted to top colleges but unable to attend due to exorbitant costs. Finding the situation unacceptable, Bob vowed to someday find a solution. He went on to earn a B.S. in Nuclear Engineering, just as the nuclear industry in the U.S. came to a halt with the Three-Mile Island Nuclear Plant accident. Remembering his previous college dilemma, Bob pursued graduate studies in Psychology and Business while conducting research for the university admissions office. His research further compelled him to find a way to help students and families with their college choices.
In 1991, Bob laid the groundwork for CPSi, and in 1992 he founded the company with the sole purpose of empowering parents and students with the facts and guidance they need to make decisions that support achievement of their education goals. Students and their parents find Bob’s approach to the college selection and admission process and his motivational guidance a powerful solution to move forward with confidence. News of CPSi’s college admission success stories spread rapidly, and CPSi grew primarily through word-of-mouth through referrals from happy clients.
Under Bob’s leadership, CPSi has established itself as the premier independent education consulting firm in the Pacific Northwest and now serves students locally, nationally and internationally. Bob has been interviewed and quoted on college topics by local and national media, including the Associated Press. He regularly presents at Johns Hopkins University’s CTY conferences and speaks to various civic and professional groups by invitation.
In addition to leading the company and his public speaking engagements, Bob now works with students enrolled in CPSi’s most exclusive mentorship programs.
Favorite college step: helping students define their specific college objectives and then establish the milestones to successfully achieve admission to their ideal, best-fit college.
Debbie Schmidt
VP, Principal Consultant
Debbie Schmidt joined CPSi full-time in 1994. Debbie assisted other students throughout college and graduate school, and has always loved to write. Her love for language and her writing skills won her numerous essay contests throughout her college career. After earning her B.A. degrees in English and Business, she continued her graduate studies in English on a part-time basis while holding a full-time job.
With her attention to detail, high standards, and devotion to CPSi’s mission, Debbie became the engine behind streamlining systems and communications to deliver CPSi’s high-quality services, including essay guidance and editing. Her talents led to her position as a Principal CPSi Consultant, Financial Aid Specialist, Chief Essay Editor, and Vice President.
Debbie currently mentors junior high and high school students and advises college transfer students and graduate school applicants.
Favorite college step: writing the essays.
Steve Laing
Consultant
Steve’s background includes more than 10 years of career & academic advising within higher education, including career development software training for high school and college counselors. He comes to CPSi after serving as Director of Career Development at Evergreen State College. With a B.S. in Journalism and a Master’s in Public Administration, Steve began as a writer and special projects editor. He has written for a daily newspaper and as a marketing representative. His love of mentoring and positive change led him to research, develop, and publish a quarterly magazine and guidebook advising teens and young adults on life skills, college and career choices, and professional development.
Favorite college step: Steve is deeply committed to empowering students to develop self-awareness, curiosity, confidence and a commitment to make informed college and career choices.
Ashley Ingram
Administrative Assistant
Ashley and her husband came to Seattle from Atlanta by way of Shanghai and the California Bay Area. With a passion for reading and writing, she studied both English and Journalism and earned a B.A. in Journalism. Her strong communication skills were key to her success during more than 10 years of work in customer service and administration.
Favorite college step: Ashley takes pleasure in helping students get started with CPSi because that leads to discovery of their best-fit college options. From start to finish, Ashley strives to provide immaculate customer service.
Maggie Wright
A Washington native, Maggie believes in the power of ideas and unique voices. She is passionate about the importance of education for all. Maggie comes to CPSi with a Bachelor’s degree in journalism and several years of experience as a professional editor.
Favorite college step: Maggie enjoys seeing admissions essays improve with every draft, reflecting the students’ confidence and ability to dig deeper.
Callie Stoker-Graham
Associate Consultant
Callie joined CPSi in 2008, filled with conviction that language is power. Holding a B.A. degree from Western Washington University and post-graduate education from the University of Washington, Callie’s background includes university work (WWU’s Foreign Language Department and Office of the President) as well as proofreading and editing fiction and nonfiction for local publishers in the private sector.
Favorite college step: Helping students find their unique voice and articulate their thoughts to find the right college fit.
Wendy Alexander-Adams
Associate Consultant
Wendy brought her love for academia to CPSi in 2012, having spent her entire working career in the realm of higher education. Since earning her Anthropology degree from the University of Washington, she has worked extensively supporting university faculty and researchers in their writing. Wendy works with CPSi in guiding and advising high school and college students toward achieving their admission dreams.
Favorite college step: Bringing all of the preparation together to achieve a student’s college goals.