Arielle Villanueva

Director of College AffordabilitY

COLLEGE PLANNING CONSULTANT

Arielle joined Advantage College Planning after nine years of working in Admissions in Virginia and North Carolina, most recently at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Arielle is a student advocate and educator first and foremost, so her counseling approach is focused on serving not only as a resource and cheerleader throughout the college application process, but also as a mentor who genuinely wants to get to know her students. As someone who understands the power of authenticity, Arielle strives to assist students in crafting an application that reflects their interests and personality.

Arielle graduated from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, with a BS in Psychology and minors in Gender Studies and Dance. She became interested in the higher education field during her time in the admissions office as a student ambassador. She completed her M.Ed. in Higher Education and Student Affairs while working full-time in the undergraduate admissions office. Arielle is a former collegiate dancer and served as the UNC-Chapel Hill dance team coach. She is also a trained Yoga Teacher and Mental Health First Aider from the National Council for Mental Wellbeing.

With extensive experience supporting college students, Arielle has encouraged and coached hundreds of college students through goal-setting plans, career preparation, and navigating life’s journey.

When she is not working with students and families, Arielle spends her time staying active by working out, finding delicious ice cream flavors, and chasing her two children around with her husband.