Meet The Team

Personalized college planning can indeed make a significant difference in helping students navigate the admissions process and secure spots at their desired schools. With AAA’s experience and knowledge of campuses across New England and the United States, students will benefit greatly from our approach and guidance every step of the way.

Gabriella Caprio

Gabriella Caprio is an experienced college admissions consultant, and lead teacher for World Languages in the City of Providence, Rhode Island, and has worked in secondary education for over two decades. Currently, she is the senior writing coach at Academic Admissions Advisors and has assisted hundreds of students with the college application, admission, and financial aid process. She puts this hands-on experience to use to make the college admissions process enjoyable and stress-free for students and their families. Gabriella, who is trilingual,  possesses a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from the University of Rhode Island and a Master’s Degree in Education from Rhode Island College. She is chair of the education committee at the Providence Performing Arts Center. Some of her clients currently attend Boston College, Brown University, Northwestern, College of the Holy Cross, and Johns Hopkins University.

Eric Simonelli

Eric Simonelli is an experienced college admissions consultant and youth sports director with over twenty years of expertise in collegiate and secondary education. A member of the Higher Education Consultants Association (HECA), he served as an Admissions Advisor and Athletic Liaison at the University of Rhode Island for thirteen years. Most recently, he spent eight years as the Director of College Counseling and Varsity Boys Basketball Coach at La Salle Academy.

Currently, he advises students across all majors in higher education, helping them reach their full potential academically, personally, and psychologically. Through his strong relationships with college admissions representatives, he provides valuable insights into what colleges seek, guiding students to align their academic goals effectively. A former Division III collegiate basketball player, Hall of Fame inductee, and 1,000-point scorer, Eric also brings extensive knowledge of athletic recruitment and collegiate club sports processes.

Eric grew up in Duxbury, Massachusetts, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Sports Management from Endicott College and a Master of Arts in Education from the University of Rhode Island. He is currently the President of Higher Learning Basketball, a youth skill development program, and a volunteer Commissioner for the Warwick (RI) Police Athletic League (PAL) Youth Travel Basketball program skillfully balancing his time between coaching and college counseling.

  • College Admissions Consultant

    Darcy Flaherty is a seasoned professional with over 15 years of experience in higher education. She began her career at the University of Rhode Island in Kingston, RI, as an Admissions Advisor until 2013, before transitioning to the University of New England in Biddeford, ME, where she served as the Director of First-Year Admissions for 8 years. With a Bachelor's degree and a Master's Degree in College Student Personnel, Darcy brings knowledge and expertise to her consulting practice. Passionate about empowering high school students to reach their full potential, Darcy is dedicated to providing strategic guidance and college solutions in higher education.

  • College Admissions Consultant

    Anne has spent most of her career working in higher education, and she wouldn’t have it any other way! Most of her experience has been in admissions at schools in Rhode Island and Massachusetts, helping high school students prepare for their college journeys. She has also served as a school counselor at La Salle Academy and as a financial aid counselor at the University of Maryland, College Park.

    Anne received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a Masters of Education at the University of Rhode Island. She is knowledgeable about all aspects of the admissions process and is well-versed in the complexities of this ever-changing landscape. She looks forward to working with you to find a school where you will thrive academically, grow in a supportive environment, and become the best version of yourself.

  • College Essay Coach

    Mary Ellen Raposa has worked in the field of multilingual education for over 20 years and currently teaches for the Providence Public School District. She has been a writing coach for the past 10 years, helping students with their college application and scholarship essays. Additionally, she is a Learning Guide/Adjunct Professor at Roger Williams University, where she assists teacher candidates through a rigorous competency-based certification program. She also serves as a Language Proficiency Screener at the Providence Schools Registration Center.

    Mary Ellen is fluent in Spanish and Portuguese and holds a Bachelor's Degree in Communications from Emerson College and a Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) from the School for International Training. She is Nationally Board Certified in English as a New Language and has served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Guatemala.

  • Financial Aid Specialist

    Emilie has spent the last 35-plus years working in the field of education at both the secondary and post-secondary levels. She spent 15 years at Johnson & Wales University in both admissions and financial aid, where she served as the Director of Continuing Education Admissions as well as a financial aid Officer.   In addition, she has been teaching business courses on the secondary and post-secondary levels for the past 27 years.  She is currently a business teacher at Woonsocket High School where she teaches accounting, financial literacy, and other business classes.  


    Emilie received her Bachelor of Arts Degree from Rhode Island College and a Masters of Arts in Business with Teacher Certification from Johnson & Wales University.  She looks forward to assisting students and families as they maneuver the process of paying for college.


    Emilie received her Bachelor of Arts Degree from Rhode Island College and a Masters of Arts in Business with Teacher Certification from Johnson & Wales University.  She looks forward to assisting students and families as they maneuver the process of paying for college.