Our Staff

Linda Schroeder

Linda Schroeder, the founder of Apps4College®, graduated from The University of Texas at Austin, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Education with concentrations in English and History. For her service and leadership at UT, she was honored at graduation to be chosen as a Cactus Goodfellow. Following graduation, she taught in the Spring Branch Independent School District.  Linda is an accredited member of the national Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA) and the Texas Association of College Counselors (TACAC).In addition to teaching high school students how to write, Linda has owned and operated several small businesses. Over the years, she has served in many leadership positions in various community, school, and church organizations in Houston.  Her first love remains helping high school students navigate their way to college. Apps4College® has a staff of trained professionals who will help each student with all aspects of the college application. A variety of educators assist with essay and resume development, application completion, and interview skills. Each teacher has had many years of experience working with high school students and college admission. We work with students individually or in small groups to ensure that each student receives very personalized instruction.

Mackenzie Payton

Mackenzie Payton is a new Senior Counselor at Apps4College. Mackenzie graduated from St. Agnes Academy and attended Saint Louis University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in International Business. She brings over a decade of experience helping students and families navigate the college application process. She is passionate about students finding the “right” fit for their college – wherever that may be! Mackenzie has spent time on both sides of the college counseling desk, helping high school students at Cristo Rey Jesuit in Houston and serving in regional positions at Saint Louis University, Colorado State University, and The University of Tulsa. As a regional admission counselor, she reviewed applications, made admission decisions, participated in admission committees, awarded scholarships, and presented topics including selectivity, scholarships, financial aid, and more to students and families.Mackenzie is an active member of the Texas Association of College Admissions Counselors and has served on the Executive Board of TACAC as Communications Chair from 2018-to 2019 and in numerous other volunteer positions. She currently resides in Lubbock with her husband and three small children. She is an active member of the community and the Junior League of Lubbock. She looks forward to working with you and your student!

Our 2024 Summer Interns

Lucy Ewart

Lucy graduated from Dawson High School and next fall will be attending The University of Georgia, majoring in Biochemistry in the Honors College. She is a trained lifeguard and coaches for a local summer league swim team. She loves to swim and has been on the varsity swim and water polo teams for the past four years.

Annabel Lane

Annabel graduated from Lamar High School and next fall she will be attending the University of Georgia, majoring in Finance in the Honors College. In addition to being an intern at Apps4College, she is a trained lifeguard and works for a local club as a team leader. In her free time, she likes to exercise, spend time with friends and walk her dog, Dolly. Now that she is finished with the college application process, she is eager to help others!

Nicole Mao

Nicole graduated from Bellaire High School and will attend Trinity University this fall. She will be studying Neuroscience and Psychology on a pre-med track. Beyond academics, she loves to cook, read, play tennis, and travel. She can’t wait to pass on to future applicants what she has learned about the college application process.