Our Team
Eric Dobler
Founder & Independent College Advisor
Eric founded Dobler College Consulting in October 2011 after spending twelve years working with college-bound high school students and their families as a college admissions counselor and academic advisor. When he was in high school, Eric never had a plan. He never thought about the college process as a dedicated search. He never prepared for the SAT, let alone stressed out about it, and didn't tour either school he applied to until he was up against the May 1st confirmation deadline. It wasn't until he was in college when he started to realize his potential and put it all together. As much as Eric enjoyed his college experience, he knows he missed out on a lot simply because he had no one to help him figure it all out.
Because of the path Eric’s life took, he believes it is important for students to seek out colleges where they will excel academically and socially without having to spend excessive amounts of money to do it.
Eric regularly attends professional conferences and tours numerous college campuses every year. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Eastern Connecticut State University and a Master of Science in Counselor Education with a concentration in Student Development in Higher Education from Central Connecticut State University. He is a professional member of IECA where he has served on the Business Practices Committee and the College Committee. Eric has also been involved in his local community, volunteering for the leadership team for his son's Cub Scout Pack for two years and also serving as a board member of the Cheshire Education Foundation, which raises money to support student scholarships and special projects for teachers.
Eric is an avid reader, is a self-proclaimed master chef (in-training), and loves to ski. Eric currently resides in Cheshire, Connecticut with his wife, Amanda, their two boys, Brady and Kasen.
eric@doblercollegeconsulting.com
C: 203.525.4096
Lara Poulios
Independent College Advisor
Lara has been an Independent College Advisor since 2014, working with students nationwide to guide them through college list development and the application process. During her training, she worked at a performing arts magnet high school, where she loved counseling students over the thunderous sound of tap dance classes held in the next room. It was there that Lara gained expertise in the unique college application process for students interested in theater, dance, music, and the visual arts.
Lara received her B.S. in Business Administration from Bryant University and earned a College Counseling Certification with Distinction from UCLA. She is affiliated with NEACAC and is a professional member of IECA, serving on the Finance Committee. In 2021, Lara earned the designation of International University Advocate through NACAC by demonstrating the ability to support students pursuing a college education outside the United States. She also participates in multiple professional development conferences and campus tours throughout the year.
Before she entered the world of college advising, Lara worked for twelve years in financial services, directing a team that developed corporate marketing and sales presentations.
An active member of the CT River Valley Chamber of Commerce in Glastonbury, Lara is committed to supporting community initiatives. Most recently, she has had the joy of mentoring students through the Matchlighter’s Scholarship program.
Lara is a music buff and has absolutely useless expertise in music trivia. She’ll challenge anyone to beat her in identifying 5-second clips of music from the ‘80s and beyond. In fact, she triumphed in a few intense music trivia contests, much to the dismay of her fellow cruise ship passengers who were just trying to enjoy a relaxing evening in the ship lounge.
When she’s not searching for a new Spotify playlist, Lara loves to watch the Red Sox, pick vegetables from the garden, and cook. Lara lives in southeast Connecticut with her husband and two sons, both of whom successfully completed the college application process and landed at Northeastern University in Boston.
Mel Horadam
Independent College Advisor
Mel has always been passionate about education, previously working as a teacher and an admission counselor before pursuing educational consulting as a vocation. Mel received their bachelors from Washington and Lee University in Virginia, double majoring in East Asian Languages and Literature (China focus) and Religion (cultural anthropology focus), before moving to Ningbo, China where they began working in admissions consulting in 2014. After returning to the United States, Mel worked for Knox College in Illinois as an admission counselor but was eager to return to “the other side of the desk” where they could truly prioritize students and their families as an educational consultant.
As a result, in 2017, Mel jumped headfirst back into college advising, completing the UCLA College Counseling Certificate with distinction. Mel loves helping students find their best-fit colleges, regardless of their backgrounds and interests, and the topics of affordability and inclusion are two of their biggest passions in the world of higher education. Mel is also a member of IECA and RMACAC.
Mel is a self-proclaimed cinephile (aka film dork), and has a deep love for genre movies, especially action and horror flicks. If you ever wondered who is still buying Blu-rays and fancy box sets, it’s Mel. They also love reading fiction, playing strategy video games, practicing tai chi, and participating in D&D campaigns online with their friends all around the world. They also attend horror conventions and renaissance fairs whenever they can. Basically: if it’s a nerdy hobby, Mel’s in. In fact, their favorite “holiday” is their yearly 12-hour Lord of the Rings Extended Edition movie marathon and potluck extravaganza.
Mel lives in Rio Rancho, New Mexico with their husband, Kale, and two adorable Cornish Rex cats, Tater Tot and Corndog.
mel@doblercollegeconsulting.
C: 214-912-4689
Peter Bartoli
Independent College Advisor
Peter Bartoli brings more than 30 years of experience in education to Dobler College Consulting, working closely with students and families to support academic growth and long term planning. Known for his thoughtful, collaborative, and student centered approach, Peter helps students understand how they learn best so they can choose a college environment where they’ll thrive.
Peter began his career in the classroom before transitioning into tutoring, where he spent 25 years building and leading a successful tutoring business. Over time, he developed a strong ability to meet students where they are, helping them build confidence, strengthen skills, and make meaningful progress. As his relationships with families grew, his role naturally expanded into guidance around course selection, academic planning, and the college application process. He is now formalizing that work as an Associate Member of IECA.
Peter holds a degree in secondary education with a minor in history from Saint Peter’s College. While it may not have been his first choice, it ultimately proved to be the right one. He benefited from a smaller college environment where professors knew their students and learning was built around discussion and engagement. That experience continues to shape how he helps students think about how they learn and what type of college environment will support them best.
Peter has been deeply involved in his local community, serving as a youth coach and president of his town’s baseball league. That same commitment to working with young people carries through in his work with students and families.
Outside of his work, Peter is passionate about live music and has attended hundreds of performances over the years, particularly drawn to artists who improvise in a live setting. He is also an avid runner, skier, and enjoys hiking with his dogs, Samson and Cisco. When he is not active, he is a Mets fan and can often be found watching in frustration.
Peter lives in western Connecticut with his wife and their two sons, both student athletes, one at Skidmore College and the other at Long Island University. Having guided his own children through the college process, he understands firsthand what families are navigating.
peter@doblercollegeconsulting.
C: 860-733-2758