Mergent College Advisors Team
Douglas Heagren - Founder and CEO
Meet Douglas Heagren, a devoted husband and father of two, whose personal journey has fueled his passion for helping families navigate the complexities of college planning. Growing up, Douglas faced adversity early on when his father passed away, leaving him to care for his younger sister through college. Witnessing firsthand the financial struggles and challenges of college planning, Douglas became acutely aware of the importance of effective preparation and support.
Motivated by his own experiences, Douglas embarked on a mission to make the college planning process more manageable for families. With over 15 years of experience in the industry, Douglas has honed his expertise and developed a deep understanding of the challenges families face when sending their children to college.
Driven by a desire to make a meaningful difference, Douglas made the decision to focus his practice solely on addressing the unique needs and concerns of families navigating the college journey. Through his dedication, empathy, and unwavering commitment, Douglas strives to empower families to overcome obstacles, secure financial aid, and pave the way for their children's success in higher education.
Craig Cowles - Co-Founder and COO
Meet Craig Cowles, a dedicated husband and father of two, whose personal experiences have shaped his mission to revolutionize the college planning landscape. As a college graduate himself, Craig recalls the challenges he faced with little to no guidance on navigating the complexities of higher education and financing.
Opting to attend the local college and working his way through, Craig witnessed firsthand the struggles of balancing work and academics while grappling with the financial strain of college expenses. Today, with one of his own children preparing for college, Craig is deeply passionate about addressing the systemic issues of excessive spending and inadequate support for parents in the college planning process.
With nearly 20 years of experience in the field, Craig has dedicated his career to enhancing compliance and operational areas within the college planning business. Through his expertise and commitment, Craig aims to empower families with the tools and resources they need to make informed decisions, secure financial aid, and navigate the college journey with confidence. As a champion for change, Craig is determined to pave the way for a more accessible and affordable higher education system for future generations.
Veronica Blayney - Client Service Manager
Meet Veronica Blayney, the heart and soul of our team and the first person everyone turns to for guidance. As a passionate leadership visionary, Veronica is dedicated to empowering our clients and tirelessly supporting them on their college planning journey.
With her unwavering commitment and genuine care for each individual she encounters, Veronica is a beacon of support for parents who are grappling with the daunting decisions surrounding college. Whether they're struggling to navigate the complexities of the process or feeling overwhelmed by the choices ahead, Veronica is there every step of the way, offering guidance, reassurance, and a listening ear.
Veronica's innate ability to connect with people and understand their needs enables her to match them with the right resources and experts on our team. Through her dedication and compassion, Veronica ensures that every client receives the personalized attention and support they deserve as they embark on this transformative journey.
With Veronica by their side, our clients can trust that they are in capable hands and that their dreams of a successful college experience are well within reach.
Marga Bartolome- Client Coordinator/Marketing
Introducing Marga Bartolome, the vibrant marketing force behind our team, whose passion for the outdoors and meticulous organizational skills make her an indispensable anchor in our midst.
With a keen eye for detail and a knack for strategic planning, Marga seamlessly coordinates activities and schedules, ensuring that every aspect of our team's operations runs smoothly. Her dedication to excellence and commitment to quality assurance ensure that everything operates efficiently and effectively within our team.
Beyond her role in marketing, Marga's love for the great outdoors infuses a sense of adventure and vitality into our workplace culture. Her enthusiasm for nature serves as a source of inspiration for the entire team, fostering a spirit of exploration and camaraderie.
As the linchpin of our team, Marga's unwavering dedication and tireless efforts ensure that everything functions harmoniously. With her at the helm, we can confidently navigate any challenge and pursue our goals with confidence and enthusiasm.
Darla Engler- Operations and Service Manager
Meet Darla Engler, the powerhouse behind our operational and onboarding processes, whose dedication and tireless efforts keep our team running smoothly. With a knack for efficiency and a keen eye for detail, Darla ensures that paperwork is processed promptly and that all operational tasks are completed with precision.
As the driving force behind our team's accountability, Darla holds everyone to high standards, ensuring that tasks are completed promptly and effectively. Her proactive approach to problem-solving ensures that issues are addressed promptly, allowing our team to stay focused and productive.
In addition to her operational responsibilities, Darla is a compassionate and resourceful ally for our clients. Whether they're facing service issues or in need of assistance, Darla goes above and beyond to provide support and guidance. Her unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction ensures that our clients receive the care and attention they deserve.
With Darla at the helm, our team can navigate any challenge with confidence and resilience. Her dedication, resourcefulness, and compassion make her an invaluable asset to our organization.