Stacy Crooks

Director

Stacy served as Assistant Director of the College Planning Center of Rhode Island since its beginning in 1998 and became Associate Director in 2009. She became Director in 2012. At the College Planning Center, Stacy provides one-on-one counseling to students and parents on the admissions, financial aid, and education financing process. She also works with outreach organizations regarding financial aid planning for underserved and minority populations.

Prior to joining the College Planning Center, Stacy worked at Roger Williams University as an Admissions and Financial Aid Officer. Stacy’s background in college admissions and financial aid give her a unique understanding of how college applications are assessed and how financial aid is awarded – knowledge she can pass on to you.

Stacy has a B.A. in English Literature from Wheaton College and a M.S. in College Student Personnel from the University of Rhode Island. She is a member of the Rhode Island Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators, Chair of the Cumberland School Volunteers, and a board member of the Cumberland Lincoln Boys and Girls Club.

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Courtney McEntee

Assistant Director

Courtney McEntee was appointed as the Assistant Director of the College Planning Center in October 2011. Courtney has been with the CPC since 2002 as an educational counselor. In addition to working at the CPC, Courtney was a College and Transition Counselor at The Metropolitan Regional Career and Technical Center. There, she helped implement and develop a four year curriculum for grades 9 – 12 to expose inner city students to a college going culture as well as help in the college application process. She provided informal counseling, and assisted students in developing relationships with institutions of higher education and potential employers. Courtney also worked on improving college retention rates by working closely with students on their transition to college.

Courtney’s experience working within the high schools and with such a varied population has given her first hand knowledge of the true impact education can have across all socio-economic backgrounds. She believes education should be accessible for all and her desire to show others it is possible is what originally led her to The College Planning Center.

Courtney holds a Bachelor's degree from the University of Massachusetts- Amherst and is a member of NEACAC and RIASFAA.
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Solanchi Fernandez

Coordinator, Latino College Access Coalition

Solanchi Fernandez has worked in field of higher education in various capacities since June of 1988. Solanchi was hired by the College Planning Center of Rhode Island in October 2011 to serve as the Coordinator for the Latino College Access Coalition.

Previously she served as the senior advisor at the Undergraduate Advising Office for Bryant University. As a senior advisor, Solanchi worked with various student populations to develop educational strategies to ensure completion of their degree requirements. In addition, she served on committees for various campus wide initiatives that address the needs of the increasing diverse populations.

Prior to working at Bryant University, Solanchi served for 10 years as the Coordinator/Counselor for two Trio programs, Access to Opportunity and the Minority Mentoring Program, at the Community College of Rhode Island.

Solanchi received a Master’s in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of Rhode Island and her Bachelor’s Degree in Communications from Rhode Island College. She holds a certificate in Business Management from the Executive Development office and Advance Diversity Education, both at Bryant University. She has served as a member of several organizations, including Quisqueya In Action, Girl Scouts of America, and Latino Dollars for Scholars.
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