Meet the Team
Gateway counselors are knowledgeable, experienced, and compassionate.
Diana Jones, MA, M.Ed.
Founder & Principal
diana@gatewayadmissions.com
(914) 671-7650
For over 25 years as a college counselor and educational consultant, Diana Jones has been working with students of all abilities and backgrounds as they search for the ideal next educational experience. Her dual Masters degrees, one in Counseling Psychology from NYU and one in Education from Pace, provide her with the perfect springboard for all of the custom and individualized attention a student needs. As a Hamilton College undergraduate alumnus and with her Masters’ experiences, Diana is personally acquainted with the benefits of both a small liberal arts community and that of larger universities.
She tours schools regularly, remaining vigilant about how admissions decisions are being made and to keep current with the always changing campus offerings and application landscape.
Diana’s unique background and continuing education has equipped her with the professional expertise to work with students who require many different types of assistance: from best-fit school choices, essay guidance, and interviewing techniques to providing specific support for ADHD/ADD, processing issues, anxiety, ASD, executive functioning, visual impairments, Dyslexia and Dysgraphia.
Whether a student and family seek a single placement at a college or university or desire a dovetailing of experiences with summer programs, gap adventures, or a postgraduate or transitional year, Diana helps facilitate an academic and personal journey that optimizes the breadth and value for which each student wishes.
Diana is committed to expert guidance, confidentiality, and superior service. She knows the importance of helping students to fashion a compelling and effectual application, providing them with choices and helping them to build confidence and ownership.
“In the end, I wish every student a successful and rewarding experience culminating in admission to a school where the student can grow and excel. Where one goes to college matters and not just for the more overt reasons. Being happy, challenged, fitting into a community, having fun while learning, knowing you're in the right place, and reaching toward the future you envision, this is why kids go to college."
Sue Cannone-Calick, MA
Admissions Consultant
Sue is thrilled to be part of the Gateway team and brings with her a wealth of knowledge and experience. Her 27 years of classroom teaching and numerous noteworthy contributions as a collaborative teacher, make Sue adept at building strong, productive working-relationships with her students.
Over her almost 3 decades in education, she has assisted a wide range of students with varying abilities and has helped countless educators enhance and refine their curriculum. Sue is the co-author of Independent Reading in the Age of the Common Core, an educational tool for teachers. In this, she demonstrates her broad understanding of both sides of the field: that of the student and that of the educator. Her unique knowledge and insight allow her to create and execute effective admissions plans with her students.
Sue works tirelessly to ensure that her students experience a successful and rewarding admissions process, providing great scaffolding and direction as they navigate the next phase of their education. She is very familiar with the processes for day and boarding schools as well as for college admissions, excitedly guiding teens and young adults while providing excellent support and perspective for parents. Her empathetic approach and realistic expectations are an incredible benefit to students during this important and momentous journey, and her strong skills and astute understandings make Sue an invaluable asset to the Gateway community.
Sue has a BA in Psychology, a MS in Teaching, and a Certification in special education.
Walker Jones
Admissions Consultant
Walker Jones graduated from Lafayette College and since has been working in the private sector in finance and professional writing. Wanting to help students prepare for college, graduate admissions and beyond, Walker has joined the Gateway team.
He has great familiarity with schools along the Eastern seaboard and the Midwest, and brings a fresh, young perspective to the team. He is a talented communicator and writer who specializes in essay prep, competitive positioning, and brand creation. Walker believes in fostering an inclusive environment that respects individuals’ agency and works to encourage and direct their self-determination to achieve the best outcomes.
Tom Baker, MA
Athletic Consultant
Tom’s 25+ years in education as a teacher, athletic administrator, and district athletic director has positioned him as a respected leader and exceptional resource in the field of athletics. He has had the honor of working with thousands of student-athletes throughout his tenure and has used his knowledge, insights, and professional relationships to help hundreds of families navigate the college recruiting process across all sports. Tom’s wealth of experience and calm demeanor build confidence in students and families as they pursue a path toward college athletics.
Tom is an active member of the New York State Athletic Administrators Association (NYSAAA,) and in 2018, Tom was selected as the New York State Athletic Administrator of the Year for his region. He has frequently presented at the annual NYSAAA state conference on topics ranging from positive promotion of an athletic program, advocating for the student-athlete in an effective manner, and developing a successful Athletic Hall of Fame. As recognized by the New York State Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA), Tom is a Certified Athletic Administrator (CAA) and is a member of the American Alliance of Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (AAHPERD).
Tom holds a BS in Mathematics from Pace University, an MA in Curriculum from Western Connecticut State University and a postgraduate certificate from Columbia University’s Teachers College in Educational Administration and Leadership. He is a licensed New York State Mathematics and Physical Education teacher, and holds a license in New York State as a District Administrator.
Daren Bjerke, MS
Academic Coach
Daren is thrilled to be joining the Gateway team. Over his 22+ years in education he has served in a variety of positions from teacher to special educator and has worked with many different students, each with unique challenges and needs. His experience ranges from being a lead teacher at Four Winds Hospital in Katonah, an elementary school co-teacher and middle school teacher and a high school special education teacher who focuses on life skills attainment, executive functioning mastery and vocational placements/training for students who will not be taking a traditional higher education track.
He is consistently recognized for his willingness to identify the whole student, uncover their unique learning style and employ assistance and direction that best supports their path to internalizing strategies which optimally complement their study habits, time management abilities, organization, and self-awareness. His kind and open approach make him a good fit for students and parents as they navigate the academic and school based landscape.
Daren holds a BA in Psychology and an MS in Education with dual NYS teaching certification in Elementary Education K-6 and Special Education K-12.
Michael Masters
Career Coach
Michael Masters, a University of London graduate, has spent over a decade helping clients develop the best path forward in maximizing their passions and potential. As the Career Coach at Gateway Admissions, Michael enjoys helping both students and seasoned business professionals differentiate themselves from other job seekers. Rather than presenting a client as simply an amalgam of skills and credentials, Michael hones in on their unique strengths and passions, helping them stand out as the perfect fit for their next role. An entrepreneur with wide-ranging experience, Michael’s ‘best in class’ communications skills and innate ability to optimize a personal brand, ideally positions him to provide resources and support which help our clients determine their next steps while holding themselves accountable for setting and achieving their career goals. A skilled advisor, Michael builds confidence and commitment through feedback and insight, partnering with clients to best facilitate their success.
Michael’s career coaching includes:
Goal setting
Resume building
Job search support and creation of a strong list of target positions
Interview prep
Guidance through the follow-up process after interviews
Navigating job offers
Negotiating of salary and perks