Meet the founders
Aaron Rakow, PhD, is a clinical psychologist and co-founder of College Steps with a career-long dedication to improving educational accessibility for students living with learning and social challenges. He holds an associate professorship in Psychiatry at Georgetown University and has extensive experience in behavioral health, including key roles at the National Institute of Mental Health and Children’s National Health System.
Lauren Merritt, founding member, drove College Steps’ expansion from its initial singular Vermont program to a network across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic. Recognized national leader in post-secondary education for individuals living with learning and social challenges.
Director of Finance
Director of Admissions &
Enrollment
Assistant Director of
Admissions
Director of Curriculum &
Instruction
Regional Director - NY/NJ
Metro Region
Program Coordinator
Program Manager
Support Specialist
Instructional Coordinator
Program Coordinator
Program Coordinator
Program Coordinator
Instructional Coordinator
Program Coordinator
Support Specialist
Program Coordinator
Instructional Coordinator
Support Specialist
Program Coordinator
Program Coordinator
Support Specialist
Program Coordinator
Every team member receives specialized training in neurodivergent support, trauma-informed care, and strength-based approaches. Our coordinators collaborate across campuses to share best practices and ensure consistent, high-quality support for every student.
Our team culture reflects the same empowerment philosophy we bring to our work: everyone’s unique strengths matter, collaboration creates better outcomes, and potential should never be limited by differences.
