Personalized Guidance. Purposeful Pathways. Confident Futures.

Derek Jay DuBose is a nationally recognized leader in college admission, enrollment strategy, and student advocacy. A 2001 graduate of GlenOak High School, located in the Pro-Football Hall of Fame City of Canton, OH. Derek credits his formative years there with instilling a deep commitment to educational access, mentorship, tradition, and service—values that continue to define his work today. 

With nearly two decades of experience in higher education leadership, Derek has held senior roles at some of the nation’s most prominent public and private universities, including The Ohio State University, the University of Southern California (USC), the University of Denver, George Mason University, Miami University, Denison University, and the University of Cincinnati. His work has spanned undergraduate admissions, enrollment management, alumni relations, and student success, with a consistent focus on helping students—particularly those from historically underrepresented backgrounds—navigate pathways to college opportunity. 

Most recently, Derek served as Associate Vice Chancellor and Director of Admission at the University of Denver, where he led a team of more than 40 professionals, managed a $4.2 million operating budget, and oversaw the awarding of $21 million in merit-based scholarships. Under Derek’s leadership, the University of Denver enrolled the two largest first-year classes in its modern history, including a record increase in the enrollment of students of color. Building on this national leadership experience, Derek was recruited to Miami, Florida, to lead the College & Academic Counseling division at Miami Country Day School, one of the premier college preparatory schools in South Florida and the United States. Earlier in his career, at the University of Southern California and The Ohio State University, Derek played a central role in shaping national recruitment strategies, scholarship programs, and inclusive enrollment initiatives. 

Beyond his institutional leadership, Derek is a prominent national voice in the college admission profession. He currently serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors for the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), the leading professional organization governing ethical practice in college admission worldwide. He is a frequent keynote speaker and presenter, addressing topics such as first-generation college access, inclusive recruitment, mentorship, and ethical enrollment practices. Derek’s work and expertise have been featured in major publications, including U.S. News & World Report, The Wall Street Journal, Inside Higher Ed, and others. 

Derek earned his undergraduate degree from The University of Toledo, where he was a Division I college cheerleader, and also participated as a Walt Disney World entertainer through the Disney College Program. He holds a Master of Education in Enrollment Management and Policy from the University of Southern California (USC). 

Derek has been honored with numerous awards recognizing his professional impact, including the Ohio Speech and Debate Association Distinguished Alumni Award, the University of Cincinnati Cincinnatus Award, and the NACAC Recognition of Excellence Award. A proud first-generation college graduate, Derek exemplifies how a strong educational foundation can lead to national leadership, meaningful service, and a lasting impact on education. 

J. Robert “Bob” Spatig is an experienced educational leader and college counseling professional with more than three decades of work in independent schools and higher education. He currently serves as Dean of Student Advancement, an emerging new, student-centered position envisioned to support high-achieving students in identifying and pursuing high-impact enrichment experiences beyond the traditional classroom, including guided research, internships, competitive academic programs, fellowships, summer institutes, and prestigious scholarship and recognition opportunities. In this capacity, Bob serves MCDS’s Silver Knight Coordinator and Secretary of the school’s new chapter of the Cum Laude Society

Previously, Bob served as Director of College & Academic Counseling, where he spearheaded a strategic initiative to expand the counseling team from four to six to better educate, advise, and support students and their families at every stage of the college admissions process. continues to serve as the college and academic counselor to grade-level cohorts of students from 10th grade through graduation. He also develops strong relationships with universities in the United Kingdom and has served as the school’s UCAS Centre Coordinator since 2018.

Both his current and former roles include strategic leadership, program development, technology integration, parent and student engagement, and collaboration with school leadership to strengthen academic planning and co-curricular opportunities. Before transitioning fully into secondary school college counseling, Bob held senior enrollment management and admissions leadership roles at major universities, including the University of San Francisco, the University of South Florida, the University of Georgia, Northeastern University, and Guilford College. His responsibilities included overseeing multimillion-dollar budgets, managing large admissions teams, developing strategic enrollment plans, expanding international recruitment efforts, and implementing data-informed admissions practices. At the University of South Florida, he helped modernize admissions evaluation methods, significantly improving the academic profiles of incoming students and increasing enrollment of both underrepresented and international students.

In addition to his professional leadership experience, Bob has contributed extensively to national and regional college admission organizations. He served as President of the Southern Association for College Admission Counseling (SACAC), participated in NACAC leadership initiatives, and worked with organizations such as the College Board and Fulbright Commission/EducationUSA. His career began in teaching and independent school admissions, including positions at Cranbrook Schools (MI), Wyoming Seminary (PA), and St. Anne’s-Belfield School (VA). He holds a Master of Arts in Early Modern European History from Vanderbilt University and graduated magna cum laude from Washington & Lee University with a degree in European History.

Martha Falls earned a Master of Science in Foreign Language Education from Florida State University and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, with a minor in French, from Rhodes College. Prior to joining Miami Country Day, Martha taught French at the Academy of the Sacred Heart in New Orleans. At Sacred Heart, Martha enjoyed extending her experience beyond the classroom by chaperoning multiple trips to France and Greece. Martha’s international teaching experience includes participating in a teacher exchange program in Montreal, Canada, through the Adams-Kaulakis Global Teacher Scholarship, as well as two years of teaching English in Paris and Bordeaux, including participation in the Teaching Assistant Program in France (TAPIF). Her love of international travel and world languages deepens her appreciation for the diverse international student body and emphasis on global citizenship that MCDS embodies. Martha joined Miami Country Day School in 2020, as a French teacher. Beyond the classroom, she served as an assistant coach for the junior and varsity girls’ tennis teams and planned and chaperoned international student trips to Spain, France, and Argentina. In 2024, Martha joined the College and Academic Counseling team as 9th Grade Dean. Martha attended the Southern Association for College Admission Counseling (SACAC) Summer Seminar in preparation for this new position. Martha enjoys guiding students and their families through the transition from middle to upper school and is especially passionate about helping 8th and 9th graders embark on their high school careers with passion and purpose.

Walter Pineda earned a Bachelor of Arts in History and Political Science from the University of Rochester, along with a certificate in International Relations. His career in education spans both higher education admissions and independent school teaching and counseling. Walter worked in undergraduate admissions at the University of Rochester, Saint Mary’s College of California, the University of the Pacific, and the University of San Diego, where he developed extensive experience guiding students and families through the college admission process. He also served as the College Counselor for the (MS)2 program at Phillips Academy Andover, supporting talented students from underrepresented backgrounds as they prepared for college and beyond. A respected leader in the college counseling profession, Walter served on the Executive Board of the Western Association for College Admission Counseling (WACAC) as Technology Chair. He was also named a Carl Brown Fellow at the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) Counselors of Color Conference and served on the NACAC Technology Committee. Since 2007, Walter has been a member of the Miami Country Day School History and Humanities Department, where he has inspired students through his passion for history, critical thinking, and global perspectives. Beyond the classroom, he has coached middle school girls’ soccer and coordinated the Kinder to College program, helping students and families build a strong foundation for future academic success. Outside of school, Walter is an avid photographer and a dedicated LEGO enthusiast, pursuits that reflect his creativity, curiosity, and appreciation for storytelling and design.

Antonio Serrano joined Miami Country Day School in 2023, bringing extensive experience in college admissions, recruitment, and student advising. Prior to joining MCDS, he served as the Associate Director of Recruitment at The Ohio State University, Director of Recruitment at Nova Southeastern University, and Associate Director of Admissions at Lynn University. Antonio started his college admissions career at Misericordia University, where he earned a Master’s degree in Organizational Management. He received his Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance and Music Education from Ithaca College. At Miami Country Day School, Antonio specializes in counseling students pursuing arts-focused college pathways, including supporting students through portfolio and audition preparation. While he has particular expertise in the performing arts admission process, he is experienced in guiding students across a wide range of academic interests and college aspirations. He collaborates closely with the Performing Arts faculty and leads experiential learning trips for the theater program, providing students with hands-on performing arts experiences and exposure to colleges with strong arts programs. Antonio also has an extensive background in cultural competency training and previously served on the Board of the Northeast Pennsylvania Diversity Education Consortium (NEPDEC). An active member of professional organizations, including the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), Southern Association for College Admission Counseling (SACAC), and Association of College Counselors in Independent Schools (ACCIS), he has presented at regional and national conferences on college admission best practices and frequently leads College Admissions Case Studies to help students better understand the application review process. Outside of counseling, Antonio regularly participates in college fly-in programs to strengthen relationships with admissions professionals and gain firsthand insight into campuses, enabling him to provide students and families with informed, personalized guidance throughout the college search process.

 

Kyle Doyle joined the Miami Country Day School community in 2024, bringing nearly a decade of high-level college admissions experience to the college counseling team. A proud graduate of the University of Rochester, Kyle spent nine years as an admissions officer at both his alma mater and Vassar College. Throughout his career in higher education, Kyle developed deep expertise in navigating highly selective admissions ecosystems. He specialized in evaluating candidates for competitive merit- and endowed-scholarship awards, managing international recruitment strategy, and directing specialized BS/MD (dual-degree medical) admissions programs.

An active leader and collaborator in the college counseling profession, Kyle maintains deep ties to regional and national networks. He is an active member of the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), the Association of College Counselors in Independent Schools (ACCIS), and several regional affiliates, including SACAC, IACAC, NYSACAC, and PCACAC. At Miami Country Day, Kyle leverages his extensive insider knowledge of the university admissions process to guide, advocate for, and empower students as they navigate their own higher education journeys. He has also taken on additional roles as the assistant coach for both the Boys & Girls Tennis team, as well as the Bionic & Cyber Spartans FTC Robotics Teams.

Marisol Sardina graduated from The Catholic University of America with a Bachelor’s in English and has furthered her education through graduate work at the University of Miami. She joined the Miami Country Day School community in August of 1997 and has been a passionate educator in the Upper School ever since.

From 2002 through 2024, Marisol served as Associate Director of College Counseling, dedicating herself to guiding students through an important transition while maintaining her presence in the classroom. She now channels that wealth of experience into her current role as College Essay Writing Specialist, where she helps students find and articulate their most compelling stories. Over the course of her career, Marisol has developed curriculum for and taught a range of courses, including American Literature, World Literature, and Advanced Placement English Language and Composition. More than twenty years ago, she created and implemented the Gender Studies course, an interdisciplinary class that explores critical questions about the meaning of gender in society, and in 2024, she returned to teaching it full-time — a full-circle moment more than two decades in the making. She also serves as an advisor to Girl Up, an organization that raises awareness of national and global women’s issues. 

Dr. Shakia L. Robertson is an education administrator and former law enforcement command staff professional with more than 20 years of public service experience. She previously served with the Broward Sheriff’s Office in leadership and operations management roles and later held administrative positions at the University of Miami. Dr. Robertson currently serves in a college and academic counseling role at Miami Country Day School, where she supports students in navigating academic pathways, personal growth, and postsecondary success. Through her work in education, she has developed a deep passion for mentoring and guiding young people toward becoming the best versions of themselves through accountability, encouragement, and opportunity.

Dr. Robertson holds a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership with a concentration in Criminal Justice from Nova Southeastern University and a Master of Science in Forensic Psychology. Her research focuses on policing, public opinion, officer wellness, and law enforcement leadership during periods of societal crisis.