KMAC STAFF
Get to know the brains behind KMAC!
Have any questions?
Schedule a call with Kelly below.
Kelly MacLean
President and Founder
"I founded Kelly MacLean Achievement Center to help any student or player interested in attending college but unsure of how to make the best choice, get accepted, or get recruited."
Kelly MacLean is the president and founder of KMAC. Her unique background as a College Admission Officer as well as a high school varsity soccer coach provided the basis for the company. Kelly repeatedly witnessed high school students making mistakes in their college search; often resulting in missed scholarships, lack of acceptance at their choice schools, or ultimately switching schools or majors. As Kelly assisted her own players with their college searches, admission issues, recruiting, and ultimately playing in college, she realized how overwhelming this process is for most parents. Due to the success of her players, she was constantly approached by other students and parents to answer questions and help with their particular situations. College Recruiting Specialists, LLC. was founded to make this service available to any student or player interested in attending college but unsure of how to make the best choice, get accepted or recruited. Over the past 5 years, we have found that 50% of our business is non-athletes trying to find the right school, scholarships and career path. With that in mind, we decided to rebrand as the Kelly MacLean Achievement Center in November 2019 to reflect our goal of helping ALL students, not just those looking for athletic recruiting.
Kelly is a featured expert contributor for Stack Magazine and Stack.com as well as currently a member of OACAC (Ohio Association of College Admission Counselors), WISE (Women in Sports and Events), NCAA Compliance Forum, Rocky River Chamber of Commerce, Association of Sport Coaching Education, President of BNI Westside Connections Chapter, previous board member for OFSA. As of 2018, Kelly is also a certified John C. Maxwell Coach, Teacher, Trainer and Speaker.
With that track record, it's no wonder that Kelly is called "The College Whisperer"!
Walter Schlothauer
Director of Athletic Recruiting
“You have to fight to reach your dream. You have to sacrifice and work hard for it.”
Walter’s career began as a high school All American, heavily recruited D1 college athlete, having played on the United States Junior National Soccer Team and eventually becoming the Rookie of the Year for the Cleveland Cobras. His professional career lasted 12 years, playing both outdoor and indoor soccer. Once retired from professional soccer, Walter continued to share his love of the game as both a High School Soccer Coach and a Club Soccer Coach. He has been involved in the National Indoor Soccer Championships for the past 12 years, and is on the board of the Central Alliance Soccer Association, continuing to impact today’s youth soccer players.
As a high school and club coach, he witnessed the challenges that high school players face in being recruited at the next level. He saw well meaning parents take the wrong paths and cost their children opportunities. He has always been committed to providing the best expertise available to his players and successfully launched hundreds of college athletic careers at the D1, D2, and D3 levels.
While his own career has been centered around soccer, his love of sports and knowledge of recruiting in all areas is vast. Walter brings the same caring and desire to help our students achieve their goals and help families save money in the process. Walter is committed to helping student-athletes and their families navigate this often difficult process with our carefully crafted methods empowering athletes and families to find the best fit in a school and maximize their athletic scholarship opportunities.
Return to staff listKaren Szytec
Office Manager/
Administrative Assistant
Marissa Toma
Advertising /Administrative Assistant
Marissa joined the KMAC team in September of 2021. She attended Midpark High School, and graduated from Cleveland State University with honors in 2015 with her B.A. in Graphic Design.
As one of Kelly’s assistants, Marissa works behind the scenes on various administrative functions, advertising, scheduling, and anything else Kelly asks of her. If you need an athletic recruiting video, she’s your gal!
She enjoys spending quality time with her family and friends, traveling, Mexican food, watching Netflix series, and listening to her favorite podcasts.
Return to staff listLawrence Yurick
Curriculum Director / Success Coach
Lawrence Yurick is a dynamic educator with a distinguished background in both academics and curriculum development. A graduate of Olmsted Falls High School, Lawrence went on to earn his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Mercyhurst University. He furthered his educational pursuits by obtaining a Master's in Education with Life Science Licensure from Baldwin-Wallace University in 2020.
Renowned for his exceptional aptitude in mathematics, Lawrence is affectionately known in our office for his "freaky math brain." His expertise spans a broad spectrum of subjects, including Math, Chemistry, Biology, and English, making him a versatile and highly sought-after tutor. With a commitment to providing personalized attention to each student, Lawrence excels at tailoring his teaching approach to meet the unique needs of learners at all levels.
In addition to his role as a tutor, Lawrence has made significant contributions to curriculum development, drawing from his extensive experience as a counselor in the highly regarded AIM program. Over the course of three years, he honed his skills in understanding and addressing the diverse needs of students, helping them achieve remarkable academic growth. Lawrence's dedication to student success is further underscored by his membership in Mensa, where he tested in the top 1% of all IQs. This exceptional intellect, combined with his ability to connect with students on a personal level, enables Lawrence to make complex concepts accessible and engaging through relatable examples.
Lawrence's multifaceted talents, coupled with his unwavering commitment to educational excellence, make him an invaluable asset to our team. His ability to inspire and empower students to reach their full potential is a testament to his passion for teaching and mentorship.
Return to staff listCatalina Crespo (Cat)
Success Coach
Cat Crespo is a visionary success coach with a passion for empowering students to surpass their academic barriers and excel in mathematics. After graduating from Magnificat High School, Cat pursued her passion for mathematics at Case Western Reserve University, where she majored in Mathematics.
Known for her exceptional coaching abilities and easy-going demeanor, Cat quickly became a student favorite, earning accolades for her ability to inspire and motivate students to achieve their goals. Her innate talent for connecting with students on a personal level has made her an invaluable asset to our team.
Cat's journey with us began as a part-time tutor while she was still in college. Recognizing the profound impact she was making in the lives of students, she transitioned to a full-time role upon completing her education. Since then, Cat has become a trusted mentor and guide to countless students, offering unwavering support and guidance through every step of their academic journey.
In addition to her expertise in tutoring mathematics, Cat plays a pivotal role in coaching students through career exploration and the college admission process. Her caring nature and genuine commitment to student success have earned her the admiration and respect of both students and colleagues alike.
Cat's dedication to empowering students to unlock their full potential makes her an invaluable asset to our clients. Her ability to turn compassion into tangible achievements has made her a sought-after coach and mentor, driving positive outcomes for students across the board.
Return to staff listSamela Xhaferi
Success Coach
Samela Xhaferi is a part-time tutor at KMAC. She is perusing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Baldwin Wallace University. Samela also serves in the Student Government as a Senator for their Diversity and Wellness Committees.
Return to staff listNischal Allena
Success Coach
Nischal Allena has been a part-time tutor in the KMAC center since November 2022. As a Premed student at Cleveland State University, he is well equipped and able to tutor many science related topics. He is a very fun loving person and passionate about making his sessions as enjoyable and productive as possible.
Return to staff list