Meet Elena Suter, CA’s newest Associate Director of College Counseling

After a national search with over 180 applicants, CA’s College Counseling Office is thrilled to welcome Elena Suter to the team in August! 

Elena joins CA from the Office of Undergraduate Admissions at the University of Chicago, where she serves as the Associate Director of Admissions and Outreach and recruits students from across the country. 

Prior to UChicago, Elena worked as an Associate Director in the Office of Undergraduate Admissions at Washington University in St. Louis, where she received her BA in English Literature. Suter also holds an MS in Higher Education Administration and Policy from Northwestern University. During graduate school, she was a Graduate Assistant at Northwestern’s McCormick School of Undergraduate Engineering. 

Parents, students, and faculty who met Elena this spring valued her warmth and ability to build rapport. Her fit for CA, as well as her deep knowledge in the field, made her a clear standout. With nine years of experience in highly selective admissions, robust knowledge of current enrollment practices, and exceptional enthusiasm for working with students and families, Elena will be an invaluable addition to the CA community. 

Elena will join CA’s dynamic and experienced College Office, which includes Associate Directors Sara Purviance and Alex Castro, Director Sonia Arora (CA ’01), and longtime Office Assistant Cyd Tully. Collectively, the team claims 52 years of experience in enrollment and college counseling at a variety of highly selective colleges and universities, as well as at independent schools in major U.S. cities. Moreover, CA’s College Office loves the energy of campus each day and the joy of working closely with students and families.

In her own words, Elena says she is drawn to CA because of our community: 

“Everyone I have met so far speaks so highly of the community atmosphere of CA and the opportunities for students to really explore their different interests and passions. When I decided to move from the college side to the high school side, I knew that I wanted to be part of a community that really encouraged students to be their authentic selves. Not to mention, before my son, Calvin, was born, I wrote a family motto (Be curious, Be kind, Be yourself). When I read CA’s mission statement (Creating Curious, Kind, Courageous, and Adventurous Learners and Leaders), I knew it was a perfect fit!”

Elena and her family are eager to learn all about CA and explore life in Denver! 

Q&A + Fun Facts with Elena Suter

Why did you become a college admissions officer? 

I was a tour guide in college and loved talking about my college experience (Go WashU Bears!), but I quickly realized how much I enjoyed helping students think more broadly about college fit and what they were looking for in their future home—it’s such an exciting time! Over the past nine years, my favorite parts of being an admissions officer have been the opportunities to build relationships and help educate families on the college application process more broadly—both things I get to continue doing in CA's College Counseling Office.

What have you learned about CA students already? 

Students have diverse interests, but are also encouraged to be multifaceted. I love that CA students are artists, athletes, and academics and that those things don’t feel exclusive from one another. I am excited to get to know students better and help them find college communities that will allow them to continue to explore all sides of themselves.

Do Denver and Chicago actually have anything in common? 

I still have a lot to learn about Denver, but so far, everyone I have met in Denver is proud of their city and eager to tell you about their favorite part. That’s the same as Chicago! And, lucky for me, both cities have also been welcoming to new people. I can’t wait to find my favorite parks, restaurants, and places to explore with my family. And maybe learn to ski!

What is your hidden talent?

I was on a Bollywood Fusion dance team in college, so I can (kind of) dance Bollywood! Although at this point, I am pretty rusty. 

What advice do you have for high school students who are just beginning their college search? 

Keep an open mind! Just like you are encouraged to explore throughout your CA experience, the college search is a time to explore different potential communities, types of schools, and future paths for yourself. Maybe you’ll learn that you, too, want to join a Bollywood Fusion dance team in college!

If you could swap lives with any fictional high school character for a day, who would it be and what would you do? 

Greg Pikitis from Parks and Recreation. Deep cut, but as someone who generally follows the rules, it would be fun to get into the headspace of Leslie Knope’s “arch-nemesis” and Pawnee’s town prankster and use his “invisible, adolescent, James Bond super-villain criminal mastermind” skills (according to Leslie Knope) for good!

What is in your playlist or queue right now?

The Good Hang with Amy Poehler podcast! I have been a fan of Amy Poehler since Saturday Night Live and Parks and Recreation and really admire her style of interviewing. Even when she doesn’t know her guests that well, she creates an environment where they clearly feel comfortable, are willing to share stories, and ultimately, be themselves. She asks great questions, but at the end of the day, it just feels like you are listening to a funny conversation between two pals. Highly recommend it if you are looking for a laugh or to learn how to be a fantastic active listener.