Why Families Trust Dr. CM with Their Child’s Educational Journey
🎯 A dedicated mother of four who understands the power of advocacy, guidance, and partnership in education
🎯 A first-generation college graduate who brings lived experience and deep empathy to every family she supports
🎯 Over 18 years of leadership in K–12, higher education, and non-profit, specializing in college access, curriculum alignment, and student success
🎯 Strategic leader with national organizations like The College Board and College Advising Corps, with a proven record of impact across diverse school communities
🎯 Expert in course alignment, college list development, financial aid strategy, scholarship support, and essay coaching
🎯 A collaborative partner and advocate—working with school counselors and administrators (with consent) to ensure equitable opportunity and alignment
🎯 Grounded in values of transparency, equity, and truth—offering honest, student-centered guidance without fluff
🎯 Known for building trust with families and walking alongside students every step of the way, from high school to college decision day
🎓 Kaycee & Kamryn’s Journey: From Charlotte to Duke & UNC
As seniors at West Charlotte High School, Kaycee and Kamryn Hailey were known as “the twins”—but their postsecondary journeys were uniquely their own. With personalized support and strategic planning from Dr. Martin, both students gained the tools, confidence, and resources to pursue their dreams on separate paths.
Dr. Martin:
Coached both students on scholarship essays and interview preparation
Helped arrange campus visits to their top-choice universities
Aligned passion-driven extracurriculars and mentoring roles that elevated their confidence
With over $1 million in scholarships between them, Kaycee and Kamryn earned admission to Duke University and UNC Chapel Hill—becoming academic rivals, but lifelong cheerleaders for each other.
Their story is a powerful reminder that with guidance, encouragement, and a clear plan, anything is possible.
🎓Wondering what’s possible for your child? Let’s Talk!
Guided. Accepted. Alumna
“Martin—that’s what we call her—is the GOAT. I had a million questions, but she never turned me away. Before my interview, she said, ‘Kam, you’ve been preparing for this since freshman year. You’re ready. I carried that confidence with me to college.”
— Kamryn Hailey, UNC Co23
Trusted by Families Like Yours
Proven Results, Personal Stories
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Dr. Andreoli, Clinical Assistant Professor – Clemson University
“Dr. Martin completely transforms what access and opportunity look like for students. She leads with positivity, urgency, and a deep sense of justice. Her advocacy for marginalized students and unwavering commitment to equity make her one of the most exceptional educational leaders I’ve worked with.”
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Dr. Dozier, Senior Customer Success Manager – Branching Minds
“Dr. Martin's transformational leadership empowered me in my role as a school-based coordinator. She helped us review data, brought in high-quality PD experts, and improved school culture while building staff receptivity to equity-driven instructional improvement.”
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Corey Demon Thomas, UNC Asheville Alumni & MSW Graduate Student - Johnson C. Smith University
“Dr. Martin’s belief in me helped shape the scholar I am today. I still remember her telling me, ‘You are going to thrive no matter where you go’ — and it still hits home. Her encouragement and guidance continue to inspire my journey.”
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Kayla Overdiep Lead Data Manager - College Advising Corps
"Dr. Martin is clear, intentional, and professional in everything she does. Whether leading meetings or managing communications, she ensures alignment across stakeholders. While managing our national program digest, she elevated our workflow with her proactive follow-up, thoughtful questions, and attention to detail. Her leadership set a high bar, and we rose to meet it. She is an irreplaceable asset to any team."
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Dr. Holly Pore, Executive Director of Career and Technical Education (CTE) — Guilford County Schools
"Thanks to Dr. Martin's leadership, our district is adopting practices that support equitable outcomes for all learners. She was instrumental in shaping our strategic plan and guided us through key decisions with insight and care. Her deep understanding of instructional best practices and her coaching of district leaders, teachers, and families has created an immediate, lasting impact."
The Hillman Experience (THE)
The Hillman Experience (THE) was inspired by the need to give students at West Charlotte Senior High School authentic access to the college experience.
Through a partnership between Dr. CM, then AVID Specialist and IB Coordinator at WCHS, and Travis P. Jackson, CEO and founder of HBCU Pride Nation (HPN), THE was launched as a one-day HBCU college fair designed to celebrate culture, community, and opportunity.
The event featured the legendary Marching Lions of West Charlotte High School, the junior varsity cheerleaders, a powerful panel of HBCU alumni, and local food trucks that brought the spirit of campus life to the community.
More than 1,000 scholars and families attended, connecting with 30 HBCUs who offered on-site admissions and awarded over $500,000 in scholarships collectively — transforming futures in a single day.
📸 Pictured: Cassandra Martin, Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles, and Travis P. Jackson at THE 2017.
Proven Impact
📊 Impact Data
$3M Federal Grant Managed Across 12 Sites
Led innovative implementation of the EMPOWER grant, increasing literacy, college access, and family engagement across high-need schools.
📊 Impact Data
100% College Application & FAFSA Completion
Achieved for Title I high school seniors through personalized coaching, strategic planning, and student-centered programming.
📊 Impact Data
100% Literacy Growth for Emerging Readers
Directed a summer literacy camp where 100% of 6th-grade participants improved by at least one, and in some cases two grade levels, within 12 weeks.
📊 Impact Data
20+ Districts Supported Nationally
Facilitated professional learning and instructional support for leaders across 20+ school districts while at The College Board, scaling equity-driven practices nationally.
📊 Impact Data
$5M+ in Scholarships Earned by Students
Through personalized essay coaching, interview prep, and scholarship bootcamps, families secured over $5+ million in financial aid and scholarships.
📊 Impact Data
Communities of Practice Built Across the U.S.
Launched and facilitated Communities of Practice that connected and sustained new university program directors nationwide, strengthening alignment and student support systems.