FOUNDER

Katrina Bailey is the founder of Success Academy NJ, where she has been guiding students and families through the college admissions journey since 2019. With a passion for education and mentorship, Katrina helps high school students prepare for and succeed in entry-level, credit-bearing programs at two- and four-year colleges and universities.

Her work spans every stage of the process, from academic advising and test preparation to essay coaching and financial aid guidance. She regularly connects students and families with college representatives through virtual information sessions, ensuring that students have access to the resources and insights they need to make informed decisions.

Katrina has led cohorts in essay writing workshops, provided one-on-one SAT and application coaching, and helped students identify extracurricular and volunteer opportunities that strengthen their profiles. Her personalized approach emphasizes each student’s unique strengths, enabling them to present themselves as standout candidates ready to contribute meaningfully to their chosen schools.

Her students have earned acceptances at some of the nation’s most prestigious institutions, including Harvard, Yale, Georgetown, UCLA, Tufts, Cornell, the University of Michigan, Vanderbilt, the University of Virginia, Howard University, and more. Through her leadership, Katrina continues to open doors for ambitious students, preparing them not only for college but for lifelong success.

CHIEF MATH INSTRUCTOR

With over 25 years of experience teaching at a middle school in Newark, NJ, Mrs. Ito brings unmatched dedication, compassion, and expertise to our summer intensive program as the Chief Math Instructor. She has an extraordinary gift for making math not only accessible, but genuinely enjoyable, even for students who have struggled or feared it in the past.

Known affectionately by both students and parents as a true gem, she goes above and beyond to ensure every student feels supported. Whether it means adjusting her schedule to meet with students or crafting personalized strategies to help them grasp tough concepts, her commitment never wavers.

Thanks to her patient guidance and inspiring teaching style, countless students have not only boosted their SAT and SSAT scores but have also developed a newfound confidence and love for math. We are incredibly fortunate to have her as a cornerstone of our program.

CHIEF EDITOR

Kiezha Smith Ferrall is the guiding voice behind our students’ voices. As our College Essay Specialist, she helps students craft essays that are not only polished and well-written, but also deeply personal and true to who they are. Her role goes far beyond grammar and punctuation. She ensures every student sounds like the unique individual they are, not just another applicant in a stack of essays.

In addition to her work with students, Kiezha is a professional editor of published books and articles, bringing a high level of editorial expertise to every draft she reviews. She has a sharp eye for the clichés and pitfalls that weaken college essays and instead teaches students how to tell their stories with clarity, honesty, and impact.

Under her guidance, students learn how to find their voice, take ownership of their narratives, and shine on the page. Her thoughtful, individualized approach has helped countless students submit essays that stand out - and stand tall - as true reflections of their potential.