about us

We’re passionate about helping our students make a rewarding, informed, and decisive choice about college.

Meet the Team

Kristin Sartelle | Director

Kristin is from Opelika, Alabama, and grew up very involved with all things Auburn University. She graduated from Hollins College in 1997 with a degree in French and Political Science. Highlights of her college experience were spending a semester abroad in Paris and various internships including working for Time For Kids magazine in New York and the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation in Atlanta. Post college, she began her career as an Admission Counselor at Birmingham-Southern College. She quickly learned how to engage with students and explore what their goals were for their personal college experience. Her next jobs included recruiting lawyers for a law firm in Birmingham and then recruiting contract engineers for Southern Company and Southern Nuclear. Kristin is married to Preston Sartelle and they have 3 children, Nate, Ella Rose, and Dash. In 2020, their family moved to Houston and settled in Memorial where the children attend Spring Branch Middle School and Memorial High School. They are active members of Christ the King Presbyterian Church in Houston.

Emily Holmes | Assistant Director

Emily grew up in Mobile, Alabama, and attended St. Paul’s Episcopal School. She went on to Sewanee and earned a degree in art history in 1999. Some of her top experiences in college were studying abroad in Europe, interning at the High Museum of Art in Atlanta, and volunteering as a campus tour guide for Sewanee. Her passion for Sewanee led to her working in the Office of Admission upon graduation. After two years in college admissions she became a college counselor at Father Ryan Catholic High School in Nashville, TN. She then moved to Birmingham where she received her master’s degree in school counseling from UAB while working as a regional admissions officer for Sewanee and then a college counselor at John Carroll. Over the course of her career Emily has visited college campuses all over the country and worked with many high school students on both sides of the college admission process. Emily loves helping students with their college search and finding the right fit. She is married to John Holmes and they have 3 boys, Sam, Turner and Bennett, and a golden doodle named Georgia. Emily is also active in her church, St. Mary’s on-the-Highlands Episcopal Church.

Molly Montgomery | Office Manager

Molly is from Athens, Texas, and graduated from the University of Texas with a degree in Child Development. After her son participated in 2 tours with College Bound, Molly was asked to join the staff and help coordinate trip details. Molly brings with her great organizational skills and is the point of contact for many of the logistics. Molly is married to Andrew Montgomery and is the mother of 3 children; Mae (TCU ‘27), Drew (Kinkaid/McCallie ‘25) and Collins (8th grade at Kinkaid). With her own children in all stages of life, she enjoys assisting College Bound students--and their parents-- as they explore the many options they have for their educational journey.

IN THE WORDS OF OUR STUDENTS

Testimonials

James, Mountain Brook

“The best part of College Bound trips is the individual attention that Kristin gives to each student. The visits are tailored and personalized to ensure the best possible experience at every stop.”

Max, Indian Springs

“The College Bound trip gave me a way to view a wide variety of schools, which is extremely helpful in finding the right school for me.”

Caroline, Homewood

“I loved being able to step out of my comfort zone and experience such a variety of campuses that I could compare to one another. Kristin arranged for each of us to meet with students and faculty members at each campus, so we heard a lot of different perspectives about the schools. After my trip with College Bound, I feel like I am better prepared to pick the best college fit for me.”

Lacy, Mountain Brook

“The College Bound trip gave me incredible insight into the college application process, and eventually helped me make my decision on which school I’ll be attending! The trip was an especially great resource because I had the opportunity to speak to students at each college, make connections and comparisons, and see the true atmosphere of each school while it was in session.”

IN THE WORDS OF OUR PARENTS

Testimonials

Rebecca

“Such an amazing experience. Can’t say enough about College Bound Birmingham and Kristin Sartelle!”

Cindy

“I HIGHLY recommend this! My son had the BEST time. The college visits were tailored to his specific interest. Outstanding experience!! Sign up today!!”

Amy

“Kristin is so vivacious and full of life. She works hard to give students individual attention, lining them up with meetings and introducing them to peers on the college campuses. At the end of the day, which college my son attends will be his decision. So, seeing the schools himself (without parents) makes him more invested in the process and less anxious. Plus, it is more fun to go with friends.”

Lori

“What a GREAT trip! So well organized and such a wonderful way for those who went on the trip to learn about six great schools. Now the hard part is narrowing down the list! Thanks so much for making the trip so meaningful and memorable! ”