College Placement

List of 3 members.

• 

  Benjamin Laster 

  Director of College Placement

  (973) 325-7737 x 6628

  Bio

  Ben began his career within the undergraduate admissions department at Stevens Institute of Technology. While at Stevens, eventually serving as the Associate Director of Undergraduate Admissions, Ben was able to understand the inner workings of the college admissions process at a highly selective institution. In 2013 Ben decided to move to the other side of the desk, joining The Prep as the Director of College Placement. Ben leads the college program, fosters strong relationships with admissions representatives throughout the country and has visited a breadth of college campuses across the United States.
  
  

  Ben received his undergraduate degrees in Finance and Marketing from Syracuse University and his master's degree in Global Innovation Management from Stevens Institute of Technology.
• 

  Tom Falato 

  College Placement Counselor

  (973) 325-7737 x 6623

  Bio

  Tom’s experience within the education field spans over 40 years as a teacher, coach and counselor. He began his career as an English teacher at his alma mater, Emerson Junior-Senior High School in Emerson, NJ. Tom then moved on to Ridge High School as a Guidance Counselor and the Head Football Coach. It was during his tenure that the Ridge High School College Program developed into one of the most accomplished in the state of New Jersey. After leaving Ridge, Tom spent two years at Delbarton School as the Director of Guidance, supervising grades 7-12 as well as the College Counseling Program. Tom went on to work in College Counseling at both Bergen Catholic High School & Immaculata High School prior to joining The Prep community in 2018 as a College Placement Counselor.
  
  Tom earned his undergraduate degree from Lebanon Valley College, Pennsylvania and his Masters in Administration and Supervision as well Student Personnel Services from Montclair State University.
• 

  Candace Hightower 

  Associate Director of College Placement

  (973) 325-7737 x 6627

  Bio

  Candace started her career in education after graduating in 2018. She spent a year doing post-graduate service at a middle school in Newark, NJ, through the Jesuit Volunteer Corps. After her time in JVC, Candace returned to her alma mater, Saint Joseph’s University, where she worked in the Office of Undergraduate Admission for  4 years. While at St. Joe’s, Candace would go on to serve as an Assistant Director of Admission, overseeing the applicant and admitted student portals, mailing all acceptances, and serving as the primary reader for northern NJ (including all SHP applicants). In 2023, Candace decided to join The Prep as the Associate Director of College Placement. Working alongside Ben and Tom, Candace is excited to continue supporting students and their families through the college admission process. 

   

  Candace earned her undergraduate degree in Economics and master’s degree in Business, Intelligence and Analytics from Saint Joseph’s University.