Meet the Team
Lee Allen
CEO, Educational Consultant
lallen@simplyadmissions.com
Lee Allen, a native of Northwest Georgia, brings a unique blend of analytical expertise, educational insight, and personalized attention as CEO of Simply Admissions. Driven by his passion for helping others reach their fullest potential, Lee simplifies and demystifies the complexities of college admissions, empowering families to confidently navigate this critical transition.
A proud graduate of the University of Georgia with degrees in Risk Management & Insurance and Sport Management, Lee began his career in IT project management, quickly distinguishing himself through meticulous attention to detail and exceptional leadership. Recognized as Project Manager of the Year, Lee later transitioned into education, where his dedication to teaching and student achievement earned him the prestigious title of Teacher of the Year for Gwinnett County Public Schools, selected from among over 12,000 educators.
Committed to lifelong learning, Lee holds a Certificate in Independent Educational Consulting from the University of California, Irvine, equipping him to provide innovative, tailored guidance to families throughout their college admissions journey. He has also advanced his expertise through additional certifications in Curriculum and Instruction, Teacher Leadership, Secondary Mathematics, ESOL, and Gifted Education.
Lee also serves as an official mentor with the University of Georgia, guiding students toward academic success and professional growth. His genuine enthusiasm for supporting others and commitment to positive outcomes define both his personal and professional ethos.
Outside of his professional pursuits, Lee is a dedicated family man, enthusiastic trivia competitor, avid Atlanta Hawks supporter, and enjoys playing golf and basketball. Residing just outside Athens, GA, with his wife, Mia, and their two children, Lee actively engages in community life and youth sports coaching.
Lindsay Fried Augustine
Founder, Certified Educational Planner
lindsay@simplyadmissions.com
Originally from Westchester, New York, Lindsay headed south for college and received a BBA in Business Management from the University of Miami. After graduating, she worked on marketing and investor relations teams for several alternative investment funds, with assets up to $3 billion.
Lindsay later received her Certificate in Independent Educational Consulting from University of California, Irvine, and started Simply Admissions in 2016. In 2021, after passing a board-certified assessment, Lindsay became a Certified Educational Planner. She is also a certified Myers-Briggs Practioner.
Lindsay’s professional affiliations include:
American Institute of Certified Educational Planners
Independent Educational Consultant Association, Professional Member
National Association for College Admission Counseling
Southern Association for College Admission Counseling
Lindsay now lives in Atlanta with her husband, Ryan, and dog, Harper. In her free time, she enjoys exploring the city, traveling, biking, and kayaking.
Krista Cantrell
Associate Consultant
Krista@simplyadmissions.com
Krista brings a rare blend of admissions experience and mental health advocacy to Simply Admissions. With a calm, compassionate presence and a deep understanding of how overwhelming the college process can feel, she guides students with both strategy and heart.
A first-generation American raised in the Washington, D.C. area, Krista’s own college journey was shaped by hours of research and a last-minute decision to take a 15-hour Greyhound bus ride to visit the University of Vermont. The moment she stepped on campus, she knew she had found her place, and ever since, she’s made it her mission to help other students do the same.
Krista began her career at UVM, where she rose to Senior Admissions Counselor for the DMV region and co-founded initiatives to expand access for underrepresented students. She later served as Assistant Director of International Admissions at Villanova University, where she reviewed thousands of applications and participated in selective admissions committees. Her work has always centered on equity, access, and finding the right fit.
In recent years, Krista worked in mental health education with the national nonprofit Active Minds, where she led the redesign of their flagship exhibit, Send Silence Packing. That work deepened her commitment to supporting students not just academically, but holistically.
Krista holds a BA in Political Science and Global Studies from the University of Vermont and a Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies. She lives in Maryland with her partner, Adam, and their young son, River. Outside of work, you’ll find her cooking, writing letters, decorating, and chasing down good food and live music.