About Me
“I am passionate about inspiring others.”
Tammy Alt, M.Ed.
College Counselor and Owner of Generation One, LLC
As a first generation college student from a small town in South Carolina, my access to information about colleges, financial aid, and scholarships was extremely limited. However, I found myself at a school that was a perfect match for me and it changed my life. I was fully engaged in my psychology major, clubs, student government, residence life, and sports (as a spectator). It also helped that I had wonderful mentors who took an interest in me and have continued to support me throughout my career.
I fell in love with the world of ‘college’ and went on to earn my Master’s degree in Education, specifically in a program known as Student Personnel Services. I learned about the history of how higher education has evolved in the United States, which trends impact our colleges and universities, and how to best support college-aged students. I devoured my academic work in higher education and even participated in a 3-month internship at the University of Alaska in Anchorage.
My educational journey opened many doors for me and my goal is to be a part of opening doors for others by providing warm, personal support and comprehensive information.
I’ve lived in Greensboro for 26 years and have raised two daughters here along with my husband, Brady. One of our daughters just graduated from Appalachian State University with a BS in veterinary technology and our other daughter is a Junior at UNC Chapel Hill. Not only have I worked with hundreds of students and families on achieving their personal goals, I have experienced the college search first-hand as a parent.
We are an adventure-loving family! When the weather warms up, I call it ‘adventure season’. We enjoy hiking, padding our kayaks all over NC, camping, waterfall exploring, and any other outdoor activities our schedules will allow. In the summer of 2023, we drove to Michigan to be volunteer lighthouse keepers for a week! Check out the beautiful Pointe Aux Barques lighthouse. I am also an avid reader of all genres and am a champion napper when time allows.
I’m looking forward to getting to know you and hearing what your interests are!
Generation One Partners
Barb Steslow, Summer Writing Workshop Instructor
Barbara Steslow BA, BS, MSW transitioned into education after a career in medical social work.
She earned her BA in psychology from Villanova University, and a Master of Social Work from University of Pennsylvania. Initially, she worked as part of a multidisciplinary group of professionals at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia in collaboration with the newly established Children’s Advocacy Center where she assisted with the evaluation and support of children suffering from abuse and neglect.
At Washington Hospital Center she was part of both the heart transplant and surgical ICU teams, and also served as a manager within the department. Each of these roles had her engaging with children, adolescents and adults at important and often stressful moments; junctures where major decisions needed to be made.
After spending time with her two sons as a full-time parent, she decided upon a career change and completed a BS in biology at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, and launched her next chapter as a high school teacher. Her initial role was at Page High School where she taught both AP and honors biology, and Earth Science.
Most recently, as science department chairperson at Greensboro Day School, she was responsible for teaching all levels of biology and providing leadership across the science curriculum. During her tenure, the growth of the biology program and high level achievement of her AP students in securing college biology credit were particularly noteworthy
While at GDS she served a multi-aged cohort of students throughout their high school experience, providing holistic post-secondary planning, academic advising and extracurricular guidance. In addition, she supported all GDS students in completing a required capstone experience in the form of a bioethics research paper as part of the biology curriculum. Toward this end, she designed a comprehensive framework and resource guide to support students throughout each phase of the semester-long writing process from concept formation to final draft.
Barb relocated with her husband to his hometown of Austin, Texas three years ago where she enjoys spending time with extended family, gardening, cooking, weight training, photography and is a voracious reader. What are you reading? She would love to hear your suggestions!
Ilona Owens, Career Specialist
Ilona Owens, BA, MA, transitioned into higher education after completing a degree in psychology at Elon University and a master’s degree in clinical psychology at East Carolina University. Throughout her training she focused on child and young adult development, psychoeducational assessments, and counseling.
Following ECU, she accepted a role in student activities at Greensboro College. For the next thirteen years she experienced a wide variety of roles in student affairs at the college, including oversight of orientation, leadership development, residence life, student conduct, Greek life, student recreation, student health, career services, and counseling services. After three years as the Dean of Students, she changed course and moved into a position as the Director of Student Success at Alamance Community College, to learn more about the community college experience and to devote more time to her family.
While at the community college, Ilona oversaw all student life related activities, and served directly in career services and student well-being capacities. Two years ago, she began a new opportunity at the #1 ranked UNC, Eshelman School of Pharmacy. She currently serves as the Senior Director of Student Affairs where she oversees career services, didactic and experiential student support on two campuses, the registrar’s office, student finance, and an embedded mental health counselor.
Along the way, Ilona gained certifications in a variety of career and personality assessments, including the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator and the Strong Interest Inventory. She has been integrally involved in student academic advising in each of her roles. She enjoys meeting with high school and college students to discuss career options and opportunities, professional development, and college adjustment and transition.
Ilona lives in Burlington, NC with her husband and three sons. Her oldest son is a graduate of UNC Chapel Hill, her middle son is a sophomore at ECU, and her youngest is a junior in high school.
In her free time she enjoys reading, hiking, traveling, and visiting friends and family.