About MCR

My College Resource counselors in Sarasota, FL

Meet Debra Landesberg, M.S.

President, College and Secondary Education Counselor

Debra is the President and founder of My College Resource. She holds a Master of Science in Continuing Education- Counseling/Psychology and a Certificate in College Counseling. For almost 20 years, Debra has provided information on financial aid, scholarships, college essays, resumes and more!  


Through My College Resource, a student-driven process for helping students achieve their “best fit” college experience has been born! By taking into account each student’s individual needs, talents, and goals the process is highly personalized and aims to take the mystery and stress out of the college search process. While she is based in Sarasota, Florida Debra has helped more than 3,000 students from around the globe learn about the college application process. She is proud of her work with My College Resource clients, partnerships with community based organizations and high schools that have allowed her to impact so many students. It is due to the successful implementation of her vision that My College Resource has become regionally and nationally recognized as a preeminent resource for college and secondary education consulting. Debra extends credit to the talented and creative team at My College Resource for this ongoing success. 



A full list of Debra’s credentials and achievements: please click here.



813.230.8992

Meet Maria Pickett, M.S.

Associate College Counselor

Maria has always enjoyed working with students to help them discover and realize their academic and personal potential. After graduating from Rice University in 2013, she spent two years working with high school seniors, providing professional training for internships and guiding them through the entire college application process. Maria has worked with My College Resource since the summer of 2016. During that time, she earned a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She has many years of experience working with students virtually, putting her far ahead of the curve during these changing times. Maria has training as a career counselor and uses these skills in working with students on their resume and interviews. She has also attended workshops on letters of recommendation and, most recently, a workshop hosted by a global leader in college essay writing. Her training in college applications and in guiding adolescents understand themselves better help Maria achieve a productive relationship with My College Resource students. 


Meet Susan Ledbetter, M.Ed.

College Counselor

Meet a lifelong educator who has touched many lives. Susan has worked as a college counselor for many years at a private, independent school. This experience enables her to bring expansive knowledge and experience based on practiced success. Susan possesses tremendous commitment, sensitivity and a wealth of knowledge to work in support of each student and/or family’s particular set of parameters. She holds a B.A. from Principia College and an M.Ed. from Florida Atlantic University.

954-275-8900 SLedbetter@MyCollegeResource.net



Meet Julie Russo

Administrative Manager

Julie Russo moved to Florida seventeen years ago from NY and has been a part of MCR for over two years!  She holds a B.A in Psychology with a minor in Business from State University of New York at Albany and also holds a paralegal degree.  She is Accounts Receivable Coordinator for a local college. Serving as Account Manager for My College Resource, Julie sets up new client files, conducts intake, and oversees client invoicing.

A Special Note: In Memoriam

Debra will always be grateful for mentorship, philosophy and industry training, by Mrs. Margaret Gandy (d. 2010) of College Guidepost, Tampa, and Hillsborough County fame. Mrs. Gandy will be remembered as a guru and legend amongst college professionals, and the woman who made a difference in the lives of students. Please click here to read more about Mrs. Gandy.

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