College Counseling Team
Melissa Lustig
DIRECTOR OF COLLEGE COUNSELING
Growing up in the Rocky Mountains, Ms. Lustig graduated from Cherry Creek High School in Denver, Colorado. Ready for a new adventure, she headed east for college where she graduated from Wellesley College with a double-major in English and history. Inspired to work in the field of education, she went on to earn her Masters in Higher Education Administration from The University of Michigan, and more recently, her College Counseling Certification from UCLA. Ms. Lustig comes to The Meadows School after twelve years in college admissions - three years at Ursinus College and nine years at Colorado College, as well as six years in College Counseling at Aspen High School in Aspen, Colorado. Outside the office, she enjoys spending time with her partner, working out at the gym, playing with her pitbull, and exploring all that Las Vegas has to offer.
Dr. Demmy Villalpando
DIRECTOR OF COLLEGE COUNSELING
Dr. Villalpando was raised in San Diego, California, before relocating to the Bay Area to pursue a BA in History at the University of California, Berkeley. Following graduation, he moved to Seoul, South Korea, where he worked for over three years as a college consultant and instructor for AP US History, AP World History, AP Literature and Composition, and AP Spanish. In 2016, Dr. Villalpando joined the University of Chicago's Social Science Division as a PhD student in History. His expertise in college consulting, particularly with international school students from South Korea and China, enabled him to continue working in that field while pursuing his doctoral studies. His academic achievements have earned him a Fulbright Scholarship to conduct research abroad, as well as numerous institutional scholarships at UChicago. In 2021, he relocated to Las Vegas to focus on writing his doctoral dissertation and continue his work in college counseling. Following a fruitful year working with the inaugural graduating class at Cristo Rey St. Viator Prep in North Las Vegas, Dr. Villalpando is thrilled to join The Meadows School and assist students in excelling on their journey to college. During his leisure time, he indulges in reading fantasy novels, writing stories with elements of magical realism, exploring Las Vegas, and cherishing moments with his family.
Dr. Nicole Batten
COLLEGE COUNSELOR
Originally from Southern California, Nicole moved to Las Vegas in 2018 to begin pursuing a Doctorate in History from UNLV. While still in California, she achieved both her Bachelors and Masters degrees in history while working as a museum docent and substitute teacher, and enjoying as many games at Dodger Stadium that she could. While at UNLV, Nicole was chosen to present her research at the Western History Association’s annual conference two years in a row, won numerous scholarships for her work, and also was selected for the highly coveted Huntington Library-Martin Ridge Fellowship where she researched the historical implications of freeway construction and film studios in Los Angeles during the twentieth century as a scholar in residence. She came to the Meadows School as a long term substitute teacher in history and English at the beginning of the 2024-2025 school year and quickly became woven into the fabric of Meadows not only as a teacher but also as an assistant tennis coach for the Upper School team. Having established a strong and honest rapport with the student population, Nicole was grateful to be given the opportunity to serve as the third counselor in the College Counseling department where she has taken to her new role with enjoyment and determination.
Linda Hines
COLLEGE COUNSELING ASSISTANT
Ms. Hines is originally from Boise, Idaho. She relocated to Las Vegas in 1997. She has been working in the College Counseling Department since 2002. Ms. Hines has many duties, some of which are: Scheduling appointments for the College Counselors, sending transcripts, letters of recommendation, etc. to colleges for students, and, if necessary, answering general college counseling questions when Ms. Stewart and Ms. Lustig are not available. She enjoys spending time horseback riding, hiking, photographing nature and quilting.
