NASFAA Certification Exam Preparation Online Workshop Facilitators
NASFAA Certification Exam Preparation Workshops are led by experienced financial aid professionals who hold the FAAC® designation.
These facilitators bring a wealth of knowledge to each workshop, offering practical guidance, insider tips, and invaluable insights into both the exam experience and the long-term benefits of earning certification. In doing so, they actively contribute to NASFAA's mission of advancing the financial aid profession and enhancing the credibility of financial aid administrators nationwide.
Facilitators for 2025-26
Sara Bauer, FAAC®
Sara Bauer is a Senior Financial Aid Specialist at Herzing University in Milwaukee with over 15 years of higher education experience. She holds a graduate degree in Forest Hydrology and Watershed Management and has served in a wide range of roles, including Bursar, Financial Aid Advisor, Compliance Specialist, and Director of Financial Aid. Sara remains active in professional associations, currently serving on MASFAA’s Professional Development Committee and previously supporting conference committees for MASFAA and WASFAA. She earned her FAAC® designation in 2023, began her Doctorate in Higher Education Administration in 2025, and enjoys hiking in her spare time.
Alex Guiral, FAAC®
Alex Guiral earned the FAAC® designation in December 2022 and will be recertifying as a member of the 100+ Club. Alex serves as an FAAC® trainer for the EASFAA region's in-person training opportunities. He currently holds six NASFAA Credentials and regularly provides credential trainings. Alex was part of the Training Committee for the FAAC® Forum Track at NASFAA's 2025 Leadership Conference. He is currently the Past-President of NJASFAA (New Jersey) and the Treasurer of the EASFAA Region.
Dr. Samantha Hicks, FAAC®
Dr. Samantha Hicks began her financial aid career in 2007 as a federal work-study student and now serves as Assistant Vice President of Financial Aid & Scholarships at Coastal Carolina University. She holds degrees in Elementary Education (B.A.), Business Administration (M.B.A.), and Higher Education Leadership (Ed.D), with her doctoral research focusing on financial stress and literacy among undergraduates. Dr. Hicks has served in various roles within financial aid associations, including NASFAA’s Executive Leadership Collective Cohort for 2024-2025.
Brad Meyers, FAAC®
With over 15 years of experience across a range of institution types, Brad Meyers serves as Associate Director of Financial Aid Operations and Compliance at Southeastern Louisiana University. He is also President-Elect of the Southwest Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (SWASFAA) and a past President of LASFAA (Louisiana). Brad believes that well-designed aid policy, shaped by financial aid professionals, is key to expanding opportunity, improving outcomes, and empowering students to build brighter, more secure futures.
Ben Montecillo, FAAC®
Ben Montecillo, MPA, is the Executive Director for Scholarships & Financial Aid at the University of Houston, bringing more than 15 years of financial aid leadership experience across major public and graduate/professional institutions. An active leader in the profession, Ben has presented at conferences nationwide and served on multiple state, regional, and national association boards, including SWASFAA—where he was elected 2023 President—and the NASFAA Board of Directors. He holds both a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and a master’s degree in Public Administration from Texas Tech University.
Molly Walsh, FAAC®
Molly Walsh is the Director of Financial Aid & Scholarships at DigiPen Institute of Technology in Redmond, WA. She started her career in financial aid in 2007, getting her start in higher education as a work study student at the University of Portland. She holds degrees in History and French (B.A.) and Business Administration (M.B.A.). Molly is the current WFAA (Washington State) President and an active member of WASFAA, serving primarily on the training teams for fall training and WASFAA’s summer institute.
Interested in becoming a facilitator? Take advantage of this opportunity to gain hands-on experience and make a meaningful impact in the financial aid community by contacting NASFAA's Certification Team at [email protected]!