About Our Team

Photo: Grand Traverse Bay, Traverse City, Michigan

Meet Our Team

​Vicki L. Beam
​Owner

Vicki,  the founder of Michigan College Planning, has been married to Jim for more than 24 years, and helped raise his 2 grown children, John and Magan, who are busy establishing their careers in the St. Clair Shores, Michigan and Temperance, Ohio area. Their first granddaughter, Briella, was born in December 2018, their second granddaughter - Emerson, was born in February 2020 - and Vicki is helping plan for their college years. Vicki and Jim, owner of Main Beam Construction LLC. in Traverse City, enjoy spending time with their Black Lab, Elley and German Shorthaired Pointer, Gunnar. When not working or spending time with family, friends and the dogs you can find Jim and Vicki riding their Harleys as often as possible. They have enjoyed many trips to Sturgis, SD, the Kentucky and Tennessee area, Bar Harbor, Maine and Colorado - while a trip to Alaska remains on their Life List. They have called Traverse City home after relocating here over 20 years ago - and enjoy entertaining family and friends that often visit. Vicki attended University of Michigan and Russell Sage College for a B.S. in Computer Science and Management.
Michelle Berry
College Planning Specialist

Michelle came from England to Illinois at the age of 5 and moved to Northern Michigan in 2016 to be near family. Michelle has her Bachelor’s degree, Series 7, 66 and her Life/Health Insurance License. She enjoys helping others achieve their college planning and financial goals.
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She spends her spare time enjoying family and friends, especially her two nieces, a nephew and her dog, Bentley. Michelle enjoys decorating, traveling and exploring new places.
​Allison moved to the Traverse City area this past August after spending many summers here visiting family. She has fallen in love with the entire up north experience - from the incredible people, to the fantastic wine and jaw-dropping surroundings. Allison grew up in a small town in Michigan and has lived there most of her life. She has 2 cats and is hoping to adopt a dog in the near future. She loves to travel and has been to many different places around the world (from Alaska to Australia), but believes Traverse City offers a unique wonder. 
 
Allison graduated from the University of Michigan with her Bachelor’s in English and Communications. She then received her Master’s in Education from the University of Michigan and enjoyed working in the education field for the past 3 years. She is now excited to share her experiences with us. 
 
Allison is an avid reader, thrill-seeking adventurer, and dreams to one day write her own book. She likes to run and be outside. She believes life is best when surrounded by quality coffee, wine, and conversation. She is passionate about people - learning about their stories is one of her favorite things to do.