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 granddaugher - 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.

Beth Young-DuFort
​Office Manager

​As a lifelong resident of the Traverse City area, Beth comes to us after being a college planning client herself. With the assistance of Michigan College Planning, her oldest daughter Rachel successfully completed her B.A. at Albion College and received her J.D. from Michigan State University Law School - we are anxiously awaiting her Bar results. Cate, her youngest daughter, received her B.A.A.  in Health Administration from Central Michigan University - and is actively seeking her first position.  Beth and her new husband Kevin enjoy spending time with their dogs, Max and Muppet. As our main point of contact, Beth is responsible for all scheduling needs and answering questions for our clients. Her talent for finding and eliminating inefficiencies, formulating processes, and streamlining workflows has helped many organizations become more efficient. Beth holds our team accountable and ensures our clients receive great service.
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 Insurance Licenses. 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, and her dog, Bentley. Michelle enjoys decorating, traveling and exploring new places.