Shelly Horwitz brings a unique expertise in narrative storytelling to Fortuna. With a background in theatrical dramaturgy, she previously worked with playwrights and creative teams at multiple Tony-winning theaters. There, she learned to ask the right questions as she helped celebrated artists, and then prospective students, hone and succeed in projects from the first draft to opening night. 

Shelly earned a BA from the University of Chicago, receiving honors in both English and Theater and Performance Studies.

With a keen, empathetic curiosity and an eye for detail, Shelly has spent the past decade in college advising and specializes in gently navigating students and families through the full scope of the application process. In addition to demystifying what schools are looking for, she views college planning as an opportunity for students to both reflect on the past, and grow excited about the future. She particularly excels at imbuing students with confidence and clarity, and developing narratives that truly stand out. 

Shelly lives in Brooklyn, New York, and continues to hold very strong opinions about Tony nominations.  In addition to zipping around Broadway, she enjoys reading science fiction, hosting lavish dinner parties, and tormenting her long-suffering friends and partner with very bad puns.