Get to Know Our Experts
Decision Drop was founded by Josh Hudley and Lisa Clay, college counseling leaders with over 40 years of combined experience in higher education. After beginning their careers in selective university admissions and then spending years guiding high school students through the application process, they created Decision Drop to offer families a clear, calm, and relational approach to college planning.
Every student benefits from their complementary strengths and deeply personalized support. With firsthand knowledge gained from visiting hundreds of college campuses and serving in leadership roles across admissions, they bring a thoughtful understanding of the process from every angle.
Lisa Clay
“Committed to helping students discover colleges where they will truly thrive by focusing on fit, authenticity, and personal growth.”
Lisa brings over 24 years of experience in higher education. She spent 11 years in the admissions offices of the University of Texas and Texas A&M University, and 14 years guiding high school students and families in Texas, Oklahoma, and Florida through every step of the college application process. She is committed to helping students discover colleges where they will truly thrive by focusing on fit, authenticity, and personal growth.
Known for her relational, student-centered approach, Lisa meets students where they are and empowers them to confidently navigate the journey ahead. She is skilled at helping students “show, not tell” in resumes and essays by transforming achievements into compelling narratives that reflect both substance and soul. At her core, she believes the college search should be a process of self-discovery, not simply a checklist.
Lisa’s process is grounded in clarity, collaboration, and approachability. She is a respected voice in the admissions industry, having visited more than 370 college campuses and participated in organizations including ACCIS, NACAC, SACAC, TACAC, GPACAC, and The College Board. Her leadership includes service as former Board Chair of ACCIS and ongoing involvement on university advisory boards nationwide.
Outside of her professional work, Lisa is known for turning nearly every vacation into a college tour with the love and patience of a supportive spouse. Over the years, they have fostered more than 90 rescue dogs through local animal welfare organizations. For Lisa, purpose does not stop at the office door.
Josh Hudley
“Committed to student-centered guidance and loves helping students find the right-fit college experience that goes beyond the most recognizable name.“
Josh is a higher education professional with 24 years of experience, including 3 years in college admissions at his Alma mater, Washington University in St. Louis. He then spent 22 years in college counseling in some of Houston’s most prestigious public and independent schools. His student-centered approach aligns students with a college experience that goes beyond the big names.
Josh serves on two counselor advisory boards and maintains membership in professional organizations including NACAC, ACCIS, TACAC, and The College Board. He has visited over 200 college campuses across the U.S. and internationally, thus offering broad insight into institutional cultures, programs, and communities.
Josh is recognized for his strong student advocacy, personalized support, and a balanced, thoughtful approach to the college search and application process. Known for blending professionalism with warmth and humor, Josh makes students and families feel supported, informed, and empowered.