This past week, I’ve received numerous inquiries about how colleges manage the vast discrepancies in grades across the country. For example, in Denver, there’s a school where 35% of students…
The transition to college is a significant milestone marked by numerous changes for all students. For neurodiverse students, these changes can present unique challenges and possibilities. At Emerging, we are…
Attending a school college fair can be an exciting but overwhelming experience. With so many schools represented, it’s essential to have a strategy to make the most of your time.…
As we head into admissions season for the class of 2025, it’s time to make the call: Should you apply for Early Decision (ED), Regular Decision (RD), or Early Action…
As the college admissions landscape becomes increasingly competitive, students are looking for ways to stand out. Many colleges now offer or require applicants to submit a video as part of…
I vividly remember when my daughter was preparing for the college transition. The excitement, the nerves, and the endless checklist of things to do. One particular Friday stands out when…
Honors colleges and programs are tailored for academically exceptional students who thrive in a dynamic and intellectually stimulating environment. Before deciding to pursue an honors program, here are some key…
As I reflect on my journey in the field of college consulting, I’m struck by how dramatically the landscape has changed. What started as a niche service for families seeking…
In today's professional environment, it's important to choose a career that aligns with your values, strengths, and passions. College consulting has experienced significant growth and evolution, offering a distinctive career…
Why Independent Educational Consultants (IECs) Should Write: Feeling Imposter Syndrome When Guiding Personal Statements? You're Not Alone. Many IECs, even those with strong writing backgrounds, experience anxiety when guiding students…
Understanding the Student Beyond the Numbers We often start with the basics in college admissions: GPAs, test scores, and extracurricular activities. However, when I meet a student for the…
Calling all Seniors approaching graduation! Navigating the journey from childhood to adulthood, the transition from high school to the next stages of life, is a significant chapter in every student's…
Superpower: Fun, empowering, engaging relationship builder and obstacle greeter.
Top 3 values: Love, family, community.
My favorite things: Good coffee, My wife’s laugh, music on the porch, apple picking in the fall, building snow forts with my three little boys, and making eggplant parmesan.
Educational passions: BA in English Literature, MA in Teaching, project-based learning and restorative justice practitioner, empowerment through interest-driven, community-based learning and action civics.
My why:To serve and to be an ally and mentor to those stepping into this exciting chapter in their lives. I love being a guide for students to choose their path, know their path, and walk their path.
Capstone Certified Mentor
Jessica Smock
Superpower: love of learning, perspective, curiosity
Top 3 values: listening, empathy, knowledge
My favorite things: My two kids, dogs, lazy and rainy afternoons spent reading, long walks, Indian food, and mystery novels.
Educational passions: BA in Sociology Wesleyan University; Masters of Arts in Teaching Boston University; College of Social Sciences Fellow Florida State University; Ed.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy and Glenn Fellow in Educational Leadership, Boston University.
My why: Helping students tell their stories and express their values to help them reach.
Essay Guru
Jessica Smock
Super Power: Love of learning, Perspective, Curiosity
Top 3 values: Listening, Empathy, Knowledge
My why: Helping students tell their stories and express their values to help them reach.
Loves: My two kids, dogs, lazy and rainy afternoons spent reading, long walks, Indian food, mystery novels
Education passions: BA in Sociology Wesleyan University; Masters of Arts in Teaching Boston University; College of Social Sciences Fellow Florida State University; Ed.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy and Glenn Fellow in Educational Leadership, Boston University
Client Manager and Capstone Certified Mentor
Hannah Broder
Superpower: Comedy
Top 3 values: Helping others, vulnerability, humor
My favorite things: Holidays with family, my 12-year-old Yorkie-pooh (Belle), my ornament collection from my travels, my Nana’s necklace that I wear every day, and a good old-fashioned lazy Sunday.
Educational passions: B.A. in Cinema and Television Arts, Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, Lucy Calkins Writing Institute Completion, UC Irvine Independent Educational Consulting, Capstone Certification from Emerging, avid reader, film lover, and travel enthusiast.
My why: Guided by a philosophy of care and intentional planning, I help students tap into their desires for the future and discover their pathway to becoming world-class citizens.
Capstone Ceritfied Mentor
Claudia Kra
Superpower: Mood boosting
Top 3 values: healthy boundaries, close relationships, growth
My favorite things: Travel, Post-it notes for reminders, chapstick, candles, and my Kindle so I can read in any setting.
Educational passions: B.A. in Communication and Elementary Education, teaching in the US and Costa Rica.
My why: I’m an optimist who is passionate about being of service and helping others achieve positive outcomes.
CEO/Founder
Laura Barr
Top 3 values: Get smarter every day, service, step-up
My favorite things: Collecting and stacking (and reading) fiction, Friday long runs (with no particular destination), writing personal narratives, my black-and-white Polaroid, bluegrass, fierce conversations, long hugs, Fridays, and thank you notes.
Educational passions: B.A. Humanities, M.A. Early Childhood and Elementary Education, Ethan Sawyer Groupie, Russian Literature fanatic, Certified in student-centered coaching and Curriculum and Instruction. 200-hour Yoga certification!
My why: I wake up every to raise and launch good humans. I believe in the power of education to raise citizens—becausewe need good citizens now more than ever.
Capstone Certified Mentor
Sydney Adams
Superpower: Empathy
Top 3 values: communication, adventure, passion
My favorite things: Reading, beaches, hiking, my dog (Boo), Thai food, playing cards, and the smell of fresh rain after a hot day.
Educational passions: B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Health, teaching, tutoring, mentoring, and travel.
My why:My favorite thing about working as a mentor is seeing students reach their goals and transform from unsure and overwhelmed to confident and enthusiastic about their future.
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