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: to be in several places at the same time
Top 3 values: Conscious Growth, Courage, and Connection
My favorite things: traveling with my kids, enjoying a warm cup of coffee, and waking up slowly
Educational passions: Studying the Spanish language, Yoga in Polyvagal Theory and Neuroscience, geography and culture around the world, international relocation logistics
My Why:
I believe everyone deserves a space to feel truly seen, heard, and capable of more than ever imagined. My work is devoted to helping students step into independence with courage, clarity, and confidence.
Casey Condia
Superpower: X-Ray Vision for Souls- Not just seeing what a person does, but also seeing the why behind it.
Top 3 Values: Compassion, integrity, being present
My Favorite Things: Walks with my family, gardening, my magnet collection from my travels, saying hi to my neighbors, a good book on a rainy day
Educational Passions: B.S. in Psychology, Education Specialist Teaching Credential, Single Subject Science Teaching Credential, avid reader, podcast lover
My why: I believe that everyone is searching to answer, “Who am I, and what is my place in the world?” I don’t just see a student; I see the adult they are becoming. I want to help people find the place where their unique talents meet the world’s greatest needs.
Ashley Wackman
Superpower: Creating and improving systems
Top 3 values: Connection, Kindness and Intention
My favorite things: I love the small, cozy joys: the smell of books and brand-new school supplies, pretty stationery and journals, snail mail and holiday cards. I’m happiest on grocery day, painting with watercolors, snuggling the people I love, and ending a lake day with a bonfire and pontoon ride. Add seasonal candy (candy corn, conversation hearts) and any meal by the water or a pool, and I’m in my happy place.
Educational passions: BS in Mass Communications, MA Education, reading, documentaries and nature shows, traveling somewhere new and visiting an old favorite each year.
My Why: I’ve spent most of my career working in education and student-facing operations roles. I’m really drawn to work that helps people move forward and become the best versions of themselves — whether that’s students, families, or the teams I’m supporting behind the scenes. I’ve also been really inspired by strong women, and that’s shaped the kinds of environments I’m drawn to. It’s important to me to model for my two girls that women can build meaningful careers, care deeply about people, and still show up for their families and themselves.
James DeMarco
Superpower: Storytelling
Top 3 values: Cultural Sensitivity, Empowerment, Collaboration
My favorite things: Reading, Traveling, Mexican food, and every minute with my four Chocolate Labradors.
Educational passions: B.A. in English, M.A. in Education, teaching, traveling, and volunteering.
My Why: I enjoy helping students uncover their strengths, refine their writing, and craft authentic applications so that they gain confidence in their voice and feel proud of how they represent themselves to colleges.
Sarah DerOvanesian
Superpower: Making Others Feel Seen and Cared For, Creative Thinking, Organizing & Planning
Top 3 values: Peace, Love and Compassion
My favorite things: Hearing others’ stories and sharing mine, Old books, New places, Growing and learning always, Writing about what I discover, Seeing the beauty of daily life…like flowers and butterflies!
Educational passions: B.A. in Early Childhood Education, M.A. in School Counseling, College Counseling Certificate. Guiding and Encouraging.
My Why: I feel called to help young people get to know themselves, understand the fullness of their potential and find ways to walk in it!
Escely Marr
Superpower: Being a chameleon and networking
Top 3 values: Authenticity, Empathy, Never stop learning
My favorite things: Slow mornings, coffee in a good mug, bookstores, exploring new countries, pilates, baking, traditions, and watching my daughter discover the world
Educational passions: B.S. in Psychology from Central Michigan University and an M.A. in Counseling from the University of San Diego. Education systems in other countries, mindfulness, and holistic student growth and discovery in early education, and the informal education of learning from others around you.
My Why: I am a first-generation high school graduate, and everything I have learned in my life is largely due to seeking information out myself. It has been my life’s purpose to give a voice and provide knowledge to those in need.
Analee Giordano
Superpower: Creating perfect playlists for any mood
Top 3 Values: Authenticity, Joy, Compassion
My Favorite Things: Hand-painted cards to send to my friends and family, a porch with a waterfront view, my antique tea set collection and blue willow collection, birds visiting my feeders and bird baths, and nighttime cuddles with my dogs.
Educational Passions: I am passionate about creating meaningful educational experiences that foster clarity, connection, and confidence. I have a love for travel, wellness, and conservation, and am especially drawn to helping students explore how their values, interests, and everyday choices shape their learning and personal growth.
My Why: As a first-generation college student, I remember how disorienting it felt to navigate big decisions without a clear roadmap—even with a strong support system. I craved clarity, confidence, and belonging, but often felt like I was piecing it all together alone. That experience shaped me, teaching me the value of resilience, curiosity, and asking deeper questions—not just about what I wanted to do, but who I wanted to be. My “why” is rooted in a lifelong commitment to growth and creating spaces where people feel seen, capable, and connected to their purpose.
KC Sylvestre
Superpower: Optimism
Top 3 values: Connection, Compassion, Adventure
My favorite things: I enjoy reading, holiday traditions, traveling, and learning about new cultures through food; watching my kids learn and explore; and I love organizing…for fun!
Educational passions: B.A. in Psychology from UMass Amherst, M.A. in School Counseling from Boston College, UCLA Extension College Counseling Certificate.
My why: I love getting to know each student’s strengths and passions to help guide them find the best pathway to their future.
Katie Cochran
Superpower: organization, ability to find whatever is “lost” and knowing the name of that random actor who is in everything
Top 3 Values: honesty, open communication, helping others My favorite things: a rainy Saturday afternoon with a good book, a warm cup of coffee or tea, the smell of bread baking in the oven, going for a run, playing board games with my kids, watching sports while working on my next embroidery project
Educational Passions: B.A in History with emphasis on European and US History, Single Subject Social Science Credential, M.A. in World War II Studies
My why: I believe in relational education where educators take time to learn how their students learn best. When students know how they learn the best, they can become an advocate for themselves and learn how to advocate for others in the future.
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.
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.
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
Lexie Musselman
Superpower: Building genuine connections.
Top 3 values: Authenticity, Empowerment, Growth
My favorite things: Lazy mornings with my dog, a strong cup of coffee, being outdoors, a patio on a sunny day, power walks, fresh snow, and a new pajama set.
Educational passions: BS in Communication and History from the College of Wooster. I love continual learning about any topic! Recently, it’s been Real Estate trends and World War II History from the women’s perspective, learning about the untold stories.
My Why: I help people tell their stories, find their voice, and step into their next chapter with confidence. Through meaningful connections and thoughtful guidance, I empower students to articulate their experiences in a way that feels authentic and impactful. My passion lies in helping them unlock opportunities they may not have thought possible, giving them the tools to share their unique perspectives with the world.
Sarah Modica
Superpower: Organization & time management
Top 3 values: Truth, growth, helping others
My favorite things: Coffee, travel, being at the beach, Peloton power zone training, a good facial, crossing things off lists, comfy pants, “me time,” and a weekend with no plans!
Educational passions: BS in Secondary Education with a focus on Social Studies & Peace Studies, EdM in International Education Policy, community-based development, process optimization and finding efficiencies, always being a teacher and a student, supporting others to reach their potential, getting meta about reality TV.
My Why: Dedicated to raising two boys who will grow into kind, thoughtful, and compassionate global citizens and fierce feminists.
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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