The Power of Growth Mindset Growth mindset has been one of my favorite topics, so I was happy to see that Angela Duckworth and Carol Dwek’s research holds up after…
One of my beloved clients Yael Nyholm, sent me this article from the Atlantic: "The End of High School English," by Daniel Herman, which almost broke my heart. The article suggests that students…
Deferral rates have increased in recent years as more and more students apply to college. However, there's still a chance of getting accepted during the regular decision cycle. There are…
When you apply to college, what do you think the admissions office looks for? Many students mistakenly believe that the admissions officers are looking for straight A students and perfect…
Navigating ACT/SAT in a Test-Optional Landscape What is a "test-optional" college admissions policy? It's actually quite simple. A test-optional policy means that you don't have to submit your standardized test…
Selectivity when Building Your College List As our seniors finish their college applications, we are working diligently with our Junior students on building college lists. Our brand promise is that…
There are many different types of financial aid, and knowing what you're eligible for can be overwhelming. This article explains the different kinds of aid offered so that you can…
Early Decision, Early Action, and Regular Decision are all terms that you will hear a lot during the college application process. But what do they mean? And which one is…
How to Stay Calm During the College Application Process 1. Start early The college application process can be daunting, but it doesn't have to be. Starting early gives you time…
Who better to ask for advice than students who have recently been through the college process? This week’s blog is written by Christopher Musselman at Senior at Leeds School of…
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.
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
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
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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