Generational Development, College Counseling and Beyond
More than Acceptances. Developing a Life-Long Vision
When acceptances aren’t enough — developing your children to have a fulfilling and purposeful life requires the Interface approach. We bridge the gap between high achievement and true ownership.
3 in 5
1 in 5
can articulate what they want to do with their lives — and why.
6 x
Philosophy
Who We Work With
You’ve given your child every advantage—the schools, the access, the opportunity. But there is one thing you cannot hand down: Purpose. We partner with families who realize “getting in” is the easy part; the hard part is making sure their child doesn’t drift through the life and opportunities available to them.
- The Early Investor: You see the pressure mounting and want to act before the stakes show up on a transcript. You want your child to develop the internal strength and character to handle success with resilience.
- The Concerned Achiever: Your child’s grades are excellent, but their spark needs kindling. They are "performing" to expectations rather than living with intention. You’re ready to help them move from checking boxes to making meaningful choices
- The Legacy Builder: You’ve built a significant life and a significant name. Your focus is ensuring your children develop the conviction and maturity to carry that legacy forward with their own unique vision.
Services
Where most families start.
We guide students through every part of the application: school list, essays, interviews, and decisions, while building clarity, direction, and ownership.
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The core of what we do.
A multi-year engagement building what college and career assume but rarely teach: purpose, judgment, and the capacity to make hard decisions.
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The work upstream of everything else.
We work with parents on the patterns that shape how children meet pressure, handle opportunity, and grow into independence. Long before outcomes show on a transcript.
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The transition after admission.
We help students move from external achievement to internal direction, building the clarity, confidence, and purpose needed to navigate college, career, and adulthood with intention.
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Testimonials
“Before Interface, I assumed my job was to push. What I realized is that I needed to change. Listening differently, asking better questions, showing up without an agenda. Interface helped me see my son as a person, not just a project. He got into a great school. We also came out of it closer.”
Interface Parent
“I followed a path that felt safe but was never really mine. Interface pushed me to slow down and think about what I actually cared about, not what looked good on paper. Once I stopped building something impressive and started being honest about my interests, everything got easier to explain.”
Interface Student
“I wanted my daughter to develop a genuine sense of herself, not just a strong application. Interface gave her the space to do that. What I noticed over time was how she approached difficulty. She became deliberate, less impulsive. The hard moments ended up mattering just as much as the wins.”
Interface Parent
“Interface worked with me to start early, and do fewer things well. I had time to explore without pressure, which made it easier to figure out what I actually wanted to commit to. By the time applications came around, I was not scrambling to pull everything together. I was just showcasing what I had already […]
Interface Student
“There was always pressure to do more. At some point I stopped listening to it. Interface helped me see that depth matters more than volume. Once I focused on things I genuinely cared about, the work got better and decisions got easier. I was not building an image. I was just doing the work.”
Interface Student
Expertise
Interface is unique among counseling services, offering a true partnership of American and global expertise. Our veteran educators have spent years as counselors, admissions officers, and teachers at selective universities and high schools around the world, providing unique insights into the application process
Lorna Gray
President and FounderLorna Gray
President and Founder
Lorna Gray is the founder of Interface and the architect of its approach to Generational Development. She brings years of experience advising families across the United States and Asia, where she observed a consistent pattern: students were being prepared for admission, but not for what followed.
Lorna brings a rare combination of cross-cultural fluency and intuitive judgment. Fluent in Mandarin, Cantonese, and English, she has spent her career helping families navigate both educational systems and generational expectations.
Her approach focuses not only on outcomes, but on developing the individual behind them. She is known for her ability to recognize underlying potential, clarify direction, and guide students toward long-term growth and responsibility.
Ashley Nieblas
Chief Operating OfficerAshley Nieblas
Chief Operating Officer
Ashley Nieblas is Chief Operating Officer at Interface, where she leads the operational strategy and systems that support the firm's growth, consistency, and long-term impact. Her work sits at the intersection of mission and execution, ensuring that Interface's high-touch model is matched by the organizational clarity and infrastructure required to sustain it.
Ashley brings over a decade of experience in education leadership and operations. Before joining Interface, she served as Chief of Staff at Collegewise, where she led company-wide strategic planning, supported cross-functional execution, and developed operational frameworks that strengthened both team performance and client experience.
She is known for translating complexity into structure and helping organizations scale without losing the quality, trust, and human focus that define their work. Ashley earned her B.A. in History from UCLA and holds an M.F.A. in Writing.
Dr. Tiffany Noel
Senior Director of Learning and Leadership DevelopmentDr. Tiffany Noel
Senior Director of Learning and Leadership Development
Dr. Tiffany Noel is Senior Director of Learning and Leadership Development at Interface, where she works at the intersection of college counseling, writing strategy, and student development. An interdisciplinary educator and scholar, Tiffany brings more than 15 years of experience leading undergraduate and graduate programs, publishing scholarly research, and presenting at national and international conferences.
Her work reflects a longstanding commitment to transformational learning, culturally responsive practice, and the development of students as thoughtful, self-aware communicators.
At Interface, Tiffany helps students build narrative clarity across every part of the application process, focusing on how students communicate who they are, what drives them, and how they are growing. She is known for fostering narrative coherence, intellectual depth, and strategic alignment across student work.
Dr. Pia Sahni
Senior Director of Counseling OperationsDr. Pia Sahni
Senior Director of Counseling Operations
Dr. Pia Sahni is Senior Director of Counseling Operations at Interface, where she oversees counseling quality, team development, and the student and family experience across the organization. She brings a strong background in higher education, mentorship, and interdisciplinary learning, with experience working closely with students and counseling teams across the globe.
Pia earned her PhD and Master’s degree in American Studies from Brown University, where she taught courses in American history and literature, Asian American studies, and interdisciplinary cultural analysis. She received her BA in English and Women’s Studies from Wesleyan University. Throughout her academic career, she focused on helping students make meaningful connections across disciplines, identities, and intellectual interests.
Before joining Interface, Pia served as Director of Counselor Management, where she led counselor development, maintained counseling quality, and worked directly with students navigating highly selective admissions processes. Her students earned admission to many of the world’s most competitive universities, including Top 20 institutions.
At Interface, Pia is known for her thoughtful leadership, intellectual rigor, and ability to build strong relationships across counselors, students, and families. Her work reflects Interface’s broader commitment to helping students move beyond external achievement toward deeper clarity, confidence, and long-term growth.
Keith Gramling
Director of Admissions Strategy & CounselingKeith Gramling
Director of Admissions Strategy & Counseling
Keith Gramling is Director of Admissions Strategy and Counseling at Interface, where he helps students and families navigate the admissions process with insight, care, and a deep understanding of how colleges make decisions. He brings more than 25 years of experience in admissions and college counseling, including over 20 years at Loyola University New Orleans, where he led the Office of Admissions and oversaw both domestic and international recruitment.
Throughout his career, his central focus has remained the same: helping students identify their goals, understand their options, and move forward with confidence and purpose.
Since joining Interface in 2015, Keith has worked closely with Chinese and other international students, guiding them through thoughtful, well-informed application decisions within the context of their individual backgrounds and aspirations. He believes college counseling is not simply about completing applications, but about educating students and families on the process, the landscape, and the choices available to them.
Stephanie Schneider
Associate Director of the Writing TeamStephanie Schneider
Associate Director of the Writing Team
Stephanie Schneider is Associate Director of the Writing Team at Interface, where she works with students to develop clear, distinctive, and deeply personal writing across the college application process. She brings a broad background in teaching, writing, and school leadership, with experience across grades 6–12 in English instruction, curriculum design, and student advising.
Over the course of her career, she has taught Honors and AP English Literature and Language, developed creative writing curricula, and helped students strengthen their critical thinking, reading, and communication skills.
At Interface, Stephanie helps students build confidence in their storytelling and develop writing that is authentic, polished, and intellectually engaging.
Susan Goodkin
Senior Strategic AdvisorSusan Goodkin
Senior Strategic Advisor
Susan Goodkin is a Senior Strategic Advisor at Interface, where she works closely with counselors and students to help shape highly distinctive extracurricular and academic trajectories for the most selective college admissions processes. A graduate of Harvard College, Harvard Law School, and Oxford University, where she was a Rhodes Scholar, Susan brings rare academic breadth and strategic insight to her work with students.
Her approach focuses on helping students move beyond standard high school credentials by identifying creative, ambitious, and genuinely meaningful ways to pursue their interests.
Susan is known for her ability to see what is possible before students can see it themselves, and for the clarity and precision she brings to positioning students who aspire to the most competitive institutions in the world.
Hope Murtaugh
Special AdvisorHope Murtaugh
Special Advisor
Hope Murtaugh is a Special Advisor at Interface, where she provides strategic guidance on selective college admissions and works closely with students and families navigating high-stakes application processes. A graduate of Princeton University, Hope began her career in admissions at her alma mater, where she served as an Admission Officer and Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admissions.
Since then, she has spent more than two decades counseling students around the world on admission to top U.S. and U.K. institutions, while also leading counseling teams and advising programs. Her work is grounded in a deep understanding of how highly selective admissions decisions are made, as well as a strong commitment to helping students present themselves with clarity and authenticity.
Hope is known for her calm, perceptive approach and her ability to help students think more clearly about who they are and how they want to move forward.
Dr. Lei Yu
Director of OperationsDr. Lei Yu
Director of Operations
Dr. Lei Yu is Director of Operations at Interface, where he supports systems and graduate advising, helping students build structured academic pathways aligned with competitive programs and long-term educational goals.
Lei holds a master’s degree from the University of Southern California and a Ph.D. in Social Gerontology from Miami University, along with a graduate certificate in Applied Statistics. His academic background brings together quantitative analysis, qualitative research, and a deep understanding of long-term educational and developmental pathways.
Before and alongside his work at Interface, he developed extensive experience in graduate advising, helping students navigate program selection, research preparation, and application strategy. Lei is known for his analytical rigor and structured approach, as well as his ability to help students make well-informed decisions in complex academic environments.
Rainbow Chen
Director of Customer ServiceRainbow Chen
Director of Customer Service
Rainbow Chen is Director of Customer Service at Interface, where she helps ensure that students and families experience the admissions journey with confidence, continuity, and clear communication at every stage. With more than 20 years of experience in education and student support, Rainbow brings a deep understanding of internationally engaged families and the importance of trust throughout the advising process.
Her background includes extensive experience working with both Chinese and American students, giving her a strong cross-cultural perspective that is central to Interface’s work. She is especially skilled at helping families navigate differences in language, expectations, and educational systems.
Rainbow is known for her ability to create a sense of stability and clarity in what can often be a complex and high-pressure process, ensuring that families feel supported, informed, and well-guided from beginning to end.
Lei Shen
Associate Director of Customer ServiceLei Shen
Associate Director of Customer Service
Lei Shen is Associate Director of Customer Service at Interface, where she helps lead the customer service team and supports students and families through each stage of the educational process. Before joining Interface in 2011, Lei worked with students at Education First in China and later in the United States after completing her graduate studies.
She brings experience across both international and U.S. educational environments, along with a strong understanding of the communication and coordination required to support families effectively. At Interface, she plays a key role in training team members and ensuring a consistent, high-quality experience across the organization.
Lei is known for her steady leadership and deep care for families, as well as her ability to build trust and maintain clear communication across cultures and expectations.
Dr. Maria Doulatova
Personal Development & Motivation CoachDr. Maria Doulatova
Personal Development & Motivation Coach
Dr. Maria Doulatova is Personal Development and Motivation Coach at Interface, where she leads the design and implementation of the Academic Performance Coaching Program. She holds a Ph.D. in Philosophy-Neuroscience-Psychology from Washington University in St. Louis, where her research focused on stress regulation, learning, self-control, and motivation.
With more than 14 years of experience in education and mentorship, Maria brings an interdisciplinary, research-driven perspective to her work with students. She focuses on helping high-achieving students understand how stress, identity, and pressure shape performance, and how they can develop more sustainable and effective approaches to learning.
At Interface, she designs coaching sessions and programs that translate psychological research into practical strategies, helping students build resilience, strengthen self-awareness, and approach achievement with greater clarity and purpose.
Serena Yao
Director of Personnel AdministrationSerena Yao
Director of Personnel Administration
Serena Yao is Director of Personnel Administration at Interface, where she leads human resources and administrative functions that support the organization’s internal strength, consistency, and long-term growth. She holds an MBA from Sun Yat-sen University and began her career in a technical role at Guangzhou Broadcasting and Television Network Co., Ltd.
Since joining Interface, she has played a key role in strengthening the organization’s internal systems and personnel infrastructure. Her work focuses on thoughtful human resource planning, internal coordination, and building structures that support both individual performance and team cohesion.
Serena is known for her disciplined, structured approach and her commitment to creating an environment where teams can operate effectively and deliver at a high level.
Dr. Toby Bowman
CounselorDr. Toby Bowman
Counselor
With more than 15 years of experience in university admissions and counseling, Toby helps students develop thoughtful, compelling applications to leading universities in the United States, the United Kingdom, and around the world. His work focuses not only on where students apply, but on helping them understand who they are as learners and how to communicate that clearly through their applications.
Before joining Interface, Toby served as an admissions officer at the University of Oxford and later worked closely with students applying to highly selective universities internationally. He also served as an examiner for Oxford's History Aptitude Test while completing his DPhil in the History of Science at Oxford.
Toby works with students pursuing admission to highly selective universities in both the U.S. and abroad. His students have earned admission to institutions including Harvard, Stanford, MIT, Duke, Johns Hopkins, Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College London, LSE, ETH Zurich, and Sciences Po. Families value his calm, thoughtful approach and his ability to help students transform complex interests and experiences into clear, compelling application narratives.
Dr. Chris Tudico
CounselorDr. Chris Tudico
Counselor
Chris helps students navigate the college admissions process with a combination of deep expertise, thoughtful mentorship, and a strong commitment to student growth. With more than a decade of experience in college counseling and admissions, he works closely with students to develop ambitious goals, identify meaningful opportunities, and build authentic application narratives that reflect their strengths and aspirations.
Chris earned his bachelor's degree from Georgetown University and both a master's degree and Ph.D. in Education from the University of Pennsylvania, where his research focused on access to higher education. He has served as Director of College Counseling at both Saint Martin de Porres High School and Cristo Rey High School, and later as Director of College Access with Thrive Scholars, a nationally recognized organization supporting high-achieving students through admission to highly selective colleges and universities.
Throughout his career, Chris has helped students gain admission to institutions including Harvard, MIT, Northwestern, Georgetown, Cornell, and Washington University in St. Louis. Families value his collaborative, student-centered approach and his commitment to helping students develop the confidence, self-awareness, and skills needed to succeed both in college admissions and beyond.
Keith Gramling
CounselorKeith Gramling
Counselor
Keith Gramling brings more than 25 years of experience in college admissions and counseling, including over two decades leading university admissions and recruitment efforts. He helps students and families navigate the admissions process with clarity, confidence, and a deep understanding of how colleges evaluate applicants and build incoming classes.
Throughout his career, Keith's focus has remained consistent: helping students identify their goals, understand their options, and make informed decisions about their educational futures. His extensive admissions leadership experience provides students and families with a unique perspective on the admissions process from the inside out.
Since joining Interface in 2015, Keith has worked closely with American and international students, guiding them through thoughtful application strategies tailored to their individual backgrounds, interests, and aspirations. He believes college counseling is not simply about gaining admission, but about helping students and families understand the admissions landscape, develop confidence in their choices, and find the institutions where they will thrive academically and personally.
Dana Zullo
CounselorDana Zullo
Counselor
Dana Zullo is the author of The Creative Candidate: A Guide to College Admissions for Teen Artists and a college admissions counselor who specializes in helping students discover and communicate what makes them distinctive. She is particularly skilled at working with creative students, including artists, designers, musicians, performers, and other students whose talents and interests may not fit traditional admissions narratives. Families value her ability to help students develop authentic portfolios, essays, and application strategies that showcase both their accomplishments and their individuality.
A graduate of Columbia University and former NCAA Division I athlete, Dana brings a diverse background in education, admissions, writing, and the arts. She has served as a college counselor, a Senior Enrollment Representative for the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), and a Columbia alumni interviewer. Following graduation, she also served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Ghana, an experience that continues to shape her commitment to personal growth, cultural understanding, and educational opportunity.
Dana is a published writer whose work has appeared in literary and arts publications, and she has helped students gain admission to selective universities throughout the United States and internationally, as well as leading art and design schools where students have earned significant portfolio-based scholarships. Her counseling philosophy centers on helping students identify their strengths, communicate their stories with confidence, and pursue opportunities that align with their goals, talents, and values.
Dr. Lei Yu
CounselorDr. Lei Yu
Counselor
Dr. Lei Yu advises both undergraduate and graduate school applicants, drawing on doctoral training in student development, behavioral research, and statistics to provide highly personalized admissions guidance. He helps students identify their strengths, develop meaningful academic and extracurricular plans, and build authentic application narratives that reflect both achievement and personal growth.
Lei holds a master's degree from the University of Southern California, a Ph.D. in Social Gerontology from Miami University, and a graduate certificate in Applied Statistics. His academic background provides a unique perspective on how students develop interests, motivation, confidence, and identity over time. Students and families value his ability to build high-trust relationships while maintaining clear structure and accountability throughout the admissions process.
Lei has successfully guided students to admission at highly selective colleges and universities, including Ivy League institutions and leading public and private universities across the United States. His counseling philosophy is grounded in both empathy and rigor, helping students pursue ambitious goals while developing the self-awareness, independence, and resilience that will serve them well beyond admissions.
Susan Goodkin
Special AdvisorSusan Goodkin
Special Advisor
Susan Goodkin helps students develop distinctive academic, extracurricular, and personal profiles that reflect their genuine interests while positioning them for success at highly selective colleges and universities. Families value her ability to identify opportunities that move students beyond conventional activities and toward experiences that demonstrate intellectual curiosity, initiative, and authentic engagement.
Susan is a graduate of Harvard College and Harvard Law School and was awarded a Rhodes Scholarship to study at the University of Oxford. Before transitioning to education, she practiced law, developing the analytical thinking, persuasive communication, and strategic problem-solving skills that now inform her work with students and families.
At Interface, Susan works closely with students to identify meaningful academic interests, design unique projects and experiences, and build compelling application narratives that stand out in an increasingly competitive admissions landscape. She is particularly skilled at helping students connect their interests across disciplines and pursue opportunities that align with both their strengths and long-term goals.
Hope Murtaugh
Special AdvisorHope Murtaugh
Special Advisor
Hope Murtaugh is a Special Advisor at Interface, where she provides strategic guidance on selective college admissions and works closely with students and families navigating high-stakes application processes. A graduate of Princeton University, Hope began her career in admissions at her alma mater, where she served as an Admission Officer and Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admissions.
Since then, she has spent more than two decades counseling students around the world on admission to top U.S. and U.K. institutions, while also leading counseling teams and advising programs. Her work is grounded in a deep understanding of how highly selective admissions decisions are made, as well as a strong commitment to helping students present themselves with clarity and authenticity.
Hope is known for her calm, perceptive approach and her ability to help students think more clearly about who they are and how they want to move forward.
Debbie Greenberg
CounselorDebbie Greenberg
Counselor
With nearly three decades of experience in college counseling, Debbie Meyer Greenberg is known for her warm, encouraging approach and her ability to help students build confidence, discover their strengths, and reach their full potential. Families value Debbie's gift for meeting students where they are and helping them grow into more self-aware, motivated, and confident versions of themselves throughout the admissions process.
Throughout her career, Debbie has served as a college counselor, founded her own educational consulting practice, and developed college counseling programs for nationally recognized college access organizations. She previously served as Director of College Counseling at College Bound St. Louis and as a college counselor at Whitfield School. In recognition of her impact on students, she was selected as Counselor of the Year by the Colleges That Change Lives consortium.
Debbie is particularly skilled at working with high-achieving students who struggle with self-confidence, students who need encouragement to recognize their own potential, and those who are still finding their voice. Her students often arrive feeling uncertain or overwhelmed and leave with a stronger sense of purpose, direction, and belief in themselves. She is known for building meaningful relationships with students and creating an environment where students feel comfortable taking risks, exploring possibilities, and growing through the process.
Debbie holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and a master's degree from Washington University in St. Louis. Her counseling philosophy is rooted in the belief that college admissions is not simply about gaining acceptance to a university, but about helping students develop the confidence, resilience, and self-understanding that will serve them throughout their lives.
Rob Annis
CounselorRob Annis
Counselor
Rob is a graduate admissions counselor with more than 14 years of experience helping students gain admission to top graduate and professional programs. A graduate of Harvard University and Cornell Law School, he combines firsthand admissions experience with deep expertise in law school admissions, graduate education, and professional development.
Before joining Interface, Rob served as an admissions officer at Harvard University, where he developed a nuanced understanding of how highly selective institutions evaluate applicants. He later built a successful career as an attorney at Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP, one of the world's leading law firms, giving him unique insight into both graduate education and the professional pathways that follow.
Rob's students have earned admission to leading graduate and professional programs including Harvard, Columbia, the University of Chicago, the University of Pennsylvania, NYU, Cornell, Georgetown, UCLA, USC, Vanderbilt, and Washington University in St. Louis. Families value his ability to help applicants articulate their experiences, goals, and strengths in ways that resonate with admissions committees while remaining authentic to who they are.
In addition to his admissions work, Rob is a published author and former test-prep company founder. His counseling philosophy emphasizes thoughtful self-reflection, strategic positioning, and clear communication, helping students present compelling applications while preparing for long-term professional success.
Katerina Papageorgio
CounselorKaterina Papageorgio
Counselor
Katerina Papageorgio brings more than two decades of experience in college admissions, student advising, and higher education administration. She is known for her warm, supportive approach and her ability to help students and families navigate the admissions process with confidence, clarity, and reduced stress.
Katerina began her career in higher education at Washington University in St. Louis, where she worked in the Office of Undergraduate Admissions before serving as Assistant Dean and Director of Overseas Programs in the Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts. Her experience evaluating applicants, advising students, and working closely with families provides valuable insight into the admissions process from multiple perspectives.
Throughout her counseling career, Katerina has guided students through every stage of the college admissions journey, helping them identify best-fit colleges, develop thoughtful application strategies, and stay organized throughout a complex process. Families value her ability to break large goals into manageable steps while providing steady encouragement and personalized support along the way.
Katerina holds a Bachelor of Arts from Washington University in St. Louis and an MBA from the University of Missouri–St. Louis. Her counseling philosophy is rooted in the belief that successful admissions outcomes come from thoughtful planning, strong relationships, and helping students feel supported as they prepare for the next chapter of their lives.
Kathleen Schultz
CounselorKathleen Schultz
Counselor
Kathleen has spent her career helping students gain admission to leading universities around the world. She has led college counseling programs at highly respected international schools across Europe and Asia, helping students navigate admissions to selective institutions in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Europe, Australia, and beyond. Families value her global perspective, deep admissions expertise, and commitment to helping students find institutions that align with their goals, strengths, and aspirations.
In addition to her counseling work, Kathleen serves as a reader for undergraduate applications at UCLA, where she has personally evaluated thousands of applications. This experience provides firsthand insight into how admissions decisions are made and what distinguishes successful applicants in an increasingly competitive landscape.
Kathleen is widely recognized as a leader in the college admissions profession. She has written articles and book chapters on admissions best practices, regularly presents on admissions topics, and has served in leadership roles within the International Association for College Admission Counseling (International ACAC), one of the most respected professional organizations in the field.
Her counseling philosophy centers on helping students identify their strengths, explore opportunities that align with their interests, and present authentic applications that reflect both their accomplishments and their potential. She is known for building strong relationships with students and helping them approach the admissions process with confidence and purpose.
Claire Dickerson
CounselorClaire Dickerson
Counselor
Claire brings more than four decades of experience in college counseling and student advising, helping students and families navigate the admissions process with clarity, structure, and accountability. A former high school counselor and one of Interface's earliest counselors, she is known for her hands-on approach and unwavering commitment to helping students stay focused, organized, and on track throughout the admissions journey.
Throughout her career, Claire has guided hundreds of students to successful admissions outcomes at colleges and universities across the United States. Families value her ability to quickly identify strengths, challenges, and opportunities for growth, providing practical guidance that helps students make meaningful progress toward their goals.
Claire's counseling philosophy is rooted in the belief that successful outcomes come from consistent effort, thoughtful planning, and strong communication. She works closely with both students and parents, serving as a trusted advisor who provides honest feedback, clear expectations, and personalized support every step of the way.
Joy Flaherty
CounselorJoy Flaherty
Counselor
Joy Flaherty brings more than a decade of college counseling experience to her work with students and families. Drawing on her background in social work, she helps students navigate the admissions process with thoughtful guidance, careful listening, and a deep commitment to understanding each student as an individual. Families value her ability to create a supportive environment where students can explore their interests, strengths, and goals while making informed decisions about their future.
Joy holds a master's degree in Social Work from Loyola University Chicago and has spent her career helping students identify colleges and universities that align with their academic interests, personal values, and long-term aspirations. She believes the college search process is not simply about gaining admission, but about finding the environments where students will thrive both academically and personally.
To ensure students receive current and informed guidance, Joy regularly visits college campuses, meets with admissions representatives, and participates in professional development opportunities throughout the year. She is known for building lasting relationships with students and families and helping them approach the admissions process with confidence, clarity, and perspective.
Joann Elliott
CounselorJoann Elliott
Counselor
Joann brings more than three decades of experience helping students and families navigate the college admissions process. She is known for her thoughtful, student-centered approach and her ability to help students build confidence while reducing the stress often associated with college planning. Families value her steady guidance, attention to detail, and genuine enthusiasm for helping students discover and pursue their goals.
With a master's degree in counseling, Joann has served as a high school college counselor, independent educational consultant, and application reader for a major university. She has also held leadership roles within her state's professional counseling association and is the author of two books focused on college admissions and finding the right college fit.
Throughout her career, Joann has helped students identify their strengths, develop confidence in their abilities, and make thoughtful decisions about their educational futures. Her counseling philosophy emphasizes self-awareness, organization, and informed decision-making, helping students approach the admissions process with greater clarity, confidence, and purpose.
