About StepAhead

StepAhead College Advising offers comprehensive, personalized guidance to students and their families as they navigate their post-high school journey. 

My favorite part of this work is being able to form connections with students and to share in their personal growth journey as they move from a high school student to a young adult. 

As this is likely the first time in a student’s life they are choosing their own path - separate from their friends, it can be both exciting and at times terrifying. Add to that the ever-changing landscape and highly competitive nature of college admissions, and it is natural for students and their families to feel nervous. I founded StepAhead College to help reduce the stress for families, so they can be confident their applications will be complete and submitted on time.

Professional Background

I have worked full-time in college admissions counseling for ten years, both as an Independent College Consultant and as a High School-based College Counselor. I am a member of several professional organizations, which ensures I adhere to the highest professional standards. 

  • National Association of College Admissions Counselors

  • Higher Education Consultants Association

  • Rocky Mountain Association for College Admissions Counseling

  • Colorado College Consultants

Industry Expertise

The world of college admissions has changed a lot in the past several years. Each year, I  attend conferences and closely follow the industry news  to stay current on the latest trends in college admissions. I personally visit several colleges each year, including large public universities and small private colleges, where I meet with admissions officers, talk to current students and gain insight into each college’s  unique programs and culture. I bring this information back to the students and families I work with to help them make informed decisions about where to apply and how a college might be a good fit for them.

Education

I completed the UC Berkeley College and Career Counseling Certificate Program and have ~10 years experience working as an Independent College Advisor and as a school-based College Counselor. I am experienced in 1:1 and group advising, academic counseling, parent education programs and I have developed strong relationships with college admissions officers.

I earned my BA from Williams College and an MBA from Cornell University.  Prior to working as a college advisor, I had a career in marketing in the medical device industry.  While I enjoyed working in the corporate world, college advising is my true passion - and I am thrilled to have found it. I love working with high school students and helping them to figure out what their next step in life might be.

Kate received her College Admissions & Career Planning Certificate from UC Berkeley and has over eight years experience as a College Counselor. Kate created and delivered the college prep program at Design Tech High School, a new public charter school. She is experienced in 1:1 and group advising, academic counseling and Parent Education programs. Kathleen has developed strong relationships with college admissions officers.

Kate received her BA from Williams College and an MBA from Cornell University.  Prior to working as a college advisor, Kate had a career in marketing in the medical device industry.  While she enjoyed working in the corporate world, Kathleen has found that college advising is her true passion. 

Kate is a member of the National Association of College Admissions Counselors (NACAC), the Higher Education Consultant Association (HECA) and the College Consultants of Colorado.

I would be honored to guide your student as they navigate their post-high school journey. Please contact me for a free 30-minute consultation to see if I might be a good fit for your family.