Lisa’s Story

I am an independent college consultant and clinical psychologist with over 30 years of clinical and consulting practice and have experience in helping teens and recognize their strengths and find their best-fit futures. In addition, I have extensive experience working with students who have ADHD, dyslexia, dyscalculia, anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. My clinical psychology background is an asset when it comes to understanding the complexities of each student and their needs. I am also the mother of three– a college graduate, a high school student, and a middle schooler–each with their own unique strengths and challenges– and have plenty of lived experience in the crazy world of parenting.

I received my undergraduate degree from the University of Chicago, and my Ph.D. from Northwestern University. I completed my postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. I am a licensed clinical psychologist in Illinois and North Carolina. In addition, I completed the Independent Educational Consultant certification program at the University of California-Irvine, and am a professional member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA).

I am also excited to have completed my training as a certified Highlands Ability Assessment professional, an ability battery which provides powerful insight to both students and adults about recognizing and using their strengths to their best advantage.

Lynda’s Story

I’m Lynda, a college coach originally from Michigan, now based in the St. Louis metro area. I work closely with students to help them create application essays that truly reflect their authentic voices and unique strengths. I believe it’s important for students to “love their college list,” and I guide them through thoughtful research to find colleges where they’ll genuinely feel at home. I’m dedicated to digging deep to find the perfect match for each student.

In addition to college coaching, I work with the Matchlighters Scholars Program, supporting high-achieving, low-income students in navigating the college admissions process. I also serve as a scholarship essay reader and interviewer for The Gates Scholarship and the Saginaw Community Foundation. I’ve also served on college scholarship committees. My experience spans from coaching students applying to highly selective universities to advising community college students on transferring to four-year schools.

I’m an active member of the Missouri Association for College Admission Counseling, the Southern Association for College Admission Counseling, and the Independent Educational Consultants Association, where I completed their Summer Training Institute. I have a special interest in working with rural students and understanding their unique challenges and perspectives. My educational background is rooted in Sociology, which I studied at Missouri State University.

You can catch me on the Your College-Bound Kid podcast, where I regularly share insights from my own journey through college admissions with my daughter, a current University of Chicago student, and interview thought leaders on all aspects of higher education.