Hi, I’m Jackie – I am the founder of Conscious College Planning and your compassionate guide through one of the most exciting (and sometimes overwhelming) journeys a family can take: preparing for college.
I help demystify the college prep process so your child feels confident about their career and college plans
My unique approach meets you where you are and provides a clear path forward so your child can pursue the future of their dreams. I encourage them to explore their passions and help them discover the colleges where they will thrive. I ease parental stress by coaching you through your college funding options and taking the weight off your shoulders with regular check-ins and reminders. You are not alone in this process when you work with me. You are in good hands!
I know firsthand how overwhelming the college process can be—because I didn’t have the support I needed when I was in high school. No one helped me explore my options, stay on track with deadlines, or understand what was financially possible. I enrolled in community college while working full-time, hoping things would become clearer. But like many students, I didn’t “figure it out” in college—I navigated blindly, transferred schools, and graduated without a clear path forward.
That experience lit a fire in me. I didn’t want other students to feel as confused and unsupported as I had. After earning my degree in business, I became a financial aid officer and saw behind the curtain—how colleges assess need, award aid, and structure scholarships. I realized families desperately needed a guide who could help them plan smarter from the start.
Since 2015, I’ve worked one-on-one with families across the U.S. as a college planning consultant, guiding over 1,000 students through admissions, financial aid, and career exploration. As a certified Highlands Ability Battery consultant, I help students uncover their natural strengths and identify college and career paths where they’ll thrive.
Today, I run Conscious College Planning—offering customized, virtual support for families who want clarity, direction, and peace of mind. Whether your teen is just getting started or feeling lost in the process, I’m here to help them make confident, informed decisions about their future.
Because college planning shouldn’t feel like a guessing game—and your teen deserves a plan that works.
That experience lit a fire in me. I didn’t want other students to feel as confused and unsupported as I had. After earning my degree in business, I became a financial aid officer and saw behind the curtain—how colleges assess need, award aid, and structure scholarships. I realized families desperately needed a guide who could help them plan smarter from the start.
Since 2015, I’ve worked one-on-one with families across the U.S. as a college planning consultant, guiding over 1,000 students through admissions, financial aid, and career exploration. As a certified Highlands Ability Battery consultant, I help students uncover their natural strengths and identify college and career paths where they’ll thrive.
Today, I run Conscious College Planning—offering customized, virtual support for families who want clarity, direction, and peace of mind. Whether your teen is just getting started or feeling lost in the process, I’m here to help them make confident, informed decisions about their future.
Because college planning shouldn’t feel like a guessing game—and your teen deserves a plan that works.
I have supported more than one thousand families across the U.S. in planning for college in the time I have been doing this work. My background gives me the ability to address both sides of the equation: getting into college and planning to pay for it. I am a proud member of the Higher Education Consultants Association (HECA) and a Certified Consultant for the Highlands Ability Battery, which is one of the nation’s top career and aptitude assessments. I also serve on the Crystal Lake Chamber Foundation Board of Directors, where I help raise scholarships for local students. Each role has fueled my love for all things college prep, and I make college planning more personable, strategic, and empowering for every student I work with.
My approach is holistic, highly personalized, and rooted in compassion. I do not believe in one-size-fits-all plans or last minute scrambling. Instead, I guide families step-by-step through everything from college list building and essay writing to financial aid timelines and scholarship strategies. I am committed to ongoing professional development and regularly meet with university admission representatives across the country to stay ahead of changes in the field.
There is no need to stress about college prep for your child when you have my expertise. You can breathe easier knowing your child will have all the help they need to put their best foot forward and give them the highest likelihood of success.
College planning services I offer
College planning packages include several services. These packages are customizable to fit the tailored needs of each family. You can confidently rely on my guidance and support as you set sail on a path to college success. I can help your child in the following ways:
- Personalized student timeline and clear next steps
- Exploration of interests and student resume building
- College list building
- SAT/ACT timeline strategy and online resources
- Highlands Aptitude Testing and career coaching
- College application strategy, prep, organization, and review
- College admissions essays guidance and review
- Guidance on summer program and NHS applications
- College cost and scholarship reports
- How to find and apply for private scholarships
- Financial aid/affordability counseling
- FAFSA and CSS Profile guidance and review
- Accountability check-ins and encouragement
Reach out to discuss how I can help your child be as prepared as possible in the transition from high school to college.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Will my child be able to enjoy their senior year with so much to do for college preparation?
Yes! My process is designed to be proactive and well-paced so that students can complete major tasks and still enjoy senior year activities. I help students stay motivated and on track with a clear timeline, as this reduces last-minute stress.
Do you work with families virtually?
Yes. I work with families nationwide through virtual Zoom meetings, phone calls, texts, secure document sharing, and ongoing support that fits your schedule. I aim to provide a large amount of availability, which can be found on my calendar (scroll down to be taken to an option for contacting me).
How do we get started?
Let’s connect with an initial consultation. Book a session with me and we will discuss how I can help your child with their college prep and which package might be best for your family.
What do you do when you are not working?
I always encourage students to find balance, live intentionally, and discover their passions to lead fulfilling lives. Part of that is having fun! When I am not working, I like to connect with nature by hiking, camping, SUP yoga, shopping at local farms, and making epic meals from scratch. I also enjoy a good concert or road trip, and I’m always learning something new, just ask me!
Contact us
To contact us simply visit our contact page for click “schedule now” to be taken to our online scheduling portal. We are excited to help you with this process.