For nearly 30 years the practice has been helping students plan their next steps. My mother, Janet Ellis, began counseling students because she loved researching colleges and matching students with opportunities. I joined my mother in 2004 and since then we have been guiding students. As a former high school English teacher, my mother knew the importance of the story in the essay and how to assist students navigate the admissions process.

In addition to serving students and families in my private practice, I spent five years working with students and counselors at Denver Kids. There I helped at-risk students plan their futures. Future options included technical training, community college and four-year colleges. In 2011, I joined the scholarship team at the Daniels Fund, a private foundation supporting nearly 1,000 students in college. There I advised college students, and helped them persist and achieve on-time graduation. I also read scholarship applications and essays. Through a rigorous process, we evaluated scholarship applicants selected exceptional students to be Daniels Scholars. In my role at the Daniels Fund I learned about the challenges college presents and what it takes to succeed.

Helping students make plans for the future is what I do. I also teach students about what they are looking for, how to evaluate those things, and what is important while we work through the steps.

Professional Memberships:

• Higher Education Consultants Association (HECA)