Growing Together...THE PRESENTATION OF THE CYNDY MCDONALD AWARD was one highlight of the conference. Claire Nold-Glaser was nominated for her work on the recent NACAC initiative to

Growing TogetherAnnual Report 2017-18

2 LO R E M I P S U M

MISSION STATEMENT

The Higher Education Consultants Association (HECA) supports independent education consultants as they work with students and parents during the transition into higher education by providing professional development, advancing ethical standards of conduct and promoting equity and access to higher education for all students.

BOARD LIST

PRESIDENT

Carolee Gravina

PRESIDENT-ELECT

Brooke Daly

IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT, NOMINATING COMMITTEE CHAIR

Joe Bernard

TREASURER AND FINANCE COMMITTEE CHAIR

Diane Overman

SECRETARY

Colleen Reed

DIRECTOR AND MEMBERSHIP CHAIR

Cheri Barad

DIRECTOR

Francine Block

DIRECTOR AND COMMUNICATIONS CHAIR

Whitney Bruce

DIRECTOR AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT CHAIR

Claire Cafaro

DIRECTOR AND STANDARDS AND ETHICS CHAIR

Katelyn Klapper

DIRECTOR

Barbara Rapaport

STAFF

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Ping Wei, [email protected]

HECA Annual Report 2017–18

Higher Education Consultants Association 1720 Market St. #775203 | St. Louis, MO 63177 | (800) 662-6775 | hecaonline.org

©2018 Higher Education Consultants Association

1H ECA A N N UA L R E P O RT 2 0 1 7-1 8

EARLIER THIS YEAR, I shadowed one of our board members in her practice. I watched students and families discuss college lists, their aspirations, their priorities and college affordability: the nuts and bolts of college counseling. I also saw the business side—billing and budgeting, employee management, and marketing. I know that each one of our over 1,000 members runs their practice in their own way. Yet through HECA, we are all “growing together.”

From the time we gathered in Long Beach until this year’s conference in Dallas, the breadth and depth of our activities is amazing. By continually referring to our core values—to be collaborative, ethical, welcoming, professional, and volunteer-driven—

we continually move forward in our mission of supporting individual members as they grow their businesses and guide families through this important transition.

Many of you participated in our membership survey this winter and we appreciate your willingness to share with us. Of those who responded, two-thirds have a masters degree or higher, 56% have a certificate in college counsel-ing, and 15% have completed the certified educational planner designation. Like the students we serve, many of our members are job and career changers, yet half of our members have experience in high school teaching, counseling or college admissions.

HECA is a valuable resource only because our members make it one. Together, we have shared almost 1,900 threads on our listserv, solving problems for one another and sharing accumu-lated wisdom. Survey respondents worked with 6,340 members of the class of 2018 and 93% did pro bono work. 44% had volunteered for HECA. 100% of our members participated in our first ethics review.

We don’t have to look far for sensationalized stories about the college admissions process. Fortunately, we can also find stories of students who have overcome exceptional challenges, families who have engaged in deeper discussions about the meanings of curiosity, success and fit, and colleagues who have made a difference in our field by looking within the HECA community.

Together we can raise the bar for professional, ethical college counseling.

Ping Wei, CAE, Executive Director [email protected]

Deep Roots Support Real Growth

2 G ROW I N G TO G E T H E R

Professional Growth

2 countries

9 states and provinces

53colleges and universities

454participants

2017-18 COLLEGE VISITSCarleton College College of CharlestonDavidson CollegeDuke UniversityElon UniversityFurman UniversityGustavus Adolphus CollegeHampden-Sydney CollegeHarvey Mudd CollegeHigh Point UniversityHollins UniversityJames Madison UniversityLoyola Marymount UniversityLynchburg CollegeMacalester CollegeMinnesota College of Art & DesignNorth Carolina State UniversityOccidental CollegePepperdine UniversityPitzer CollegePomona CollegeRoanoke CollegeScripps CollegeSeattle UniversitySimon Fraser UniversitySt. Catherine UniversitySt. Olaf CollegeThe CitadelThe Evergreen State CollegeUniv. of North Carolina Chapel HillUniv. of North Carolina CharlotteUniv. of British ColumbiaUniv. of California IrvineUniv. of California Los AngelesUniv. of MinnesotaUniv. of Puget SoundUniv. of RichmondUniv. of South CarolinaUniv. of Southern CaliforniaUniv. of VirginiaUniv. of WashingtonVirginia Polytechnic Institute and State UniversityWake Forest UniversityWashington & Lee UniversityWestern Washington UniversityWhittier CollegeWinthrop CollegeWofford College

HECA College Tours

2018 1,025 members2016 924 members2014 832 members2012 651 members

MEMBERSHIP


WEBINARS

2017-18

2017-18 WEBINARS

LGBTQ Students, How Can We Support Them? Eric Dubose, Senior Assistant Director of Admissions, The Ohio State University

Navigating the Coalition Application Nara Lee, Director of Member Engagement for the Coalition for Access, Affordability, and Success

Here to Stay—College Counseling and Access for Undocumented Students Julio Mata, Senior Assistant Director for Regional Enrollment at Miami University

Social and Cultural Transition for First Year LD College Students Scott Garbini, Independent Educational Consultant, HECA Member

Storytelling, Question-Based Feedback and How to Help All Types of Students Advocate for Themselves in Admissions Essays & Interviews Carol Barash, CEO and Founder of Story2

Functions, Features, and Best Practices in Using Your Brainsy-Powered ECN Account on HECA’s College Expert Calling Network (ECN) Brian Christie, CEO of Brainsy, Inc.

Financial Aid Parts I, II, and III: Student Loans, Process, Forms Gary Carpenter, CPA, CAA, Co-founder of National College Advocacy Group

1,570 registrations

PERCENTAGE OF OUR MEMBERSHIP PURSUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT THROUGH:

Visiting Colleges

Attending Professional Conferences

HECA Listserv

NACAC Exchange

College Fairs

Student Feedback

Reading

Conversations with Colleagues

Webinars

Facebook Groups

0% 25% 50% 100%

PERCENTAGE OF MEMBERSHIP DONATING TIME AND EXPERTISE:

93%worked pro bono for selected clients

44%volunteered for HECA


IN JUNE 2017, ALMOST 350 MEMBERS GATHERED together to celebrate HECA’s 20th birthday. Long Beach was the perfect setting for a week filled with inspiring keynotes, informative college tours, substantive sessions, and plenty of opportunities for networking and socializing. When the sun set on our beach party, the success of the conference was obvious—an accomplishment achieved through generous sponsor support, a considerable volunteer effort, and leadership of conference chairs Scott Garbini, Kazue McGregor, and Nick Soper.

THE PRESENTATION OF THE CYNDY MCDONALD AWARD was one highlight of the conference. Claire Nold-Glaser was nominated for her work on the recent NACAC initiative to extend NACAC membership to HECA and IECA members without need for additional vetting. This initiative acknowledges the growing relevance of independent educational consultants in the college search process, and increases the visibility of HECA as an organization consisting of knowledge-able, ethical and professional members.

CLAIRE NOLD-GLASER became an independent counselor in 2002 following 15 years as a school counselor. As an IEC, Claire is able to spend more time with students, really listening and guiding them in their journey. She has held leadership positions in HECA, serving as President in 2008, NACAC, and is the current President-Elect for the Pacific Northwest Association for College Admissions Counseling (PNACAC). She strives for a spirit of collaboration, professionalism and good humor in her work. Claire’s husband, Jeff, teaches 6th grade. Her oldest child, Dylan, is in graduate school and her daughter, Emilia, is in her third year of undergrad. Claire is grateful to HECA for the friends she has met and enjoys being a member of the pre-conference PDI faculty, encouraging new members to develop into strong professionals.

Professional GrowthAnnual Conference 2017


2018 CONFERENCE SPONSORS

2017 CONFERENCE SPONSORS

BRONZE LEVELArborBridgeCialfoFranklin University SwitzerlandFusion AcademyThe Evergreen State CollegePromptUniversity of OregonUniversity of Redlands

CELEBRATION LEVELApplerouthCalifornia State UniversityCompass Education GroupLehigh UniversityNational Association for College Admission Counseling

SUPPORTER LEVELCollegePlannerPro

GOLD SPONSORS

SILVER SPONSORS

“ OUR 2018 ANNUAL CONFERENCE OFFERS A BROAD ARRAY OF PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT for independent educational consultants, on counseling practices, business skills, and up to the minute information about the admissions landscape. With the support of our sponsors, our members have the opportunity to engage in year-round quality professional development on college campuses and around the country.”

Loyce Engle, 2018 Conference Co-Chair

BRONZE LEVELUniversity of DelawareUniversity of Nebraska High School

PLATINUM SPONSORS GOLD SPONSOR

SILVER SPONSORSAustin CollegeColleges That Change LivesDrew UniversitySouthwestern UniversityThe Evergreen State CollegeUniversity of Oregon


I HAVE ALWAYS ENJOYED VOLUNTEERING. There has never been a time in my life I haven’t given back to my community in some way. As a member of the HECA Standards and Ethics Committee, discussing ethical issues with committee members is not a job for me. I love researching, learning and discussing the issues involved in our profession. We have a wonder-ful committee and our diverse backgrounds contribute to our thoughtful discussions.

—Susan Meyers, Collegiate Admissions LLC, Houston, Texas

GETTING INVOLVED AS A WORKER BEE IS A GREAT START. You don’t have to know it all, but you do have to be willing to connect with others from a place of genuine care for adolescents and professionalism. Many hands make light work.”

—Claire Nold-Glaser, College Planning Help, Bellevue, WA

“

Personal Growth

HOW CAN A PERSON NOT LOVE being surrounded by empathic, selfless problem solvers? That’s what volunteering in HECA feels like. The people I’ve met come from all backgrounds and personalities, and yet I know they would come to my aid at my first beckoning as I would at theirs. The friends I’ve made are like no other; they are like family. The Heart of HECA, always pulsing in the veins, is the reason why I volunteer.

—Kazue McGregor, Exploring College Choices, LLC, Montrose, CA

THERE’S NOTHING BETTER than combining a real desire to return the favor with an opportunity that continues to push me forward and make me a better professional and colleague. Volunteering for HECA is an extension of the wonderful resources I first discovered when new to this industry. I specifically look for volunteer roles that will stretch me and help keep my skills fresh, and hopefully, improved.

—Katelyn Gleason Klapper, College Options, Sudbury, MA

I LOBBIED THE BOARD TO CREATE A VIRTUAL GROUP FOR FIVE ADJOINING STATES— Ohio, Kentucky, Michigan, Indiana, and western Pennsylvania—and we had our first Midwest Virtual Lunch Bunch on September 20. I now feel that I have a network of peers who can support me and help me as I grow my business. Volunteering with HECA has been awesome and now I know that I’m not alone up here in the northeast Ohio snow belt!

—Sheree Gravely, Gravely Group College Advising, Chagrin Falls/Cleveland, OH

Why I Volunteer 2017-18


YOU CAN CALL THIS PAYING IT FORWARD, or just pitching in or doing your part. HECA has meant so much to me. I have benefited both from our official programs and from wisdom offered informally by my seatmate on a bus tour. I feel compelled to be a part of keeping those benefits going for others.“

—Valerie Blair, Blair College Planning, Houston, Texas

THE LIFE OF AN IEC CAN BE SOMEWHAT ISOLATING. The first HECA conference I attended, I saw the enormous effort given to create a wonderful experience for all. Lots of people gave their time freely. Every time I have stepped up, whether it be a tour or a conference, my life has been enriched. As a result of volunteering, I have a wealth of national resources to call on. Don’t be afraid to step up. You will be the receiver of so much more!

—Marie Morris, Beyond 18, Portland, OR

I REMEMBER FEELING A BIT LIKE A FISH OUT OF WATER at my first conference until I attended the new member orientation and wow, “The Heart of HECA” really resonated! It provided me with so many volunteer opportunities, education, and mentorship. I have been able to nurture professional relationships all over the world and build bridges with school counselors, college admission representatives, and other IECs.

—Chris Holzwarth, Beyond the Applause, Atlanta, GA

“

ALL OF THIS SERVICE IS EXTRAORDINARILY GRATIFYING to my introverted self and helps me develop friends and abilities beyond my expectations. As our membership has grown, I suspect it may be easier to hide and let others do the volunteer work, but if you choose that path there will be fewer rewards. Don’t wait to be asked to give your time and talents! Imagine a need you could fill and step up. You will be both pleased and appreciated.

—Jon Tarrant, Carlisle, PA

BEING A MEMBER OF HECA HAS BEEN AN IMPORTANT PART of my development both as a college counselor and as a person. I have met many wonderful people who are generous with their time and their knowledge and have become real friends. In return, I have given my time and energy to many HECA events. I do this because I believe in HECA. Please consider stepping up to volunteer, share your ideas, and help us make HECA the best it can be.

—Maureen Chang, Alma Mater Consultants, Danville, CA


2017 CONFERENCE PLANNING COMMITTEE

Scott GarbiniKazue McGregorNick Soper


Loyce Engle, ChairJeff Pilchiek, Chair


Joanne Apesos, Chair

Sue Wachter, Chair

AFFILIATES COMMITTEE

Dewey Wilmot, Chair

Jessica Scott

AWARDS COMMITTEE

Maureen Chang, Chair

Claire Nold-GlaserEllen KuppersmithVicki O’DayRichard PorthElizabeth White

COLLEGE TOURS COMMITTEE

Wendie Lubic, ChairValerie BlairJenny BuyensChuck EricksonBrenda GerhardtKathryn MillerColleen Reed

COLLEGE TOUR LEADERSWendie Lubic,

Tour CoordinatorValerie BlairLisa BleichJenny BuyensBeth CassieCalli ChristensonChuck EricksonAnne GoodrichHeidi HamlerSharon HarrisChris HolzwarthSusan MeyersDiane OvermanJennifer RucierJann RussellZena Taylor

COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE

Whitney Bruce, Chair

Evelyn AlexanderAndrea AronsonEllen GaddieSheree GravelyDenise BaylisChris HolzwarthGail Grand

HECA + STRIVE FOR COLLEGE ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Pauline Godfrey, Chair

Julie BeckJenny BuyensEun-Hee ChangBrenda GerhardtGina Gerrato-

GreenhausKatelyn KlapperNola LynchClaire Nold-GlaserJon Tarrant

NEW MEMBER ORIENTATION COMMITTEE

Cyndy McDonald, Chair

Virginia BlackwellSandy LawrenceLaurie Starks

NOMINATION & ELECTION PROCESS REVIEW TASK COMMITTEE

Katelyn Klapper, Chair

Chris HolzwarthCharlene LiebauBill Shain

NOMINATING COMMITTEE

Joe Bernard, ChairGael CasnerBrooke DalyEric DelehoyBob DannenholdCarolee Gravina

STANDARDS & ETHICS COMMITTEEKatelyn Klapper,

ChairGael CasnerSharon HarrisSusan Meyers

VOLUNTEER RECRUITMENT

Ellen Kuppersmith

WEBINARS

Eric DoblerMel PreimesbergerDale Price

Volunteers 2017-18WELCOME TO HECA! If you are a HECA member reading this you have probably spent time sharing information with other members on our listserv or a college bus tour. Maybe you’ve even run a

college bus tour! Or a conference. Or organized a meeting with local colleagues and a visiting college admissions rep.

If you’re not a HECA member, you need to know that what keeps the heart of HECA beating—and what sets our organization apart—is volunteering.

HECA members set up and run college tours and admissions meetings with and for each other. They organize conferences and webinars, teach sessions, facilitate round table discussions, and spend time thinking up new ways to share, mentor, and learn.

We thrive on the resultant collegiality as we work together to be the best we can be and to stay current in our ever-changing world. We do this for our students, for ourselves, and to advance the ethical standards of conduct and professionalism in college counseling.

Carolee Gravina, HECA President


Brian SwanAnchorage, Alaska

Ann EvansScottsdale, Arizona

Gael CasnerGreenbrae, California

Michele ColemanHuntington Beach, California

Linda DowleyLa Jolla, California

Diana HansonSanta Monica, California

Angel HearnRiverside, California

Laurie KiguchiSanta Cruz, California

Elizabeth LaScalaLafayette, California

Christine LeeKenwood, California

Marilyn O’ToolePacific Palisades, California

Elyssia PerezTemecula, California

Mel PreimesbergerNapa, California

Melanie RomeLos Angeles, California

Aaron RoseArcadia, California

Margaret RotheBelmont, California

Donna SakabuGranite Bay, California

Sharon SchladowDavis, California

Jessica ScottSan Anselmo, California

Jill AthenourEvergreen, Colorado

Michelle (Shelly) HumbachLittleton, Colorado

Scott GarbiniWaterford, Connecticut

Marcia JosephsonGreenwich, Connecticut

Paul LoweWoodbridge, Connecticut

Debra LandesbergSarasota, Florida

Claudine VainrubHollywood, Florida

Chris HolzwarthAlpharetta, Georgia

Wendy WilliamsRoswell, Georgia

Patti PearsLihue, Hawaii

Rebecca CarrollBoise, Idaho

Wendy KahnHighland Park, Illinois

Boram Chris KimBuffalo Grove, Illinois

Amy McVeighZionsville, Indiana

Daniel BisigFlorence, Kentucky

Whitney BruceFalmouth, Maine

Jacqueline GrazetteAnnapolis, Maryland

Joanne ApesosMilford, Massachusetts

Susan WachterActon, Massachusetts

Priscilla ONeillFarmington Hills, Michigan

Kim ParrosAnn Arbor, Michigan

Mary Kay TrippeTraverse City, Michigan

Jenny BuyensEdina, Minnesota

Laurie MacgregorMinneapolis, Minnesota

Shelley McBrideBillings, Montana

Minh-Tam JanssensLondon

Jennie KentBogotá

Kexin LiuBeijing

Hailee DeMottLas Vegas, Nevada

Carolee GravinaAllendale, New Jersey

Reena KaminsFlemington, New Jersey

Anne WeisholtzTenafly, New Jersey

Glenda DuranoBernalillo, New Mexico

Jean LouisWhite Plains, New York

Andrea RievesHuntersville, North Carolina

Manjiri SethnaDurham, North Carolina

Sheree GravelyChagrin Falls, Ohio

Terrie ShipleyTulsa, Oklahoma

Colleen ReedToronto, Ontario

Joy FlahertyBend, Oregon

Jan Lippen-HoltzAshland, Oregon

Kristen MillerPortland, Oregon

Lisa WendlandLake Oswego, Oregon

Helane LinzerPittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Linda WegrzynEast Greenwich, Rhode Island

Abby SiegelNashville, Tennessee

Valerie BlairHouston, Texas

Deborah Davis GrovesAustin, Texas

Greta DuranEl Paso, Texas

Laurie StarksSouthlake, Texas

Kimberly Snyder MehtaFairfax, Virginia

Cathy McMeekanSpokane, Washington

Marcia MonmaClinton, Washington

Brenda WardMiddleton, Wisconsin

Community Representatives 2017-18

“ HECA HAS BUILT A NETWORK of community representatives to connect colleges with local HECA members. They are the true “heart of HECA.” As HECA’s voice in their community, representatives host socials with school counselors and local colleges, hold information sessions, and organize college tours. Community representatives are collaborative, caring examples of the best of our profession.”

—Marie Morris, Chair, HECA Community Representatives

Higher Education Consultants Association 1720 Market St. #775203 | St. Louis, MO 63177 | (800) 662-6775 | hecaonline.org

©2018 Higher Education Consultants Association

Documents

Growing Together...THE PRESENTATION OF THE CYNDY MCDONALD AWARD was one highlight of the conference. Claire Nold-Glaser was nominated for her work on the recent NACAC initiative to