Meet Steph.
As a communicator, educator, and mentor with over two decades of experience in the college counseling world, Steph Shea knows a lot about applying to college. She has helped hundreds of students find the college that was the right fit for them, and where they went on to thrive. Steph is passionate about her work; she loves to help all students succeed. Whether you’re the valedictorian of your class, the captain of the soccer team, the shy student who doesn’t participate in many extracurriculars, or the student who works hard but doesn’t get A’s, Steph can help you take your next steps.
Steph holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Virginia and a Master of Liberal Arts from Harvard University. Her professional college consulting career started at HB-Woodlawn in Arlington, Virginia, where she spent 20 years helping students write attention-grabbing, authentic, and insightful college essays.
Following her decades-long career in academia, she moved on to be the Director of Communications at the Treasurer’s Office in Arlington, Virginia. After eventually becoming the Assistant Director of Operations, Steph left government service to follow her passion: guiding students and families through the complicated process of college admissions full-time. Steph initially kicked off this new chapter while working alongside her mentors Randy McKnight, Ray Anderson, and Frank Haltiwanger of AGM College Advisors, LLC. These legends remain Steph’s brain trust and she collaborates with them often.
Through her tenure at HB-Woodlawn, her time with AGM College Advisors, LLC, and the years she spent freelancing, Steph has developed the perfect skill set to help students of all strengths work through the complexities of college admissions and write killer essays that will captivate any college admissions team.
When you work with Steph, you’ll have access to a wealth of knowledge, experience, and discipline that is only developed after decades of hands-on college admissions work. Whether you’re a high school sophomore who needs help charting out next year’s class schedule or a high school senior who needs essay assistance, Steph is the help you’ve been looking for. She will meet you where you are and guide you through the next phase of your educational journey.
Selecting, applying, and accepting your next step in higher education can be a stressful process. Steph is a clear, steady, and empathic light in an otherwise overwhelming period of transition.