Beth Payer
Owner and College Admissions Consultant
Building upon my professional work with college students, and a desire to maximize student potential, I formed a vision for College & Company -- an educational consulting practice where collaboration is key, and a proactive process is informed by the student as an individual.
As a parent of two teenagers, I'm keenly aware that it's a challenge to balance priorities in high school. And yet; academic, personal, and extracurricular choices pave the way for a student's own satisfaction and future plans -- as well as a stronger college application. I encourage striking a balance of enjoyment in the present, and planning for the future (which can often go hand in hand!). I've been known to ask, "are you spending your time doing things that matter most?" Forward-thinking conversations about priorities, academic choices, and how to identify and pursue personal interests, lead to self-aware and fulfilled students. And, those students are desirable applicants when applying to college.
I hold a BA in English from Skidmore College, a Master's in Higher Education/Student Affairs Administration from Syracuse University, and I have worked intensively with college students in my professional life. In addition, I have completed College Admissions Counseling certificate program through the University of California Riverside. I have seen first-hand the successes and challenges that they experience, and I have been immersed in the ins and outs of today's college admissions landscape -- through my coursework, the highly regarded IECA and NYSACAC Summer Institutes, and constant reading and research. I am a student of colleges; every day.
I enjoy students. I respect parents; and I get a thrill from bringing the college admissions process together, through communication and smart planning. There's nothing more satisfying than finding the very best college match for a student, and supporting them on their path to success.
My practice is growing and evolving in exciting ways. I especially enjoy bringing resources together to support the best possible outcome for students. College & Company is collaborative, and networking with fellow professionals is an integral part of how I like to work.
Owner and College Admissions Consultant
Building upon my professional work with college students, and a desire to maximize student potential, I formed a vision for College & Company -- an educational consulting practice where collaboration is key, and a proactive process is informed by the student as an individual.
As a parent of two teenagers, I'm keenly aware that it's a challenge to balance priorities in high school. And yet; academic, personal, and extracurricular choices pave the way for a student's own satisfaction and future plans -- as well as a stronger college application. I encourage striking a balance of enjoyment in the present, and planning for the future (which can often go hand in hand!). I've been known to ask, "are you spending your time doing things that matter most?" Forward-thinking conversations about priorities, academic choices, and how to identify and pursue personal interests, lead to self-aware and fulfilled students. And, those students are desirable applicants when applying to college.
I hold a BA in English from Skidmore College, a Master's in Higher Education/Student Affairs Administration from Syracuse University, and I have worked intensively with college students in my professional life. In addition, I have completed College Admissions Counseling certificate program through the University of California Riverside. I have seen first-hand the successes and challenges that they experience, and I have been immersed in the ins and outs of today's college admissions landscape -- through my coursework, the highly regarded IECA and NYSACAC Summer Institutes, and constant reading and research. I am a student of colleges; every day.
I enjoy students. I respect parents; and I get a thrill from bringing the college admissions process together, through communication and smart planning. There's nothing more satisfying than finding the very best college match for a student, and supporting them on their path to success.
My practice is growing and evolving in exciting ways. I especially enjoy bringing resources together to support the best possible outcome for students. College & Company is collaborative, and networking with fellow professionals is an integral part of how I like to work.
Jen Kelly
College Admissions Consultant
Jen Kelly is a NYS Certified School Counselor, with more than eleven years of experience in the field of School Counseling. She is currently a College Counselor at the Academy of the Holy Names, and thoroughly enjoys helping students and families through the college admissions process. She receives great personal and professional satisfaction from seeing her students successfully transition to college. Jen received a BA from University at Buffalo in Psychology and Health and Human Services, and both a MS in Counseling Psychology and a CAS in School Counseling from the University at Albany. In addition, she is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. She lives in Saratoga Springs, NY with her husband and two kids, and spends much of her free time skiing, hiking, and boating with her family.
College Admissions Consultant
Jen Kelly is a NYS Certified School Counselor, with more than eleven years of experience in the field of School Counseling. She is currently a College Counselor at the Academy of the Holy Names, and thoroughly enjoys helping students and families through the college admissions process. She receives great personal and professional satisfaction from seeing her students successfully transition to college. Jen received a BA from University at Buffalo in Psychology and Health and Human Services, and both a MS in Counseling Psychology and a CAS in School Counseling from the University at Albany. In addition, she is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. She lives in Saratoga Springs, NY with her husband and two kids, and spends much of her free time skiing, hiking, and boating with her family.
Beth Lyons
Learning Disabilities Specialist
Beth Lyons has over 14 years of professional experience in higher education, primarily dedicated to working with students with LD/ADHD. Beth has extensive knowledge of the unique challenges students with LD/ADHD must contend with and has provided support to students and families from admission to graduation.
Beth is available by special arrangement with College & Company to consult by phone or Skype with families who are navigating this additional aspect of the college experience. Families are invited to consult with Beth regarding issues such as: identifying the right college, criteria for admissions and degree requirements, the admissions process (and whether to disclose a learning disability in the application), campus resources, how to identify specialized services for LD/ADHD students, and documentation that is needed to receive services in college; IEP plans do not translate to college.
Students with LD/ADHD are all unique individuals and Beth’s holistic approach ensures that each student’s specific needs and challenges are fully understood. Beth is eager to work with College & Company clients throughout their exploration and application process.
Beth holds a Master's Degree in Counseling Psychology from the University at Albany. She was raised in Saratoga Springs, and graduated from SSHS. She worked at Skidmore College as Disability Specialist before relocating to Chapel Hill, NC. She is currently at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill as a Learning Specialist in Academic Support for Student-Athletes. Beth's children are in middle school and high school, and her family enjoys returning to the Saratoga Springs area as often as they can.
Learning Disabilities Specialist
Beth Lyons has over 14 years of professional experience in higher education, primarily dedicated to working with students with LD/ADHD. Beth has extensive knowledge of the unique challenges students with LD/ADHD must contend with and has provided support to students and families from admission to graduation.
Beth is available by special arrangement with College & Company to consult by phone or Skype with families who are navigating this additional aspect of the college experience. Families are invited to consult with Beth regarding issues such as: identifying the right college, criteria for admissions and degree requirements, the admissions process (and whether to disclose a learning disability in the application), campus resources, how to identify specialized services for LD/ADHD students, and documentation that is needed to receive services in college; IEP plans do not translate to college.
Students with LD/ADHD are all unique individuals and Beth’s holistic approach ensures that each student’s specific needs and challenges are fully understood. Beth is eager to work with College & Company clients throughout their exploration and application process.
Beth holds a Master's Degree in Counseling Psychology from the University at Albany. She was raised in Saratoga Springs, and graduated from SSHS. She worked at Skidmore College as Disability Specialist before relocating to Chapel Hill, NC. She is currently at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill as a Learning Specialist in Academic Support for Student-Athletes. Beth's children are in middle school and high school, and her family enjoys returning to the Saratoga Springs area as often as they can.