Lisa Temkin, M.S. Educational Consultant
Lisa has worked as an Independent Educational Consultant since 2008. In addition to her Master’s degree in School Counseling, Lisa has continued to expand her expertise to work with graduate school applicants, completing a certification course at University of California.
As a Professional Member of the premier professional organization for independent consultants, IECA (independent Educational Consultants Association), Lisa prioritizes staying current on the rapidly changing higher ed landscape. In addition to her IECA affiliation, Lisa is also one of only 250 consultants that has received a CEP designation as a member of AICEP (Association of Certified Educational Planners). Both professional organizations value continuing education through conferences, webinars, campus visits and other learning opportunities as well as adherence to Ethical guidelines and Principles of Good Practice.
With an extensive professional network including colleagues, test prep and academic tutors, psychologists, admissions reps and many more, Lisa thinks outside the box to problem-solve or answer almost any question.
Lisa works with students and families in the Chicago area as well as clients across the US, UK and EU. She has experience with students of all capabilities and academic interests and enjoys the challenge of finding the best fit for each student. Providing structure, resources and targeted goal, Lisa breaks down the process into manageable bits, creating an individualized plan for each student.
Nina Barrengos, Associate
Nina has been based in London for over 15 years. Her expertise in the U.K. and EU school systems comes from years of first-hand experience researching and visiting private schools. Nina understands the subtleties of students continuing their post-secondary education in American colleges and universities. Having spent much of her career working for TIME Inc., Time Warner, and AOL, Nina spent several years in research and production in Education and Media.
After a 25-year career in business, Lisa received a Master’s degree in School Counseling and worked as an intern in a large North Shore public high school. One of Lisa’s responsibilities was working in the College Resource Center where she learned the fundamentals of college counseling from a seasoned college counselor.
At the completion of her graduate degree and internship, Lisa worked for a post-secondary program working with students with a variety of learning styles and challenges, gaining insights into how students’ needs vary, educationally and academically as well as socially.
In 2008 Lisa attended the Summer Training Institute sponsored by IECA, the Independent Educational Consultants Association, and became an Associate Member that fall. In July of 2013 Lisa became a Professional Member of IECA after meeting the additional qualifications and experience required for professional membership.
Higher education is always changing and evolving. Staying abreast of current trends and programs is essential to being a knowledgeable consultant. Visiting 25-30 colleges and programs a year in the U.S. and abroad, as well as attending conferences, webinars and workshops, helps Lisa continue to expand her knowledge and experience. She maintains her professional membership in the IECA is also a member of IACAC, the Illinois Association of College Admissions Counselors.