The Team

Judith painter

Background

Judith has worked as an educator in the Sacramento public school system for 10 years. She became interested in college counseling during her own children's educational journey. She earned her college counseling certification through UCLA and has worked and volunteered with the regional and nation-wide organizations Peer Forward, ScholarMatch, and College Tracks, to guide high performing students from disadvantaged backgrounds into great fit schools. Her students span both coasts and come from a wide range of interests and backgrounds including musical, athletic, visual arts.

Professional Credentials

Certified through UCLA, Judith is a member of HECA (Higher Education Consultants Association) and WACAC (Western Association of College Admissions Counselors). Through these she accesses trainings and workshops on current higher educations issues. She visits over 25 campuses a year to ensure information provided to clients is accurate and up to date. She is a regular speaker at Sacramento community venues on college admissions including high schools, libraries and local congregations.

Education and Previous Employment

Judith earned a BA in Political Science and Religion from Kenyon College and a MBA From Cornell University. After her undergraduate education she worked with the Peace Corps as volunteer and staff member. After graduate school, she entered the field of micro-finance as both staff and consultant to several domestic and international non-profits including FINCA, Catholic Relief Services, World Relief, Save the Children, and Opening Doors.

Sarah Aikenhead

Background

Sarah has worked for a large multi-national corporation for the past 30 years while raising her daughters. While working with her daughters and their friends during their college application processes Sarah recognized a passion for supporting students and their families at this exciting point in their lives, and saw an opportunity to reduce stress and improve outcomes for all. Sarah is completing a certificate in College Counseling through UCLA Extension and enjoys applying all her experience and skill to working with young people through the college admissions process.

Professional Credentials

Sarah is an Associate member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA) and maintains a professional membership with the Western Association of College Admission Counseling (WACAC). She visits a broad spectrum of schools each year and actively engages in professional development opportunities. Sarah serves as a volunteer counselor for Scholar Match, working with high-achieving, low-income students to help them identify & apply to colleges that match their academic abilities.

Sarah enjoys working with both traditional and non-traditional students.

Education

Sarah earned a BA and an MBA from Yale University, serving 3 years in the Peace Corps between her degrees. She was a founding member of a local Montessori charter school and served on its board for 5 years.