Our Team
Jennifer Burke, MALS
Education Consultant
Jennifer has worked as a college advisor both privately and in a high school counseling office since 2002. She earned Bachelors and Masters Degrees from Wesleyan University. Jennifer understands the importance of working in tandem with school counselors, and she has extensive knowledge of the Naviance program that so many schools use as a part of the application process. The college process is a journey which begins long before students even consider their options. The decisions students make in high school can limit or increase those options dramatically. Every student receives a package customized to his or her individual needs.
Deborah L. Edelman, PhD
Education Consultant
Dr. Edelman is an Associate Professor and former Director of the Graduate Programs in Special Education at Fairfield University, CT. She received her PhD in Human Development from University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland and has degrees in psychology, school counseling, and special education. Dr. Edelman’s research and publications and national and international presentations focus on developing academic, behavioral and motivational strategies for students with ADHD. She has worked in the public schools as a special education teacher, an Instructional Support Team Leader developing strategies for students with learning or behavioral challenges, and in the university setting as professor and advisor of undergraduate and graduate students.
Nancy C. Lucas, MS, LCSW
Education Consultant
Nancy has been a practicing psychotherapist for over 20 years and has worked in a variety of settings. She holds Masters Degrees in both Counseling and Social Work. She is a certified Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Administrator and also has extensive experience using the Strong Interest Inventory. She uses these tools, along with individual consultation, to help people of all ages find their unique paths to satisfaction and success. Nancy feels that once one finds a path that feels right to them, competence, happiness and fulfillment follows.
Colleen Shay, Ph.D.
Licensed School Psychologist
Dr. Shay earned her undergraduate degree in Psychology and Early Childhood Studies from Duke University, her Ph.D. in School Psychology from the University of South Carolina, and completed a psychology internship at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill School of Medicine where she developed a specialization in early childhood/preschool assessment and intervention. Dr. Shay has experience working with children and their families across school, pediatric, and clinic settings. She provides comprehensive assessments for preschool and school-age children struggling with learning problems, attention problems, behavioral difficulties, developmental delays, and social/emotional concerns.
Tracy Shiring, M.S.ED.
Education Consultant
Tracy has over 20 years of experience leading public and private school programs in both domestic and international settings and has successfully helped to guide students and their families through a variety of academic, social, and emotional challenges. She has expertise in all areas of disabilities and exceptionality. She has a thorough understanding of national, state, and local special education laws, policies and procedures. Tracy has a proven track record of collaboration with public and private schools to focus on problem solving and achieving results.
