Testimonials

"There are no words to describe the regard we have for your having entered our son John’s life, during a most critical time. Having flunked out of his freshman college year and returned home, he felt lost and defeated.

You changed the trajectory of his life. With patience and a passionate advocacy for our son, you focused on his strengths and helped him believe in himself again. From the first time he met you, we felt his relief. He never fought your visits (after a lifetime of fighting us over our “badgering” on homework completion, study time, discipline, etc.). I knew from the first interview with you, when you focused on John, including him in conversation, and verbalizing his feelings of detachment and withdrawal from academics (after years of being “invisible” in the school system because he was not “gifted” or “special”, but “ordinary” and quiet in the classroom, left to flounder by himself) that you were special.

You helped John build his own lifeboat, teaching and guiding him to become his own advocate, he began to work very hard. For the first time, he was not in a circular trap, but moving forward, learning to have confidence and love the art of learning. The basics he did not learn in high school began to surface with your help. (He had been told in consultation by a renowned ADHD specialist, who focused only on our son’s “deficits” that he would never learn or make it through a college semester without medication). You, Maureen, focused on John’s strengths, peeled back old habitual layers of dismissal and subtle judgment which he had absorbed, and saw the potential lying beneath the surface.

You guided our son through community college. He gradually gained confidence, writing and editing papers with your guidance, feeling increasing ease in self-expression and assertiveness. He transferred to Johnson and Wales, has been honored with dean’s list recognition twice and is thriving in a computer science major.

We feel blessed that at a critical time in our son’s life, when he could have lost himself in inertia, escape or futility, you entered his life and changed his trajectory. You epitomize the definition of teacher, guide, and counselor. You did not mold our son; instead you lit his path, helping him reach within to untapped personal strengths. Because of you, he has transformed his life.

Though teaching is a gift, a rarer gift is the ability to teach a love of learning. This you instilled in John. You believed in him until he could believe in himself. All that he will become, we are grateful to you, because you were there for him and had the vision to see in him what no other teacher had seen before.

We will never forget, Maureen, what you did for John, and, in turn, for our whole family. You are an amazing individual with a unique perspective: balancing discipline with joy, understanding with structure, and pragmatism with possibility. We are forever grateful to you Maureen."
— The Morelli Family

“When Maureen first met Eric, his grades were poor and he wasn’t interested in school at all. She worked wonders with him because he is now enthusiastic about his future and about reaching his goals. She was able to take what seemed like a mammoth undertaking and break into small, weekly, achievable steps. She made both Eric and us believe that anything we wanted to do, we could do it. She doesn’t take no for an answer and believes there’s always a way to do something if you really want it. She went above and beyond what we could have ever imagined. How do you put a price on your child’s confidence, excitement and passion for his future? Maureen’s services are worth a lot more than what she charges.”
— Mark & Kathy Vincent, parents of Eric

“From our first meeting to now, I notice a huge difference in how I carry myself and interact with others and engage in conversation – I thank you for that. This has been an incredible experience and I have no idea how I would have done this without you.”
— Jonathan

 “You have been such a Godsend to both Megan and me. You gave Meg the confidence to apply to these schools even though her GPA was less than what they were looking for. Your positive attitude rubbed off on her and made her believe in herself. We both could not have done it without you and for that I am grateful to you.”
— Kathy, mother of Megan

“Maureen's advice was incredibly valuable both to my daughter and to us as parents. Her guidance allowed us to confirm that our daughter was properly focused on colleges which matched her goals, and to identify what else needed to be done to properly present her application in a most favorable manner. After consulting with Maureen, we were comfortable in knowing that our daughter had done everything she should do to accomplish her college objectives.”
— Tammy, RI

“I have learned so much about myself throughout this process. My life and goals seem so real and obtainable! I feel like I have direction and purpose and cannot wait to attend Smith! Thank you very much! I will never forget the impact you have had on my life.”
— Aliyah

“Your help and advice gives me more comfort than you know. This process is bigger than I ever imagined and I am glad that we opted to turn to an expert like you for help. I will most certainly recommend you and your company as I am surrounded by many parents with all the same concerns who only want the best for their children.”
— Parent of Adam, CT

“I had to write and capture some of my thoughts. When we first started this process many months ago I thought that you were going to alleviate the stress most often associated with college applications and admissions. Yes, you have done this and so much more! This morning I think I finally “got it.” Your work has very little to do with what college is right Paul, but rather, your work is entirely about MY son! You have lifted his spirits and have instilled such a sense of purpose in him. He is engaged and excited about life and learning… a reality that I never thought possible. You have encouraged, inspired, and developed! Paul is a man that I am ever proud, however, your commitment to his self development made me realize the incredible man he is destined to become. Thank you… thank you… thank you! We are indebted to you.”
— Chris, CT

“You have been a tremendous influence Evan’s life. You helped him find purpose and provided direction. He is a different person… a pleasure! I am really going to miss him when he leaves for college especially since he is so much more fun to have around!”
— Catherine, RI

“I never imagined how important starting early really was. I have been telling all of my co-workers to call you. Your help, your un-wavering guidance have transformed our whole family! We are thrilled to have been able to work with you. And just to think, my daughter got into EVERY school!”
— Bernice, CT