Hi! I’m Claire the founder of College Compass.

My favorite part of being a School Counselor for the past 30 years has been helping students navigate the exciting (and sometimes overwhelming) college admissions process.

Since retiring from school counseling, I’ve focused on supporting families through today’s rapidly changing college admissions landscape.

In the wake of the pandemic, I’ve seen increased student anxiety and greater uncertainty around college options, selectivity, and affordability.

Many students feel pressure to attend only “big-name” or highly selective colleges, while many families assume their choices are limited to in-state public universities. In reality, there are outstanding—and often more affordable—options that are frequently overlooked.

I help families expand their perspective, identify best-fit colleges, and approach the college application process with clarity and confidence.

By staying current on admissions trends, financial considerations, and institutional priorities through ongoing research and professional development, I provide thoughtful, up-to-date guidance tailored to each student.

My goal is simple: to reduce stress, broaden possibilities, and help students find colleges where they can thrive—academically, socially, and financially.

Credentials and Experience

  • Associate Member of IECA, the Independent Educational Consultants Association

  • Member of SACAC, the Southern Association of College Admission Counseling

  • Volunteer for the College Essay Guy Matchlighter Program

  • Graduate of Building Bridges Asheville, NC

  • Masters of Arts in Counseling Psychology from Lewis and Clark College

  • Bachelors of Arts from Davidson College

  • Also attended Agnes Scott College and took classes at Portland State University and Pensacola State College

   400+   

students helped

 30 

years as a school counselor

   100+   

colleges where students were accepted

  • "There is a lot of freely available information and resources online and it can be overwhelming. Having Claire zero in on what's accurate and important not only saved time but provided confidence that we were doing the right things at the right time."

    — Parent

When I was in college, I taught swimming lessons. One of my students was the daughter of an Olympic bronze medalist swimmer. Curious, I asked the mother why she wanted outside instruction when she was clearly more than qualified. She explained that when she pushed her daughter to take risks, the dynamic became emotional and stressful, and her daughter shut down. Working with a third party allowed her child to learn, grow, and take risks without the added pressure of a parent–child relationship.

Now, as a parent of two teenagers navigating the college admissions process, I understand that feeling completely.

Even when parents are knowledgeable and deeply invested, having an experienced, objective guide can make the process calmer, more productive, and far less emotionally charged—for both parent and child.

Explore how I can help