The PrepMatters Advantage: Educational Counseling

PrepMatters Educational Counseling is headed by Dr. Kathleen O'Connor, a leader in the field for over 30 years. She has a well earned reputation for striving for the best for the individual student, even if that means going against conventional wisdom.  "Conventional wisdom," she believes, "is always conventional, but it's not always wise."

Eileen Wilkinson, Educational Counselor, brings over 20 years of experience in the field of education to PrepMatters. Ms. Wilkinson began her college counseling career in 1985, joining the staff of Dr. Kathleen O’Connor. Subsequently earning a Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration from Northwestern University, she spent ten years as the Associate Director of Admissions for Marymount University in Virginia.  She has also served as an admissions consultant for major colleges and universities and is a featured guest blogger for the Washington Post, offering advice for parents of college-bound students.

With her calm and reassuring manner, Ms. Wilkinson offers her skills and expertise as an educational counselor and essay specialist to our clients. Her gift for discovering the unique qualities of each student and enthusiasm for helping students navigate this challenging and often emotional process is readily apparent.

Leah Adams, Educational Counselor, is a graduate of Georgetown University and served as Assistant Director of Admissions at the university for three years. Following her tenure at Georgetown, Ms. Adams became the college counselor for Lycée Rochambeau (The French International School), where she advised students applying to American, Canadian, British and European universities. Also serving as the school’s standardized test coordinator and liaison with the College Board, Ms. Adams understands the intricacies of admissions tests. 

Ms. Adams’ extensive knowledge of both American and international institutions of higher education enable her to offer our clients expert guidance throughout the admissions process. Her energy and enthusiasm allow her to easily connect with students, providing them with additional support and motivation throughout high school.

Pamela Raymont-Simpson, Essay Specialist, draws upon her experience as an English teacher for more than 20 years and an adjunct professor at American University as she guides students through the process of writing college and graduate school application essays.  With her reassuring manner, Ms. Raymont-Simpson not only helps her students successfully execute their essays, but she also teaches them how to become stronger writers. Ms. Raymont-Simpson earned a B.S. in Education from Boston University and a M.A. in English from Georgetown University.

Maura Cooper, Essay Specialist Ms. Cooper's background in editing and freelance writing and extensive experience working with students on their college essays and applications make her an integral part of our counseling team.  A patient, passionate teacher and writer, Ms. Cooper helps students voice their unique qualities through their writing, while her editing skills enable her to lend an expert eye to final essays and applications.

Kristin Keating, Essay Specialist, has B.A. degrees in English Language and Literature and Secondary Education from the University of Maryland-College Park, a M.A. degree from Catholic University, and is currently working on a Ph.D. from the University of California-Irvine. In addition to serving as an essay specialist, Ms. Keating boasts a mastery of the Common Application and Universal Application. Her specialties include helping students devise application essay topics that showcase their strengths and unique voice, organizing and streamlining a "plan of attack" for applications and essays, and making the revision process as effective and painless as possible.  Ms. Keating also has experience assisting students with other writing assignments, including essays and term papers for school, summer internship and employment essays, AP Literature and AP Language assignments, and standardized test essay prompts.

Elizabeth Johnston, Essay Specialist, went to high school in Alexandria, VA before earning degrees from Harvard College, Yale Law School, and Bennington College’s Writing Seminars. While writing her MFA thesis, Ms. Johnston began working as a teaching assistant in Harvard's Core Curriculum program; she has since taught composition at Boston University, Harvard Extension School, and the University of Maryland. Ms. Johnston enjoys tutoring for the opportunity it provides to work closely with students and tailor instruction to their needs. She particularly enjoys working with students on college essays, because of the opportunity it provides to help them articulate what is unique or interesting about themselves.