Apr. 2013 Summer 2014 | Page 27

Stephanie Kennedy Helps Answer the Question: What Are my Children’s Options for College? By Jan O’Kane I am delighted to have with me today, Stephanie Kennedy, President of Kennedy Educational Services, as well as the co-founder of My College Planning Team. Faith Filled Family: Hello Stephanie, thank you for being here with us today. Stephanie Kennedy: I’m delighted as well. Thank you! Faith Filled Family: Could you share with us some of your background, and what inspired you to start your company? Stephanie Kennedy: I spent 19 years in college admissions and college student development administration that’s the “non-academic” side of college and universities, and left it to raise my children full-time. At the point that they became more independent in high school, I got “the bug” to get back into college admissions, and I found that it was no longer the perfect fit for me to work in the office and travel. SO, I explored the college marketing field a bit and came upon a mentor who encouraged me to develop my experience and skills into a business as what is known as an Independent Educational Consultant—a coach to families in the college search and selection process. Faith Filled Family: I understand your company offers a rather unique service. Is it the only company of it’s kind? Stephanie Kennedy: Independent Educational Consultants are part of a profession that has been around for over 50 years. So, it is somewhat unusual in terms of uniqueness. You are referring Ѽ