Meet the Team

Jennifer Tabbush

Jennifer founded Headed For College to help families in need of expert educational consulting, college and graduate school counseling, and academic planning. She received a BA in Economics/Business from UCLA, graduating Phi Beta Kappa and Magna Cum Laude. After graduating from UCLA, Jennifer worked as a Financial Analyst for Merrill Lynch Capital Markets Investment Banking Division in New York and Los Angeles. Jennifer earned her MBA from the UCLA Anderson Graduate School of Management, graduating Summa Cum Laude. Ms. Tabbush worked for Walt Disney Television during business school in International Television Marketing. After graduating, Jennifer joined Nissan North America as a Senior Financial Analyst working in the strategy group.

Jennifer began her admissions career in 1990 as a volunteer student reader of applications to the MBA program at UCLA Anderson. From 1990-2008, she worked in graduate admissions for the UCLA Anderson Graduate School of Management where she was Associate Director of MBA Admissions. She read thousands of essays, interviewed hundreds of candidates, and represented UCLA Anderson at events in the U.S. and abroad. Jennifer was also a member of the UCLA Undergraduate Admissions and Relations with Schools admissions read team and read applications for UCLA’s freshman class for three years.

Jennifer earned the Certified Educational Planner designation and holds a certificate in College Counseling from UCLA. She has advised high school and college students in the U.S. and abroad regarding academic planning and successful college and graduate program search and application strategies since 1994, and has helped hundreds of students on a volunteer basis. She relies on her extensive admissions experience and knowledge of the admissions and academic landscape, as well as her ability to connect with teens, to help students navigate high school and find colleges that are a great fit. Jennifer loves every minute spent working with students. Jennifer served a three-year term on the Board of Directors of the Independent Educational Consultants Association, where she also was a member of the Finance Committee. She is a member of the following professional organizations:

Kimberly Byron

She has worked in college counseling for the past 10 years. She has helped hundreds of students find, and attend, their dream college. She works with all types of students from all types of backgrounds. Kimberly has the added expertise of working with performing arts students. She counsels her students, strategizing on college selection and the audition process. In addition, Kimberly works with students who have learning differences, ensuring that they receive all the support they need when preparing for college.

Kimberly Byron brings a unique and varied skillset to Headed for College. As a 25-year veteran of the corporate world, she has a distinct perspective and global vision for what it takes to be successful in today’s business environment. Working for global and multi-national conglomerates such as Toyota Motor Corporation and Wickes Companies Inc., Kimberly served as Public Relations Manager and Advertising Manager for both companies. She created media campaigns, authored speeches, and oversaw corporate imaging. It was in this capacity that she developed her expertise in both corporate and creative writing. Now, as a seasoned professional writer, she brings her knowledge, guidance, and insights into working with high school students as they find their authentic voice in their college essays.

Kimberly was also a principal partner in her own public relations company, KB Associates, where she represented clients in such diverse industries as entertainment, food services, healthcare, retail, and education. It was in this capacity that she began to nurture her interest in the education field and working with kids. She began assisting with essay writing and ultimately merged into counseling. After personally counseling her two daughters through the college process, she realized her true calling.

Kimberly received her Certification in College Counseling from UCLA. In addition, she is a UCLA volunteer alumni representative at college fairs, educating high school students, and their families, about UCLA. Kimberly is a UCLA graduate with a dual bachelor’s degree in Communications and Sociology. Kimberly is a member of the following professional organizations:

Chelsea Harder

Throughout her career, Chelsea has been supporting and advising students from a variety of backgrounds. Working with students across the United States and abroad, Chelsea is invested in her students’ success and passionate about her work as a college counselor. After ten years as a Director at the UCLA Anderson School of Management, Chelsea joined the Headed For College team to assist students and families through high school and the college admissions process. Chelsea graduated with a BA in Sociology and a minor in Communications from UC San Diego in 2006. Chelsea mentored students throughout her time at UCSD and after three years working in the music industry, she transitioned to a role at UCLA’s Ziman Center for Real Estate to pursue her passion for student affairs. Chelsea worked closely with MBA, law, and undergraduate students to provide career coaching, mentorship opportunities, and academic guidance. After four years in the role, Chelsea pursued an M.Ed in Higher Education Administration and Student Affairs, earning her degree in 2013. Later that year, she became the Executive Director of the UCLA Anderson Applied Management Research Program – a 6-month MBA capstone consulting project – where she recruited companies and non-profits to work with teams of MBA students. She has since worked in education technology at Trilogy Education Services and 2U, Inc.

Chelsea brings not only her expertise in college counseling but also her passion for education and working with teens to Headed For College. Chelsea earned a Certificate of General Management from the UCLA Anderson Executive Education Program and has taken classes in the College Counseling Certificate Program at UCLA.

Marissa Matthew Leitner

Marissa Leitner is passionate about helping students reach their academic potential. As an independent educational consultant and licensed educational psychologist, she helps students and their families navigate high school, and find and apply to colleges that are the best fit for her students’ unique goals. Marissa enjoys helping students appreciate their accomplishments and supporting them through what can otherwise feel like a daunting process. She helps students succeed by identifying their strengths and passions. Marissa has worked as a school psychologist for ten years, in private practice as well as at public and private schools. Prior to joining Headed for College, she served as the Director of Student Support Services at a private school in Los Angeles. She also has extensive experience supporting students with learning differences, advising families regarding Individualized Education Programs and 504 Plans, while serving as an advisor and advocate for families pursuing accommodations both in schools and in standardized testing. As an Alumni Scholar, Marissa serves as a Cal Alumni Association essay reader and evaluator for scholarships awarded to incoming and current UC Berkeley undergraduate students. Ms. Leitner brings enthusiasm and compassion to her work with families, providing an individualized and thoughtful approach to her relationship with every student during the process.

She is a member of the following professional organizations:

Jackie Zakowski

Jackie graduated from UC Santa Barbara Cum Laude from the College of Letters and Science Honors program with a BA in Psychology. While at UCSB, Jackie worked at the Career Center as a career coach where she enjoyed helping students choose a major, search for internships, create resumes and write cover letters, apply for jobs, network with recruiters, and prepare for interviews. She earned her MBA from USC’s Marshall School of Business studying marketing and entrepreneurship.

Jackie spent 15 years in biopharmaceutical companies including Johnson & Johnson and start-ups. Throughout her career, Jackie has had extensive experience helping with recruitment, interviewing, hiring, and training. She now uses this expertise to support her students throughout high school and with all aspects of the college application process. She has always enjoyed helping individuals reflect, grow, and present themselves using their strengths and interests. Jackie thinks the college application process is an incredible time to explore students’ abilities and goals for the immediate and long-term future. Jackie’s mission is to help all of her students find the colleges that will suit their passions and help them achieve their goals.

Lisa Liss

Lisa Liss is dedicated to helping students find colleges with the best fit – academic, social, and financial – so families can be confident in their success. Lisa works closely with each student to understand their personal, educational, and professional goals. She believes that reaching those goals begins by taking full advantage of the high school academic and extracurricular experience.

Lisa earned her BA in Economics at Occidental College and her MBA in Finance from The University of Chicago Booth School of Business, where she worked in admissions as an application reader. She worked for many years in sinancial Services, conducting analysis, managing development and marketing for retirement products, and supporting product sales and service teams. When she had more children than arms, she pivoted to focus on education and family. Lisa served as PTA President and Executive Board Member of the Booster Club at her local public school before returning to business, managing a multi-location health clinic serving families of school-aged children.

After enjoying the experience of guiding her own three sons and several of their friends to college, Lisa committed herself to helping young people through the college journey. She completed the UCLA College Counseling Certificate Program with distinction and has advised high school students and nontraditional students returning to college or starting for the first time. Lisa volunteers as a college advisor for high-achieving, low-income high school students.

Parents often find the college journey daunting. Lisa knows the path and enjoys helping students express themselves authentically and competitively on applications, and manage competing timelines and priorities to reduce anxiety. She works with students on interview skills and with families on maximizing financial aid. She will help families evaluate offers and make the transition to college. While applying to college is a student’s job, Lisa is there to guide, encourage, give a push when needed, and celebrate at the end of it all!

Allison Kelly

Since her sophomore year of college, Allison has been interested in the education system in the United States. Her interest and undergraduate studies in education developed into a passion for working with and helping students get into and find success in college. Allison graduated from UC San Diego with a BA in History and went on to earn her single subject teaching credential in mathematics and Master’s of Education from UCLA. She worked for the Los Angeles Unified School District as a secondary math teacher for 14 years. During her time with the district, she served in school site leadership roles as a department chairperson, senior class faculty sponsor, and instructional coach. As an instructional coach, she supported the implementation of curriculum and instructional strategies and designed professional development for teachers. She is a member of the National Board Certified teachers, having earned her certification in Adult/Young Adolescence Mathematics in 2013. Allison brings her wealth of knowledge and experience working with high school students and her desire to help them succeed to Headed For College. She is currently taking classes in the College Counseling Certificate Program at UCLA.

Alana Rose

Having truly loved the college application process herself, Alana is passionate about helping students find the right university for them. With a BA in Psychology from USC, she enjoys learning about people, what they are interested in, and how she can create solutions and situations to better their future and allow them to achieve their goals. Alana has spent her entire career in education technology, working for companies such as 2U, Trilogy Education, and Emeritus. She has expertise in relationship and client management with numerous universities from liberal arts colleges to the Ivy League and has a wide breadth of knowledge of the inner workings of institutions across the U.S. and globally. She brings to Headed for College her energy and enthusiasm regarding the endless possibilities that await students and relishes in opening their eyes to new and exciting opportunities.

Stephen Schreiber, Law School

Stephen Schreiber has spent his career in higher education. He was Director of Men’s Housing at Wake Forest University, Director of Orientation at the University of Texas at Austin, and Associate Dean of Students at the University of Chicago. Dr. Schreiber was the Director of the GMAT testing program at the Educational Testing Service and the Executive Vice President of the LSAT testing program. He is currently consulting with organizations with educational components and reads undergraduate applications for Princeton University.

With the LSAT, Dr. Schreiber met regularly with law school Deans, Directors of Admission, and faculty and was intimately involved in the introduction of new programs and services to law school applicants and law schools. He has worked with admissions officers at every US and Canadian law school. He was instrumental in the LSAT being used internationally in Australia, China, and India.

His entire career has been spent working and advising undergraduate and graduate students. He continues that now using his many experiences and contacts to assist students in developing their applications to law schools. He has built a network of experienced law school admission officers to help students make sound decisions and wise choices.

Dr. Schreiber has a BA in Sociology from the College of Wooster in Wooster Ohio, and a masters and doctorate in Higher Education Administration from Indiana University in Bloomington.

David Cooley, Career Coach

David Cooley joined Headed for College in 2014. His background includes more than seven years as an award-winning Career Coach for UCLA Anderson School of Management’s full-time MBA program. His experience also includes five years as a Career Coach and trainer for Drake Beam Morin, an international career consulting firm. He has worked with clients of all ages and experience levels, from recent college graduates to senior-level company executives. His client list includes E! Entertainment, Synopsys, the Walt Disney Company, Gilead Sciences, the IMAX Corporation, L.A.’s Metrolink, and Lumend Technologies.

He received his B.A. from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and holds a certification in General Management from UCLA Anderson School of Management. He is certified in Career Coaching by the Hudson Institute of Santa Barbara, California.


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WHAT CLIENTS ARE SAYING:
Thank you for always being there for me, Kim. I would probably have broken apart without your help. True story!
Attending UCLA
Thank you Jennifer for your invaluable insights into our son and for being so courageously forthright from the beginning. He needed that dose of reality. Your program, philosophy, and guidance are outstanding.
Helen, Son attending USC
I don't know what I would have done without your expert advice, Jennifer. I am going to Penn partly due to your unwavering support, and for that, I can never thank you enough.
Attending the University of Pennsylvania
Thank you so much for all of your help with my myriad of college applications… for never letting me lose hope in Michigan, and for showing me some of the great things Michigan had to offer me on campus. I truly would not have been able to do it without you, Jennifer. Go Blue!
Attending the University of Michigan
Hi Kim: I wanted to let you know that I've made my choice and am officially enrolled at the University of Notre Dame. After visiting, I know that Notre Dame really does fit all of my criteria. Thank you for all the help and guidance you've given me throughout the college process. I couldn't have done it without you. All those long nights toiling over essays definitely paid off. Once again thank you for everything Kim.
Attending Notre Dame
Kimberly, As you remind us to thank our teachers and those who helped us in our journey, I was able to reflect on my own journey; I know I wouldn’t have enjoyed, been challenged, (sometimes) dreaded, but been as excited and confident throughout the process if it wasn’t for your compassionate help when I needed it most! I think today marks the end of Teacher Appreciation Week, and I certainly appreciate you. I’m happy to report I’ll be staying in Southern California pursuing a BFA at USC!!, something I know I wouldn’t be able to say if it wasn’t for your strong, supportive, and kind guidance.
Attending USC
Words cannot express our gratitude, Jennifer. Your advice gave us direction, confidence, and comfort during the crazy college process. We are very grateful for your patience with us - you always had an answer to our questions and concerns. Thank you for helping facilitate our daughter's Cornell dream!
Donna, daughter attending Cornell University
Jennifer, I just wanted to say thank you for your guidance, expertise, and confidence in Ben and for finding him the college that is right for him… You have been an amazing force in his life and we are forever grateful.
Attending Vanderbilt University
Marissa carefully assessed our individual situation and then provided streamlined, easy to use information. She was patient, positive and supportive, but also held our son accountable to weekly tasks and milestones. She was knowledgeable, up to date, and asked the right kinds of questions to help us find the schools that would be a genuine fit for our son. Marissa’s calm, smart, confident style truly eased the anxiety we were feeling about the college application process. She helped turn what could have been a daunting task into a manageable, exciting challenge that we were eager to master.
Attending Cal Poly San Luis Obispo
Kim, I wanted to say thank you for all of the support and encouragement you've given me over the last 12 months. I know it definitely wasn't easy, but Michigan Ross is an amazing place and I'm really happy to be attending the Ross School of Business. Thank you so much! I don't think I could have done it without you!
Attending the Ross School of Business at Michigan
Jennifer, You guided me from the first step to the last step, with all the frantic emails in between, and still were willing to help me past the last step when I needed it. I sincerely feel that without your help, I would never have heard of Wash U, which is definitely the perfect school for me and at which I know I will thrive ...
Attending Washington University in St. Louis
Thank you, Kim, from the bottom of my heart. You are sincerely one of the most incredible people I have ever had the pleasure of getting to know. Thank you for everything that you've done for us.
Twins attending UCLA
Chelsea,
The words "thank you" feel utterly inadequate to convey our appreciation for all of the support, guidance, and wisdom you have shared so generously with our family over the past two years. As two college professors, it has been truly humbling to learn how complex, labor intensive, and emotionally charged the college application process has become. Beyond your incredible knowledge, we have been truly in awe of your ability to connect in a meaningful way with both our kids and to guide them not just in "getting in" to college but finding their voices and learning who they are. We are so grateful and will truly miss working with you.
Attending Cornell University
Lisa, I am happy to say that Sarah has found her home for the next four years and potentially beyond. She has committed to the University of Utah Honors College. She is so excited to be a Ute! Thank you for all of your efforts in helping her get to this wonderful place. We truly could not have done it without you!
Allison, daughter attending the University of Utah Honors College
Marissa, I can’t thank you enough for all of the help throughout this crazy process! I truly could not have done it without you. You are so kind and wise, and I have greatly enjoyed getting to know you….Once again, you are absolutely amazing.
Attending Dartmouth College
While working with Chelsea I was able to get a complete understanding of the college application process and amazing help along the way. I would not have been able to go through this process without her consistent guidance and reassurance.
Attending Northwestern University
Working with Chelsea was a wonderful experience! She was incredibly helpful throughout the whole application process, but beyond sound advice, she was really invested in my success and because of her help, I’m at the school that is actually perfect for me!
Attending Tulane University in the Honors Program
Marissa, We adore you and are so grateful for your kindness and generosity of time and spirit. You went way above and beyond and gave my daughter a feeling of buoyancy with your incredible personality, positivity and warmth. Thank you again for everything!!!
Daughter attending Princeton University
Kim, Thank you so much for all your help and assistance through this stressful college process… You helped me stay on track and organized while still remaining positive the whole time. Every time I left your office, I felt stress-free and like a burden was lifted off my shoulders ... seriously.
Attending Williams College
What an amazing gift to have had you help each of our boys over-achieve in getting into the colleges of their choice! They could have never done it without your knowledge and guidance.
Stan, sons graduated from Pepperdine, USC and Boston College
Lisa, I honestly wish I could thank you in person. I don't know where I would be right now had I not met you and had your guidance throughout this admissions process. As a first-generation Latina coming from a low-income immigrant background, higher education was something that felt unattainable for a long time. But with your guidance and support, I will be attending an institution I would have never imagined even applying to had it not been for you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. (Pro Bono Client)
Attending Dartmouth College
While trying to juggle the pressures of work, being a full-time college student, and all the extracurriculars I was involved in, I felt reassurance that my transfer applications would excellent because of Chelsea. Chelsea was very thorough and pushed me to open up about the story I had to tell. She gave me tons of information that I would never have known without her help.
Transferred to UC Berkeley
Thank you, Kim, for all of your help and support with Adrianna through this process. I believe at the beginning she did not think she was going to be able to get into college. Through your patience and coaching, she was able to identify a number of colleges to apply to and successfully get into a majority of those colleges. You gave her the confidence she needed during this process we are extremely grateful for all that you did.
Mary, daughter attending St. Mary's College
Thank you so much for your guidance and mentorship Jennifer. Thank you for the last-minute one-on-one meetings, thank you for being understanding when I failed to meet early deadlines because of the stress that I was going through, thank you for everything that you put yourself through to make my application the best it could have possibly been! All of the success that I have experienced during this crazy application process would not have been possible had it not been for your expertise. Because of you, I can now pursue my passion in the best art school in the country!
Attending RISD
Chelsea’s experience and knowledge of colleges, her prompt advice at every step of the way, and the kind manner with which she was able to convey key messages to our son were more than we could have asked for.
Attending UCLA
Chelsea, Words cannot express my gratitude. Thank you for your time, patience, and for keeping me on track and focused, and organized. I have said it to my parents but I also want to be sure that I make it clear to you - The best gift they gave me was the time and help I received from you. I truly appreciate your coaching, advice, and availability at all hours of the day. I will think of you fondly as I walk onto the Emory campus in August! You're the best.
Attending Emory
Kim - I just committed to UT!! Thank you so much for everything. The journey would not have been possible without you. I'm so thankful for your guidance.
Attending the University of Texas, Austin
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