About
Education & Certifications
-
Certificate in College Advising and Career Planning, University of California, Berkeley
-
Certificates in Advising the College-Bound Student-Athlete, Student Athlete Advisors & NACAC
-
Practicum in College Counseling, Notre Dame Academy High School, Los Angeles
-
Ph.D. (ABD) in Psychology and Social Behavior, specialization in Developmental Psychology, University of California, Irvine
-
M.A. in Child Development & Family Relationships, University of Texas at Austin
-
B.A. in Psychology and English, Summa Cum Laude, Texas Christian University
Founder • College Advisor • Parent • Advocate for Students & Families
Meet Erin
I founded Innovative Education Partners to support students in discovering who they are, what they care about, and where they want to go. My work is rooted in the belief that every student deserves thoughtful, personalized guidance—and that families benefit from a trusted partner who brings both insight and empathy to the process.
As a parent of two, I’ve experienced firsthand the emotional, academic, and logistical challenges that come with helping a teenager navigate high school and prepare for college. My younger son is currently a high school sophomore—a creative, entrepreneurial student-athlete. My oldest played Division 1 football at Bucknell University, where he studied political science, digital humanities, and management. He’s now continuing his education in Boston College’s Sports Administration graduate program while working at Harvard Athletics in marketing and fan engagement. Their unique journeys have shaped how I work with the families: grounded, compassionate, and committed to seeing every student for who they are.
Professionally, I bring over 25 years of experience in education, developmental psychology, student and family advocacy, program development, and college advising. I help students reflect deeply, make intentional choices, and present themselves with clarity and authenticity throughout the college application process. My work also includes supporting families in understanding and navigating educational needs, assessments, and accommodations—both in high school and as students transition to college. I’m experienced in guiding conversations around 504 Plans, IEPs, and academic support services, helping students access the resources they need to thrive and advocating for their continued success in higher education.
In my local community, I’ve been an active volunteer and advocate in K–12 education for many years. I’ve served in PTA leadership at the elementary, middle, and high school levels in Manhattan Beach, contributed to district advisory and wellness initiatives, supported two high school athletic booster clubs, and helped launch the district-wide Makerspace initiative. I was also a participant in Challenge Success, a Stanford-based program focused on reducing student stress and promoting well-being. Currently, I serve on the Parent Advisory Board for Athletics at Pacifica Christian High School, continuing my commitment to supporting student-athletes and their families in and beyond the classroom.
At Innovative Education Partners, I collaborate closely with families, counselors, coaches, and mentors to support the whole student—academically, socially, and emotionally. Whether your child is just beginning to explore, actively applying, or navigating a transfer, I’ll guide them with strategy, insight, and heart.
Collaboration That Strengthens Guidance
As part of TRIO, a college counseling collaborative, my students benefit from the shared expertise of Ann Bartron Morris in the San Francisco Bay Area and Kathryn Crosby in Southern California. Our complementary skill sets and deep experience across different regions and institutions allow us to offer well-rounded, strategic, and highly personalized support. Behind the scenes, we regularly consult and collaborate—ensuring our clients receive the most thoughtful, current, and comprehensive advising possible.
In addition to TRIO, I actively participate in a monthly roundtable with Los Angeles-area members of IECA and HECA, where I collaborate with independent educational consultants to share insights on emerging trends, shifts in the admissions landscape, and nuances of specific programs and colleges.
I also engage regularly with a cohort of advisors and consultants from the UC Berkeley College & Career Counseling Certificate Program, a community committed to continuous learning and student-centered advising.
As a member of multiple local and national professional organizations, I stay informed of changes in the college admissions world and bring those timely insights directly into my work with students and families.
This layered, ongoing collaboration ensures that every family I work with benefits from a rich network of shared expertise, thoughtful strategy, and professional integrity
Recent Campus Visits
Campus visits enable me to go beyond the websites, brochures, and data. I tour the college, connect with admissions representatives, talk with students, and explore the surrounding town. I look for the academic vibe, student energy, and daily life details that matter most—so I can give students personalized, real-world insight into each campus.
-
American University (Washington, D.C.)
-
Babson College (MA)
-
Boston College (MA)
-
Boston University (MA)
-
Bucknell University (PA)
-
Columbia University (NY)
-
Emerson University (MA)
-
Fordham University (NY)
-
George Mason University (VA)
-
George Washington University (Washington, D.C.)
-
Georgetown University (Washington, D.C.)
-
Goucher College (MD)
-
Harvard University (MA)
-
Johns Hopkins University (MD)
-
Lehigh University (PA)
-
Loyola University Maryland (MD)
-
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MA)
-
New York University (NY)
-
Northeastern University (MA)
-
Princeton University (NJ)
-
Rutgers University (NJ)
-
Sarah Lawrence College (NY)
-
Swarthmore (PA)
-
Suffolk University (MA)
-
The New School (NY)
-
Towson University (MD)
-
University of Delaware
-
University of Maryland
-
Villanova University (PA)
Giving Back
We volunteer to provide pro bono college counseling services to underserved students in the greater Los Angeles community on a case-by-case basis. A founding principal is to support students who would appreciate and could benefit from working with a college counselor.
Committed to community impact, we are proud to be a Presidential Volunteer Service Award Certifying Organization. The Presidential Volunteer Service Award is sponsored by AmeriCorps, the federal agency that supports volunteering efforts throughout the United States, and honors outstanding volunteers and their meaningful involvement in their communities.
