meet kathleen shipos
Kathleen Shipos,
founder of Blue Birch College Consulting
Kathleen Shipos is an Independent Educational Consultant (IEC) with more than 25 years of experience working with students as an educator, speech-language pathologist, and assistive technology professional, a background that gives her a unique understanding of how students learn, what motivates them, and how to help them see their own potential.
Kathleen works with students across a wide range of academic profiles, helping them build thoughtful college lists, develop strong applications, and find colleges that are a strong academic, social, and financial fit. She is especially focused on helping families understand the financial side of college and make informed decisions that align with their long-term goals.
Kathleen is known for bringing clarity, structure, and reassurance to a process that often feels overwhelming.
what you can expect
Every family comes to the college process with different needs, timelines, and budgets. Kathleen's role is to bring clarity and structure to a process that often feels chaotic.
This is what that looks like in practice:
Finding the right fit. Kathleen helps students identify colleges that align with their academic goals, social preferences, and personal interests, not just brand names or rankings.
Making it affordable. She evaluates financial aid eligibility, identifies schools likely to offer merit scholarships or financial aid, and helps families compare financial aid packages so they can make informed financial decisions.
Reducing the stress. She guides students and families through each step of the process, from early planning through final decisions.
Flexible levels of support. Not every family needs the same level of support. Kathleen offers flexible options so families can get the right amount of guidance for their situation, whether that is a single strategy session or ongoing help throughout the full process.
education and credentials
BA in English, Boston College
MEd in Curriculum and Instruction, Boston College
MS in Speech-Language Pathology, Northeastern University
Certificate in Assistive Technology, University of Illinois Chicago
Certificate in Independent Educational Consulting, University of California, Irvine
Associate Member, Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA)
ready to learn more?
A free 30-minute consultation is a great place to start. During the call, Kathleen will learn about your student and your family's goals, and recommend services that make the most sense for your situation.