Heather G.

Heather Grant has been guiding and coaching students for nearly three decades, bringing extensive experience in academic counselling, executive functioning coaching, and post-secondary advising. She has worked in leadership and guidance roles at some of Canada’s leading independent schools, including Appleby College and Havergal College, as well as internationally at Neuchâtel Junior College in Switzerland. Most recently, she served as Director of Guidance and Counselling at the National Ski Academy in Collingwood, Ontario.
Heather specializes in post-secondary advising, helping students successfully navigate the university and college application process in Canada, the US, and the UK. She has particular expertise in NCAA athletics pathways, supporting student-athletes through eligibility, recruitment, and scholarship opportunities. In addition, Heather provides executive functioning coaching, guiding students in developing organization, time management, and study skills that allow them to thrive academically and personally.
Her approach is student-centred and holistic, blending academic planning with social-emotional support to ensure students feel confident, resilient, and well-prepared for their futures. She has extensive experience helping students build strong study habits, manage stress, and develop the independence needed to succeed in post-secondary settings.
Families and students consistently value Heather’s warmth, professionalism, and depth of experience. She combines practical, step-by-step guidance with a caring and encouraging presence, making her a trusted partner in helping young people prepare for the next stage of their academic journey.
Heather holds a Master of Education in Counselling Psychology from the University of Toronto, a Master of Arts in Physical and Health Education from Queen’s University, and multiple undergraduate degrees in Physical Education, Health Studies and Women’s Studies. In addition to her school leadership roles, she has been a frequent presenter to students, parents, and community groups on topics including university admissions, executive functioning, and mental health.

NANCY C.

Nancy comes to Prep Academy after 35 years in education, with the last 28 years as the Director of University Counselling at a private school in Vancouver, BC. Nancy has worked with over 2,000 students and parents by helping them to achieve their goals which includes acceptance into top tier post secondary institutions in Canada, United States and Abroad. Nancy holds 4 degrees from Western University (Kinesiology), UBC (B.Ed. & Masters in Ed. Admin) and UC San Diego (College Counseling).

Nancy brings a wealth of experience in post-secondary counseling and over the years, she has established strong connections with university representatives from all over the world. She has been recognized by Stanford University and The University of Chicago as an outstanding educator in the field of post-secondary guidance and in 2021 received the Distinguished Service Award from the International Association for College Admission Counseling. As part of this honour, nominators described Nancy as forward thinking, kind, compassionate and creative.

Nancy’s collaborative approach will provide Prep Academy students with one to one guidance on the university process and can specifically address any or all of the following:

  • Program selection
  • “What’s the Dream?”
  • Post Secondary short list
  • Proofreading writing supplements
  • Interview tips & techniques
  • Application assistance
  • How to Decide?

In her view, there are two main drivers of post secondary counselling: to keep students calm about this process by not getting overwhelmed.  And two, to keep parents informed along the way.

Vanessa W.

Vanessa Wade has been working in education for over 20 years. The majority of her career has been spent as a guidance counsellor (Grade 4-12) and a learning support coach in Toronto area schools (St. Clement’s School, Havergal College, and Holy Trinity School).  She has specialized as a Grade 12 university counsellor (Canadian and US), helping students with their high school course choices, their post-secondary options, their online and supplementary applications, and scholarships.  In her role as a learning support specialist, Vanessa has tutored students on developing their executive function skills; assisting with organization, time management, and goal setting until students are able to independently demonstrate these skills.  She also has assisted with entrance interviews at both Havergal College and her current school.  Vanessa works with clients to find their confidence and their uniqueness.

Vanessa currently is the Deputy Head of an independent school located in Nova Scotia. Despite living in the Maritimes (home of some wonderful post-secondary schools!) she ensures that she keeps up to date with the Ontario curriculum and its post-secondary landscape.

SUSAN B.

Susan is an Ontario Certified Teacher with a Specialist in Guidance. She has over 25 years experience as a University Counsellor in public and private schools – most recently at Branksome Hall and Ridley College. Susan has extensive knowledge of the International Baccalaureate Program and the Ontario Secondary School Program and can counsel students in the following areas:
-University research and admission requirements
-Building a list of university programs
-Preparing for supplementary applications
-Preparing for scholarship applications
-Building a non-academic profile
Susan has a 16-year-old daughter and loves spending time with family, as well as traveling and playing golf.