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.