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College Campus

Meet Our Team

Jennifer Tabbush, Founder

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Jennifer Tabbush founded Headed for College in 2004 to provide families with expert academic planning, educational consulting, and college and grad school counseling.​​

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A unique blend of admissions expertise, industry experience & entrepreneurial spirit​

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  • Deep admissions expertise - With over ten years at UCLA Anderson’s MBA admissions office and three years on UCLA’s Undergraduate Admissions Read Team, Jennifer reviewed thousands of applications and essays, interviewed hundreds of candidates, and represented UCLA’s MBA program internationally. She leverages this insider knowledge to help students craft standout applications.

  • Corporate strategy background - Jennifer’s previous roles at Merrill Lynch Investment Banking, Nissan North America, and Walt Disney Television equip her to guide students with strategic clarity, ensuring each application highlights their unique strengths.

  • A proven track record of success - Jennifer has guided hundreds of students through academic planning and college applications since 1994, with a genuine passion for connecting with teens during this pivotal time and helping them succeed. She has worked on a pro bono basis with numerous disadvantaged students who went on to receive prestigious POSSE and Questbridge scholarships.

 

Supportive guidance that makes a difference

Students and families value Jennifer’s positivity, enthusiasm, and honest and insightful approach, which helps reduce stress in a process that can often feel overwhelming. She especially enjoys helping teens navigate academic decisions, explore their interests, and find colleges that truly align with their goals and personalities.

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Credentials that matter

  • UCLA – B.A. Economics/Business, Magna Cum Laude, Phi Beta Kappa

  • UCLA Anderson Graduate School of Management – MBA, Summa Cum Laude

  • UCLA Certificate in College Counseling with Distinction

  • Certified Educational Planner

  • Professional Member (and former board member) of Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA)

  • Member of National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC)

 

Beyond the office

Outside of her work helping students, Jennifer is an animal lover who enjoys an active life in Southern California. Her passions include spending time with her family, hiking with her dogs, ocean swims, tennis, pickleball, travel, volunteering, and starting the day with a pour-over coffee.

Kimberly Byron

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A powerful combination of creative passion, corporate expertise & coaching insight

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  • Dynamic counseling expertise - With 15 years of college counseling experience, Kimberly specializes in helping students from all backgrounds, including performing arts students, students with learning differences, and athletes. She expertly guides students to discover the best match colleges, including international colleges. She also finds her work with pro bono students especially rewarding.

  • Coaching experience - As a certified life coach, Kimberly translates her skills working with high-achieving adults into helping students navigate the college admissions process with clarity, resilience and purpose.

  • Professional writing and Corporate PR background - Kimberly’s roles at Toyota Motor Corporation, Wickes Companies, Inc. and her own PR firm, KB Associates, honed her skills in creative storytelling, enabling her to help students craft compelling, authentic college essays and applications.

 

Warm guidance and a creative spark​

Students and families appreciate Kimberly’s positive and encouraging approach, which helps reduce stress and inspire confidence in the college process. She helps students craft their unique story with insight, creativity and empathy. 

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Credentials that matter

  • UCLA – B.A. in Communications and Sociology

  • UCLA Certificate in College Counseling

  • Professional Member, Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA)

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Beyond the office

When not guiding students, Kimberly enjoys volunteering as a UCLA alumni representative. Outside of work, she is an avid horseback rider, passionate animal lover, friendly pickleball player, nature enthusiast and deeply values family time with her husband, two daughters and extended family.

Chelsea Harder

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An extensive background in student development & university partnerships

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Chelsea’s college counseling expertise is grounded in student mentorship and higher education experience:

  • Comprehensive student mentorship - As a longtime Director at UCLA Anderson School of Management offering coaching, mentorship and academic guidance to MBA, law and undergrad students, Chelsea is an expert in providing invaluable academic and career guidance to students at every stage.

  • Dedicated education advocate - Chelsea is deeply committed to supporting students through personalized college counseling and strategic academic planning, having built innovative programs to engage young scholars at edtech companies like iD Tech, 2U and Trilogy Education.

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Passionate about education and student success

Families and students appreciate Chelsea’s approachable, “meet students where they are” style, helping them navigate the college admissions process with confidence and clarity.

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Credentials that matter

  • UC San Diego – B.A. Sociology, minor in Communications

  • University of Southern California – M.Ed. in Higher Education Administration

  • UCLA Anderson Executive Education – General Management Certificate

  • UCLA College Counseling Courses

  • Professional Member, Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA)

  • CollegePlannerPro Advisory Board Member

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Beyond the office

Chelsea is passionate about empowering students, volunteering her time with Matchlight Scholars. When she’s not working, Chelsea loves adventures with her husband and two young children.

Marissa Leitner

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A unique mix of psychology expertise & college counseling passion 

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Marissa combines deep psychology expertise with a heartfelt passion for guiding students toward their academic goals:

  • Supportive counseling approach - Marissa's compassionate guidance helps students confidently navigate high school, college applications and healthcare-related graduate programs including psychology, speech pathology, and occupational therapy. 

  • Educational psychology expertise - As a licensed educational psychologist, Marissa excels at assessing students (using tools like WISC, WIAT, TOVA, NEPSY, Conners, and BASC) and advocating for them, especially those with learning differences

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Thoughtful support when it matters

Families deeply appreciate Marissa’s empathetic, enthusiastic approach, helping students feel empowered and understood throughout their admissions journey.

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Credentials that matter

  • UC Berkeley – B.A. Psychology, Phi Beta Kappa

  • California State University, Northridge – M.S. School Counseling

  • UC Irvine – Independent Educational Consultant Certificate

  • Member, National Association of School Psychologists

  • Associate Member, Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA)

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Beyond the office

When she’s not working with students and families, Marissa enjoys spending time with her husband, kids, extended family, and close friends. She loves baking while listening to her favorite podcasts, watching comedy shows, and attending concerts. Marissa finds joy in hiking, running, swimming, and going on outdoor adventures with her family.

Lisa Liss

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A perfect blend of family-focused guidance & deep expertise in business, STEM, arts, and humanities college counseling

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Lisa is deeply committed to guiding students toward colleges that match their unique academic, social, and financial goals:

  • Strategic admissions experience - Leveraging her experience in finance and admissions, including serving as an admissions reader at the University of Chicago, Lisa guides students to present themselves authentically and strategically in college applications.

  • Supportive mentorship - Lisa developed her ability to juggle complex priorities through personal and professional experiences. She conducted business analysis at a multinational financial firm, led local non-profit educational organizations, and managed a multi-location health clinic. She leverages her organization and communication skills to help students manage deadlines and reduce application stress.

 

Empowering guidance every step

Families value Lisa’s calming influence, structured guidance, and strategic insights, which enable them to navigate the college admissions journey with greater ease and confidence.

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Credentials that matter

  • Occidental College – B.A. Economics

  • University of Chicago Booth School of Business – MBA, Finance

  • UCLA – Certificate in College Counseling with Distinction

  • Professional Member, Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA)

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Beyond the office

When she's not creating delicious meals for friends and family, knitting elaborate sweaters, or getting in one more rep at the gym, Lisa enjoys volunteering, supporting low-income students, and bringing genuine enthusiasm, clarity, and support to every student interaction.

Allison Kelly

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Dedicated educator, passionate mentor

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Allison uses her extensive teaching background and education expertise to guide students toward college success:

  • Experienced educator - With 14 years as a math teacher and instructional leader, Allison brings a wealth of practical experience in supporting student growth and advising on academic pathways.

  • Dedicated student advocate - Allison expertly guides students, helping them build confidence and showcase their strengths in the admissions process.

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Support that inspires confidence

Families appreciate Allison’s supportive approach, easing stress and empowering students to succeed academically and personally.

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Credentials that matter

  • UC San Diego – B.A. History

  • UCLA – M.Ed., Single-subject teaching credential in Mathematics

  • UCLA Certificate in College Counseling with Distinction

  • Associate Member, Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA)

  • National Board Certified Teacher (Mathematics)

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Beyond the office

Allison’s genuine enthusiasm and commitment shine in every interaction, inspiring students to reach their fullest potential.

Brynn Shiovitz

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Academic insight, creative approach

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Brynn provides students with an invaluable insider’s perspective drawn from her extensive academic and professional writing experience:

  • Higher education expertise - Brynn’s background includes teaching and serving on admissions committees at institutions such as UCLA, Chapman, SUNY Purchase and CSU Long Beach.

  • Acclaimed writing and research - Brynn is an accomplished author and editor whose work has appeared in NPR, BBC, Vanity Fair, Newsweek, Los Angeles Times and various academic journals, empowering students to articulate their stories clearly and compellingly.

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Guidance tailored to success

Students value Brynn’s engaging approach, helping them confidently navigate college admissions and application processes.

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Credentials that matter

  • Mills College – B.A. Dance and Philosophy

  • NYU Tisch School of the Arts – M.A. in Performance Studies

  • UCLA – Ph.D. in Culture and Performance

  • Associate Member, Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA)

  • Dance Studies Association

  • Association for Jewish Studies

  • Society for Cinema and Media Studies

  • National Dance Educators Association

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Beyond the office

Brynn’s passion for creative expression and storytelling enriches her personalized approach, inspiring students throughout their educational journeys. When she’s not working, Brynn loves adventuring with her two daughters, excavating the archive, and tasting responsibly sourced chocolate. 

Laura DiBiase

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Personalized guidance, global perspective

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Laura’s deep commitment and international experience empower students to achieve their college dreams:

  • Global counseling experience - Laura has successfully guided students through the college admissions process both domestically and internationally, notably during her tenure teaching in Budapest.

  • Engaging mentorship - Laura excels at cultivating authentic connections with her extensive experience in counseling and tutoring (SAT, ACT, Humanities), helping students clearly express their unique identities through applications and essays.

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Committed, supportive guidance

Families appreciate Laura’s passionate, motivating approach, making the often overwhelming admissions journey manageable and positive.

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Credentials that matter

  • UC Santa Barbara – B.A. History

  • NCAA Division I student-athlete (soccer)

  • Associate Member, Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA)

  • Experienced educator and college counselor

 

Beyond the office

  • Laura’s genuine passion for student success and cross-cultural experiences uniquely informs her supportive and enthusiastic approach to college counseling.

George Philip (GP) LeBourdais

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Thoughtful guidance, innovative vision

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GP brings a uniquely blended expertise from education, scholarship and innovative leadership:

  • Academic excellence - GP's rich background includes teaching at Stanford, Williams College, and Millbrook School, plus pivotal roles at Stanford's Vice Provost for Teaching and Learning.

  • Innovative research and mentorship - GP’s experience as a Fulbright Scholar and research leader equips him with insights into student success, creativity and resilience.

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Supportive, personalized coaching

Students and families value GP’s thoughtful, empathetic approach to navigating college planning and academic success strategies.

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Credentials that matter

  • Middlebury College – B.A.

  • Williams College – M.A.

  • Stanford University – Ph.D. in History of Art & Architecture

  • Associate Member, Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA)

  • Experienced educator and former startup executive

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Beyond the office

GP’s diverse experiences, including exploring the Arctic Circle, inform his engaging and insightful guidance, making him a relatable and inspiring mentor.

Eric Wahlgren

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A blend of marketing savvy & storytelling expertise

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Eric brings a powerful combination of skills to the admissions journey:

  • 15+ years in marketing at companies like Pinterest, Dropbox and Meta - Eric helps each student develop a distinctive personal brand that stands out in crowded applicant pools

  • Professional writing background - As a former magazine writer and editor, he guides students through crafting compelling essays that captivate admissions officers

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The right support when it matters most

Students and families appreciate Eric’s compassionate, low-stress approach, particularly in a process that often feels incredibly high-stakes. 

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Credentials that matter

  • Stanford University - B.A., International Relations

  • UC Berkeley - Master's in Journalism

  • Completed all UCLA College Counseling Certificate Program coursework

  • Member, Independent Educational Consultants Association

  • Volunteer college coach with ScholarMatch, supporting first-generation, low-income students on their journey to college

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Beyond the office

When not helping students navigate admissions, Eric enjoys life in San Francisco with his husband and their two neurodiverse kids. In his spare time, he pursues open water swimming. His philosophy in both life and college counseling: "You just got to dive in!"

David Cooley, Career Coach

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Expert career guidance, personalized support

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David empowers students and professionals to realize their potential through expert career coaching and strategic advice:

  • Award-winning coaching expertise - With extensive coaching experience at UCLA Anderson’s MBA Program and as a career coach at Drake Beam Morin, David has guided clients ranging from recent grads to senior executives.

  • Strategic career insights - David leverages his extensive industry knowledge to help clients develop clear, actionable career strategies.

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Compassionate, tailored support

Clients appreciate David’s personalized, empathetic approach, significantly reducing anxiety and fostering confidence in career planning.

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Credentials that matter

  • University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee – B.A.

  • UCLA Anderson – Certification in General Management

  • Hudson Institute of Santa Barbara – Certified Career Coach

  • Client list includes E! Entertainment, Synopsys, the Walt Disney Company, Gilead Sciences, the IMAX Corporation, L.A.’s Metrolink, and Lumend Technologies

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Beyond the office

David’s passion for guiding individuals toward meaningful careers is evident in every interaction, creating supportive environments for personal and professional growth.

Headed for College

18375 Ventura Blvd. #381

Tarzana, CA 91356

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