Since 2008, Stephanie has been working in college placement and transition planning and more recently added boarding school advising to her areas of expertise. Her specialty is in aiding students with learning differences in finding appropriate boarding school and post-secondary options through a comprehensive and individualized process. Her focus is to identify and address each student’s individual strengths, needs, and preferences while supporting families in selecting appropriate academic settings. Through aligning strengths, interests, and needs within the environment, building awareness, and formulating an in-depth understanding of their learning profile, she aids students in finding continued success in settings that fit their needs. 

Stephanie holds a Bachelor’s in Art History from St. Olaf College and a Master’s in Italian Renaissance Art History from Syracuse University. After early experiences in general education, and working in other industries, she decided to return to her calling in education. She worked for 15 years as a decoding and 1-1 remediation teacher at a private school for students with learning differences and was a proud member of the Leadership Team that started the school’s Connecticut campus. In addition to teaching, she served as the Director of College Placement and Transition Planning at the school for over 10 years. During her tenure, she successfully placed students in colleges, as well as comprehensive support, transition, and gap year programs. Before joining The Bertram Group, she owned and operated Grapevine Educational Consulting. Equally important to her professional experience, Stephanie is the proud mother of two boys who have learning, hearing, and attention deficits. She is passionate about applying her knowledge and personal experience to help parents and students who are embarking on their journey from middle school through the post-secondary transition process.

Professional Affiliations include:

• Independent Educational Consultant Association, Professional Member and LD/ND Committee Member (IECA)

• Higher Education Consultants Association (HECA)

• National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC)

• Learning Disabilities Association (LDA)

• Young Adult Transition Association (YATA)

• Small Boarding Schools Association (SBSA)

• Board Member -The Southport School

• Board Member - Smart Kids With Learning Disabilities

• Former Board Member, Special Education Equity for Kids (SEEK) of Connecticut