Raising confident, capable daughters in today’s fast-paced world comes with a unique set of joys—and challenges. That’s why we were thrilled to welcome Hilary Afshary, author of Dorm to Doorstep: Tips, Tidbits and Tales Every Young Woman Will Want to Read, to the Growing Good Humans podcast for a meaningful conversation tailored to parents of college-bound girls.

In this episode, Hilary shared the inspiration behind Dorm to Doorstep, a resource designed to help families navigate the transition from high school to college with empathy, strategy, and heart. With a special lens on the experiences of young women in higher education, Hilary offered insights to empower parents to support their children's academic growth, emotional resilience, and independence as they took bold steps toward adulthood.

🎤 Hilary answered questions like:

• What inspired you to write Dorm to Doorstep?
• How is the book organized, and what types of support do students—and especially girls—need most?
• If you could offer just one key piece of advice to parents, what would it be?
• What’s next in your journey to support students and families?

Whether your child is preparing for their first year of college or you are simply looking ahead, this conversation will offer reassurance, clarity, and tangible tools for parents looking to champion their children through one of life’s most important transitions!

🔗 Explore more about Hilary Afshary

📚 Get the book: Dorm to Doorstep

👉 Check out Hilary's Daily Three Minute Mediation podcast and Ultimate Summer Before College Checklist!

Engage with us at Emerging Consulting!

⭐ Website - https://emergingconsulting.com/

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Are you interested in learning more about our College Consulting services? Tell Us Your Story HERE - https://emergingconsulting.com/contact/

🎙️ Curious about bold, innovative paths in higher ed? This episode is for you.

We were thrilled to welcome Amber Featherstone, the Assistant Dean of Enrollment Management at Minerva University, to the Growing Good Humans podcast!

With over 15 years of experience in international education, enrollment, and student support, Amber has dedicated her career to guiding students toward globally innovative learning opportunities. In this episode, she joined us for a focused conversation with our families about one creative approach to higher education.

Minerva University reimagines higher education by blending global experiences, rigorous academics, and real-world problem-solving. If you’re a parent of a student exploring college options, this discussion offers a fresh perspective on what’s possible in four years.

In this special episode, Amber shared insights on:

✅ Why she chose to focus on international education

✅ What led her to leave traditional higher education and join Minerva University

✅ What makes Minerva different and how its unique structure fosters deep learning and real-world skills

✅ The type of students who thrive in Minerva’s distinctive, fully active learning environment

🔗 Explore more about Minerva University: www.minerva.edu

Engage with us at Emerging Consulting!

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Are you interested in learning more about our College Consulting services? Tell Us Your Story HERE - https://emergingconsulting.com/contact/

Parenting a child with ADD/ADHD is a journey—one that comes with unique joys and challenges at every stage. In our latest conversation, Laura Barr sat down with Craig Knippenberg, LCSW, to explore how parents can support ADHD students through high school, college transitions, and beyond.

With over 40 years of experience in child development and mental health, Craig shared both professional expertise and personal insights as a father of four, including two adults with ADHD. His “good-enough” approach to parenting, shaped by his work as the creator of the CONNECT group program and best-selling author of Wired and Connected and Shame-Free Parenting, resonated deeply with listeners.

This episode covered:

✅ Executive function and emotional regulation in ADHD students

✅ Preparing for major transitions: from high school to college and beyond

✅ Creating a home environment that supports ADHD brains

✅ Strategies for independence, resilience, and self-advocacy

📚 Missed it? Check out Craig’s resources:

🔹 Wired and Connected - https://www.amazon.com/Wired-Connecte...

🔹 Shame-Free Parenting - https://www.amazon.com/Shame-Free-Par...

🔹 The Legit Parenting Podcast (available on all major platforms) - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...

🔹 Free parent resources at www.legitparenting.com

Engage with us at Emerging Consulting!

⭐ Website - https://emergingconsulting.com/

⭐ Join our FREE Parent Community - https://emergingconsulting.circle.so/c/join-here/

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⭐ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/LauraBarrEd/

Are you interested in learning more about our College Consulting services? Tell Us Your Story HERE - https://emergingconsulting.com/contact/

In this episode of the Growing Good Podcast, we featured expert Vivian Shen, founder and CEO of Acely.ai and Juni Learning, to explore how AI-powered tutoring transformed the way students prepare for standardized tests.

The platform includes practice tests, customizable study plans, and questions by difficulty level and similarity. Beyond the SAT, Acely also covers the PSAT, ACT, and AP exams, providing detailed performance feedback to help improve scores. Acely is a product of Juni Learning, an award-winning online 1:1 learning platform for coding, math, and more. Acely is backed by top investors like Forerunner Ventures, Index Ventures, and Y Combinator’s co-founder Jessica Livingston.

In this episode, we discussed:

✅ How AI supercharged test prep strategies

✅ The evolving role of standardized tests in college admissions

✅ Balancing test prep with extracurriculars and academics

✅ Stress management tips for high-achieving students

✅ The future of AI in education

Whether your student is aiming for a perfect score or just looking to improve, our goal is to give you insider tips and strategies to help students ace their exams and boost their college applications.

Engage with us at Emerging Consulting!

⭐ Website - https://emergingconsulting.com/

⭐ Join our FREE Parent Community - https://emergingconsulting.circle.so/c/join-here/

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Are you interested in learning more about our College Consulting services? Tell Us Your Story HERE - https://emergingconsulting.com/contact/

With all of the recent advancements in AI, we were thrilled to welcome Tyler Moulton, the Head of Academics and Veritas AI Partnerships, to share his expertise and insights on our Growing Good Humans Podcast! 

Artificial intelligence is no longer just the future—it’s shaping our world right now. From self-driving cars to cutting-edge medical discoveries, AI is transforming industries, and high schoolers have an incredible opportunity to get involved early. But why start in high school? How can students gain hands-on experience and leverage AI to build real-world projects that set them apart in college applications and future careers?

Join us as Tyler—an educator and AI mentor with experience at Harvard and the University of Cambridge—guides us through the growing field of AI, the importance of early exposure, and how students can develop independent AI-driven projects that make an impact. Whether you’re a beginner curious about AI or an aspiring expert, this webinar will provide valuable insights into why high school is the perfect time to dive in.

✅ Why AI in High School? What are the advantages of getting involved now rather than waiting until college?

✅ Who Should Join? Learn about the ideal participant for AI programs and whether prior experience is needed.

✅ Hands-On Learning: Explore real-world AI projects and how students can develop their own.

✅ Collaboration & Networking: How do programs like Veritas AI help students connect with professionals and peers?

✅ Program Experience: Discover how an online AI program is structured for maximum engagement.

✅ Real Outcomes: What do students gain from these experiences—portfolios, certifications, or college application boosts?

✅ Inclusivity & Access: Learn about opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds, including scholarships and financial aid.

This was an incredible opportunity to hear from an expert in the field and get questions answered about starting an AI journey!

🔗 Learn more about Veritas AI: https://www.veritasai.com/

Engage with us at Emerging Consulting!

⭐ Website - https://emergingconsulting.com/

⭐ Join our FREE Parent Community - https://emergingconsulting.circle.so/c/join-here/

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Are you interested in learning more about our College Consulting services? Tell Us Your Story HERE - https://emergingconsulting.com/contact/

If anyone knows me and my practice at Emerging Consulting, you have likely heard me mention this incredible opportunity - I am their biggest fan! Neal expertly explains what makes VERTO Education different, what the freshman experience looks like, and how this program differs from typical GAP year experiences.

With over seven years of experience in international education and a background that spans Spain, Costa Rica, and Turkey, Neal brings a wealth of knowledge about the life-changing impact of global learning. He’ll share insights on why VERTO’s first-year experience abroad is a game-changer compared to traditional gap years or study abroad programs and how it empowers students to step into college with a fresh perspective.

We Covered:

• Neal’s journey into international education and how his experiences abroad shaped his passion.
• What makes VERTO Education unique, from its structured academic approach to its focus on cultural immersion.
• Why global experiences are critical to the college journey—and how parents can support their students in taking that first step.
• VERTO's partner colleges, transfer credits, and the application process.
• And SO much more!

If you’ve ever wondered how to blend adventure, academics, and cultural exploration into the first year of college, this is an episode you don’t want to miss!

📲 Learn more about VERTO Education and its programs at vertoeducation.org

Engage with us at Emerging Consulting!

⭐ Website - https://emergingconsulting.com/

⭐ Join our FREE Parent Community - https://emergingconsulting.circle.so/c/join-here/

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Are you interested in learning more about our College Consulting services? Tell Us Your Story HERE - https://emergingconsulting.com/contact/

📚 With the rise of STEM-related fields in high school students, we find value in discovering and sharing ways for these students to level up their high school experience and college applications! 🔬🎓

🩺Dr. Robert Malkin is a Professor Emeritus of Biomedical Engineering and Global Health at Duke University and serves as the Academic Director of the International Research Institute of North Carolina. He previously held positions at The University of Memphis, The University of Tennessee, and The City College of New York. Dr. Malkin is the founder of Engineering World Health and The Global Public Service Academies, organizations focused on improving healthcare in developing countries.🌍

He holds a PhD in Electrical Engineering from Duke University and has worked in various roles designing medical devices and advising the World Health Organization. Dr. Malkin has received numerous awards, including the IEEE Engineering Hero Award and recognition from the American Heart Association and The City College of New York. 🏆💡

Dr. Malkin will answer questions such as: 

1. I’ve heard that conducting academic research can help my college application. What kind of research are they talking about?
2. I’ve heard that publishing matters. What does it mean to “publish” a research article from a college application perspective?
3. Does it matter in what journal I publish my work?
4. What are the biggest problems that I might run into when I try to publish? (answer: ethics approval, copyright, intellectual property, citations)
5. and so much more! 🌟✨

Engage with us at Emerging Consulting!

⭐ Website - https://emergingconsulting.com/

⭐ Join our FREE Parent Community - https://emergingconsulting.circle.so/c/join-here/

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⭐ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/LauraBarrEd/

Are you interested in learning more about our College Consulting services? Tell Us Your Story HERE - https://emergingconsulting.com/contact/

We are so excited to welcome Katie Vahey Gaebler this week on the Growing Good Humans podcast! Katie has a wealth of information to share with parents and families of neurodiverse students of all high school ages!

Dr. Katie is Owner/Founder of AutismNERD - the Neurodiverse Education Resources of Denver- to support learning-different students and their families in the prep, planning, placement, and persistence of post-high school educational goals. After 20 years of employment at 5 different types of colleges and a PhD earned in Higher Education Leadership, Katie was inspired to start her private practice by parenting her 2 neurodivergent children, including serving as their IEP advocate in her local public schools.

After having advised academic plans for thousands of enrolled college students, and currently, as a Neurodiversity community advocate, Dr.Katie has seen up close how many students are challenged in college persistence. Often, this is because a student’s learning needs are not necessarily matched with their understanding of their scaffold support needs or how to access what accommodations are available and how to make that a right fit for them. Katie’s goal with AutismNERD is to support students, families, and fellow ed consultants in understanding what’s involved with bridging college-capable to college-ready skill sets. Similarly, she offers an eye on how to support a transitional match between a student’s current learning accommodations and what’s needed and available in the variety of post-high school education options. More on Dr. Katie is on her website at AutismNERD.com

Katie is joining us to share insights on the college search, match, and transition for neurodiverse students. She will cover:

• 🧩 What to consider when receiving updated neuropsychological evaluations.
• 🌐 How to navigate and evaluate support services found online.
• 🏫 The different types of college accommodations available.
• 🎓 The transition from high school to college, especially regarding IEP and 504 plans, and how these plans translate into the college environment.

Engage with us at Emerging Consulting!

⭐ Website - https://emergingconsulting.com/

⭐ Join our FREE Parent Community - https://emergingconsulting.circle.so/c/join-here/

⭐ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/emergingconsulting/

⭐ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsaLNkPYRJfp6oPhHoKZpAw

⭐ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurabarr/

⭐ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/LauraBarrEd/

Are you interested in learning more about our College Consulting services? Tell Us Your Story HERE - https://emergingconsulting.com/contact/

Jamie Kidder, an Iowa native, is an alum of the University of Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire University and is currently the National Director of Outreach for College Living Experience. 

Prior to joining CLE, she spent 23 years in higher education administration and has always had a passion for students and their success, especially those students who face hurdles in learning and in life. Jamie understands the rigors of higher education, learning strategies, and human dynamics and uses this understanding to help guide students and their families toward academic success and independence.

Today, we will be discussing questions such as: 

• What is CLE? What does it involve or include for those who are unfamiliar? 
• Where does my student attend college when enrolled in CLE?
• How can we involve our child in the transition planning process to foster independence and self-efficacy?
• How do you help students find friends?
• What resources are available to support neurodiverse students in developing communication skills?
• How do you match roommates?
• What’s the difference between CLE and the support services offered on a college campus?
• How can we ensure that our child’s accommodations are effectively implemented and maintained throughout their college experience?
• Do you support young adults who don’t do well in college or don’t want to go to college at all

• CLE Viewbook; a birds-eye view of our supports, including details about each specific center (housing/academic options)  CLE Viewbook

Engage with us at Emerging Consulting!

⭐ Website - https://emergingconsulting.com/

⭐ Join our FREE Parent Community - https://emergingconsulting.circle.so/c/join-here/

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Are you interested in learning more about our College Consulting services? Tell Us Your Story HERE - https://emergingconsulting.com/contact/

We are so thrilled to welcome Jamie Rabkin-Binder to this week's event! Today, we will discuss various tips and tricks for managing stress and challenges associated with the college application and decision process. Let's gather and chat with an expert in the field to gain knowledge about supporting our students with strength and compassion ❤️

Jamie is a licensed clinical social worker with over 15 years of experience. She is the owner of Ahava Counseling and the co-founder of the WrapAround Collective in partnership with Stride Denver. Jamie is passionate about supporting families and her clients create lasting impact on the systems that support their ongoing success. She believes that in order for lasting change to occur, all of the systems that support the student should have some level of consistency and provide opportunities for resilience.

The path to college is not always linear and the way we respond to the specific set of challenges during the application process can provide an avenue for growth and affirmation of values and strength. Jamie teaches at the university of Denver in the graduate school of social work, she loves working with students to determine that path forward that brings them the most fulfillment and purpose.

Visit her website here! Ahava Counseling 

Engage with us at Emerging Consulting!

⭐ Website - https://emergingconsulting.com/

⭐ Join our FREE Parent Community - https://emergingconsulting.circle.so/c/join-here/

⭐ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/emergingconsulting/

⭐ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsaLNkPYRJfp6oPhHoKZpAw

⭐ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurabarr/

⭐ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/LauraBarrEd/

Are you interested in learning more about our College Consulting services? Tell Us Your Story HERE - https://emergingconsulting.com/contact/