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Beyond Basic Consulting
The North Shore Standard

In an unregulated industry, we serve as a steady beacon for our families. We’ve built our practice on the foundation of board-certified expertise and sincere advocacy, ensuring the path to higher education is defined by clarity rather than confusion.

At North Shore, we believe families deserve more than just an opinion. They deserve a proven standard of care that lights the way to their student's bright future.

The Leadership & Standard

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Sincere Advocacy,
Strategic Leadership.

Our journey began in 2004 as North Shore parents. Today, as Admissions Process Managers, we ensure that the "NSCC Standard" is present in every strategy we craft. We don't just provide answers; we provide a calibrated roadmap—orchestrating every detail so your student can navigate this transition with clarity and peace of mind.

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On-the-Ground Insight

We don’t just read brochures; we are on campuses nationwide, identifying the "why" behind evolving admissions trends.

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Unwavering Ethics

As AICEP board-certified professionals, our guidance is objective, unbiased, and focused exclusively on your child’s best fit.

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Institutional Authority

We advocate for your student with a credential recognized and respected by admissions offices across the country.

The Founders

While our team has grown, the core of our practice remains personal. As lead strategists, we ensure that every roadmap we build is anchored in board-certified expertise and a deep understanding of the families we serve.

Smiling Amy Herzog with shoulder-length light brown hair wearing hoop earrings and a blue top against a dark textured background.
Amy Herzog, JD, CEP
Admissions Success Manager & Co-Founder
  • CEP® | Certified Educational Planner
  • JD | Loyola Law, Magna Cum Laude
  • BBA | Michigan Ross, Cum Laude
  • Affiliations | NACAC, HECA, IECA

Amy blends legal precision with a "student-first" philosophy. Her hallmark is ensuring that no student ever feels alone on their journey.

She leverages her operational strengths to maintain the highest standards of process management and deadline reliability. As a steadfast point of contact, she orchestrates all aspects of the admissions timeline to give families total peace of mind.

"I am driven by the conviction that all students deserve a champion and a guide as they pursue their educational ambitions."
Smiling Debbie Kanter with straight light brown hair wearing a sleeveless dark top against a gray background.
Debbie Kanter, MA, CEP
Admissions Success Manager & Co-Founder
  • CEP® | Certified Educational Planner
  • MA & BS | University of Illinois
  • Certificate | UCLA College Counseling
  • Affiliations | NACAC, HECA, IECA

Debbie combines two decades of corporate leadership with deep expertise in educational planning and student growth. Her mission is centered on clear communication and unwavering guidance.

She manages each student’s progress across all application phases, ensuring that every member of the team moves in harmony toward the shared goal of success.

"It is my mission to transform what can feel like a complex journey into an organized, collaborative experience."

The Consultants

Our consultants aren't just advisors; they are student advocates. Backed by the North Shore Standard, this team provides the hands-on guidance, insider 'mock' reviews, and strategic planning that turns aspirations into acceptances.

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Melanie Mintzer, MS
College Consultant & Student Advocate
  • MS | Loyola Chicago, School Counseling
  • BS | Indiana University
  • Expertise | Strategic 4-Year Planning
  • Affiliations | NACAC, HECA, IECA

Melanie is a licensed school counselor with over a decade of experience supporting student wellness and academic trajectory.

She specializes in helping students build compelling personal brands that stand out to selective committees.By focusing on course rigor and passion-driven extracurriculars, she ensures each student’s transcript tells a thoughtful, cohesive story.

"Every student has the ability to stand out when guided with expertise, understanding, and care."
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Shannon Harrison, MA
College Consultant & Admissions Insider
  • MA | UNLV, Marriage & Family Therapy
  • Admissions | Former Reader, UCLA
  • Credential | National Board Certified Counselor
  • Affiliations | NACAC, IECA, NBCC

Shannon brings a unique "behind-the-scenes" perspective as a former admissions reader for UCLA. She specializes in helping high-achieving students cultivate leadership profiles that resonate with highly selective institutions.

Her approach blends clinical counseling roots with a deep understanding of holistic admissions to help students articulate their growth with authenticity.

"My goal is to empower students—helping them discover their strengths and approach the process with intention."
A smiling Ali Klingler, with long dark hair wearing a sleeveless black top against a gray background.
Alison Klingler, M.Ed., LPC
College Consultant
  • M.Ed. | Loyola University Chicago, School and Community Counseling
  • M.Ed. | American College of Education, Educational Leadership
  • B.S. | University of Dayton, Middle Childhood Education
  • Expertise | Intentional 4-Year Planning
  • Affiliations | NACAC, ASCA, ISCA, IACAC

With extensive experience as a school counselor in large suburban high schools, Alison brings a thoughtful, student-centered approach to the college admissions process.

As a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), she balances academic rigor with personal wellbeing, helping students build intentional four-year plans, identify meaningful extracurriculars, and navigate their options with clarity and confidence.

"My goal is to help each student build a plan that reflects who they are, where they want to go, and how they can get there."
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Ashley McWilliams
Mock Admissions
Team Leader
  • Experience | 17+ Years in Admissions
  • Admissions | Former Reader, Stanford
  • Focus | Holistic Application Evaluation
  • Expertise | Behind-the-Scenes Strategy

Ashley brings nearly two decades of elite admissions experience, including her role as an application reader at Stanford University. She provides North Shore students with rare insight into how top-tier committees deliberate over transcripts and essays.

As the leader of our Mock Admissions process, she demystifies the review cycle to help families understand how stories are perceived from the other side of the desk.

"Real growth happens when students understand how their unique stories are perceived from the other side of the admissions desk."

The Hollistic Support Team

Success is more than a college acceptance letter; it’s the ability to thrive once you arrive. Our specialized coaches provide the life skills and career clarity students need to navigate the transition into adulthood with confidence

Smiling Laura McDermott with curly dark hair standing outside with her arms crossed, wearing a white top and black skirt.
Laura McDermott
Career & High School Engagement Consultant
  • Experience | 20+ Years in Corporate & Career Coaching
  • Focus | High School Engagement & Summer Strategy
  • Expertise | Career Assessment & Major Selection
  • Affiliations | NACAC, HECA, IECA

Laura specializes in helping students discover the intersection of their talents and their future careers. She guides students through strategic high school engagement, helping them select summer programs and extracurriculars that build a meaningful narrative.

By using professional career assessments, she helps students identify majors and paths that align with their long-term goals, ensuring their college list is built on a foundation of future success.

"Helping a student find their 'why' is the most important step in choosing their 'where'."
Smiling Leslie Randolph with curly hair wearing a white shirt with red floral patterns against a gray background.
Leslie Randolph
Certified Life Coach
  • Certification | Board Certified Life Coach
  • Focus | Adolescent Resilience & Life Skills
  • Expertise | Transition to College Coaching
  • Skillset | Executive Functioning & Goal Setting

Leslie empowers students with the practical life skills that underpin long-term success. From effective communication to goal-setting and problem-solving, she helps students build the self-awareness and confidence needed for the university environment.

Her guidance addresses the essential "soft skills" that allow students to thrive independently, ensuring they are prepared for the social and emotional demands of the next chapter.

"I want every student to feel empowered to create their own path and thrive in every new chapter."

Your Journey, Guided.

The college process shouldn’t be a period of high stress—it should be a time of discovery. Whether you are just beginning the search or looking for a final expert review, the North Shore team is here to light the way.

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