TEAM

Educational Consultant

Principle in CollegePros

Kate is an experienced educator who dedicated her career to supporting students in diverse roles. She taught English, Journalism, Theater Arts, and Yearbook at both middle and high school levels, demonstrating her adaptability in various subjects. Moreover, her commitment to youth development extended beyond traditional classrooms, as she served as a 4-H Adult Leader for seven years, designing and implementing the photography curriculum. Kate's expertise in education administration expanded through her tenure as Director of Founder Support for Acton Academies Worldwide and as a staff member at College Inroads, providing support in administration and social media. With her rich background in education and student development, Kate now thrives as an educational consultant, offering invaluable guidance to students.

Kate graduated with a BFA from Texas State University, certifications in English and education from the University of Texas San Antonio, and is completing her certification as an EC with the University of California Irvine.  

One of Kate’s many roles is reviewing and editing college admission essays. Her expertise in this area can assure potential clients that their essays will be in capable hands. Kate desires to help students explore all their options for higher education and feel confident about their choices for college. 

Kate lives in Cedar Park, Texas, with her husband, one cat (Mr. Tumnus), and one fluff-bucket of a dog (Eli). She enjoys armchair quarterbacking for the Aggies, traveling, good murder mysteries, and playing Zelda Tears of the Kingdom on her Nintendo Switch.

Education:

• Texas State University – BFA

• University of Texas – San Antonio – Certification Secondary Education – English

• University of California - Irvine - Educational Consulting Certificate

Memberships: 

• Independent Educational Consultant Association (IECA) – Associate Member

• National Association of College Admissions Counselors (NACAC) – Member

• Texas Association of College Admissions Counselors (TACAC) – Member

• National College Advocacy Group (NCAG) – Member

Educational Consultant

Principle in CollegePros

Kim Heffernan is an accomplished educator with a career spanning 30 years in the Texas public school system. Her journey began in middle schools in Bryan and Rockdale, where she taught Spanish. The majority of her career, however, unfolded at Georgetown High School, where she pioneered the AP Spanish Language and Culture program and mentored fellow language teachers. During her tenure at Georgetown, Kim discovered her passion for guiding students toward higher education, particularly first-generation college aspirants.

Intending to pursue a role as a high school counselor, Kim instead took an unforeseen path as an elementary counselor in Bastrop ISD. In this capacity, she oversaw the school’s 504 program and assisted students with disabilities. Kim's retirement from public education marks the culmination of a career characterized by adaptability, innovation, and unwavering commitment to the success and well-being of her students.

Kim graduated with a BA in English from The University of Texas at Austin and earned an MEd in Educational Leadership from Sam Houston State University. She completed alternative certification to become a Professional School Counselor at Region 13’s Education Service Center in Austin, Texas.

In addition to her formal education career, Kim volunteered with her son’s Boy Scouts of America troop, where she conducted rank interviews and served as a member of the troop’s parent committee. She was also an adult leader with Texas 4-H as her children went through their programs. Kim serves as a Stephen Minister and helps run a summer reading recovery program at First United Methodist Church in Georgetown. She also tutors Spanish.

Kim is also a college applications specialist who helps students present the best versions of themselves as they apply to colleges. She has D1 athletic experience and excels at researching special situations for her students, especially in scholarships and university honors programs.

Kim lives with her ag science teacher husband, Jeff, and their two dogs in Georgetown, Texas. She enjoys live music, writing, and reading.

Education: 

• The University of Texas at Austin- BA English

• Sam Houston State University- MEd Educational Leadership

• ESC Region 13- Professional School Counselor certification

• Independent Educational Consultant Association (IECA) – Associate Member