PAMELA KWARTLER, CEP
The founder of Less College Stress Consulting, Pamela Kwartler is a Certified Educational Planner, a distinction earned by a small percentage of consultants in the field. She completed over fifty hours of concentrated study and high performance on a four-plus hour written assessment of institutional knowledge and case studies evaluated by a board of top peers.
A seasoned independent education consultant and professor of Writing and English, Pamela worked as a college professor, in college development, advertising, magazine and textbook editing, and supported students with ACT/SAT prep and in Humanities subjects and AP tests. Working closely with students, electronically and in person, Pamela guides them on their high school pathway, including course selection, extracurricular and summer activities, and standardized tests. As students become rising seniors, Pamela minimizes stress by helping students complete tasks, manage a schedule, meet deadlines, and craft standout applications, communicating with parents throughout the process. She has built a team of professional consultants and essay specialists who give families enhanced service.
Pamela earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in English Language and Literature and Master of Arts Degree in Writing/English from Seton Hall University. She holds certifications in Mental Health First Aid, College Essay Writing, and CRLA (College Reading and Learning Association) Tutoring. Pamela is an active member of the Independent Education Consultants Association, the National Association of College Admissions Counselors, and the NJ Association of College Admissions Counselors, attending conferences for continuing education and college tours, engaging in virtual college webinars and tours, and conferring daily with professional colleagues.
In addition to teaching Writing/Composition & Literature, Pamela refines her essay expertise by continually taking courses and classes with top essay writing professionals. In July 2020, Pamela wrote and co-led the breakout panel “Quantifying the Value of Essays in College Admissions” featuring admissions officers from Vanderbilt University, Gettysburg College, The University of Miami, Denison University, Marist College, The University of Richmond, and the University of Delaware at the 2020 IECA National Conference. She writes articles for IECA's industry publication and rates essays for the Stop the Hate Youth Essay Contest. She especially enjoys helping students find and express their unique college essay stories.
"Pam guided our son through the daunting process of applying to colleges. When it came time to choosing the perfect school, writing the essays and keeping track of deadlines and required information, Pam was always on top of things. She went beyond the obvious and found our son his perfect fit."
SAMANTHA FRUHLING
Less College Stress Consulting is pleased to welcome Samantha Fruhling as our newest member of the consulting team. In the past year, Samantha has worked closely with Pamela, perfecting her list building and essay editing skills. She is especially adept at research and has extensive experience with essays and applications. Samantha's expertise as a certified Executive Functioning Specialist makes her an especially effective advocate for students with learning disabilities and time management difficulties.
Samantha earned her accredited College Counseling Certificate from UCLA by completing many courses and a 65 hour internship with Less College Stress Consulting in 2023. A member of IECA, she holds a Master’s degree from Hofstra University and a BA in Elementary Education from George Washington University. Samantha also did continuing education at the New England Association for College Admission Counseling Summer Institute at Bryant University in Rhode Island, and actively participates in IEC webinars and campus visits. Samantha is eager to begin working as an Independent Educational Consultant with Less College Stress Consulting students and families.
LISA LESKIW
Lisa Leskiw leads the Less College Stress Consulting Essay Team. She is an accomplished licensed educational professional who has a wealth of knowledge in the Social Sciences, English, and College Skills Writing. She specializes in the area of organizational functioning, helping students address executive function challenges as they strive to complete college work and/or college applications. A writing teacher for many years, Lisa supports students accomplishing tasks that require focusing, prioritizing time, and planning ahead with a minimum of stress. She assists them, one-on-one and in groups, in learning self-management and taking the initiative to gain what they need to feel successful. Lisa is a fabulous essay editor and coach.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English, a Master of Science in Education from Fordham University, and both an MSW and an LSW from NYU.
When LCS manages the college process for your family, we DE-STRESS the COLLEGE PROCESS.
SIX MORE REASONS to Choose Less College Stress Consulting
ONE
Pamela discovers the right schools for every student's needs:
-
AACSB-accredited business schools
-
STEM, sustainability and environmental science
-
Nursing, pre-health and pre-law
-
ABET-accredited engineering programs across the spectrum
-
International institutions
-
Religious considerations
-
Best accommodations for students with learning differences
TWO
Pamela has written articles about the pros and cons of standardized testing, how colleges must respect and accommodate the mental health needs of students, what the jobs of the future will look like, and what skillsets students will need in the 4th Industrial Revolution. She encourages students to consider the UN Sustainable Development Goals as they consider careers.
THREE
Pamela follows admissions trends by attending conferences, continuing education workshops, and meeting with admissions officers. Sign up for her website blog, like “Less College Stress Consulting” and join the LCS Parents Group on Facebook to view posts on higher education. She stays on top of standardized testing changes/test-optional policies, recommending when to test, which test may be best, and when sending scores is beneficial.
FOUR
Pamela guides students in crafting exceptionally strong essays, including those for graduate programs in the health sciences. She has extensive experience helping nursing, PT, PA, and MSW program applicants. Her background is in teaching research and writing methods, editing, and copywriting.
FIVE
Since 2009, Pamela has regularly educated families about the constant changes in the higher education landscape and college process. Her students can take a free practice digital SAT to prepare for its January 2024 premiere. What does not change: Pamela adheres to a strict code of ethics as a CEP and an IECA, NACAC, and NJ ACAC member.
SIX
Pamela regularly visits a minimum of 25 colleges per year to build relationships with admissions reps, learn about financial aid trends, and experience campus culture. During the pandemic, she met with admissions counselors on webinars and took virtual tours of over 100 colleges. Once colleges re-opened, Pamela resumed in-person visits.