Continuing education has always been important to me. As a career changer with a Master’s degree in Counseling, I’ve always enjoyed learning and strengthening my knowledge—whether that’s exploring different counseling theories or diving into the intricacies of new tax laws. That mindset is what led me to pursue the Certified College Financial Consultant (CCFC) designation.
This accomplishment is more than just a new credential—it represents a full-circle moment in my career. In a former chapter of my professional life, I had the privilege of guiding students through the college admissions process. I witnessed firsthand the hopes, dreams, and often the financial stress that families faced as they prepared for one of the biggest investments of their lives.
That experience deeply shaped my understanding of how emotional and complex the college journey can be—and it sparked a passion in me to further my knowledge in this area. I wanted to support families not just in getting into college, but in affording it and planning for it wisely.
Now, with the CCFC designation, I’m even more equipped to do just that.
What is a CCFC?
The Certified College Financial Consultant program provides specialized training in:
• Education funding strategies
• Tax planning with education deductions and credits
• Financial aid planning and optimization
• Student loan advising
• Practical strategies for high-income/high-net-worth families, business owners, divorced or blended families, non-traditional households, and grandparents
Building on the CFP® Foundation
This new designation also adds depth to my work as a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®). As a CFP®, I’m already held to a high standard of integrity and comprehensive financial knowledge, with a responsibility to put clients’ best interests first.
The CCFC adds an important layer to my planning toolkit, specifically focused on education—one of the most emotionally and financially significant goals many families face.
Together, these credentials allow me to take a holistic and highly specialized approach to college and education funding, tailored to each family’s financial situation and goals.
Why This Matters
The financial aspect of college planning is often where uncertainty sets in—how much should we save? Will we qualify for aid? Are we making the most of available tax benefits? What’s the best way to balance student loans and retirement planning?
These are complex questions, and the answers can vary widely from one family to another. With the combined insight of the CFP® and CCFC designations, I’m equipped to offer guidance that is both comprehensive and customized, helping families make decisions with clarity, confidence, and peace of mind.
Coming Full Circle
My journey started with helping students chase their college dreams. Today, I get to help families fund those dreams in a smart and strategic way.
If you’re a parent, grandparent, or caregiver thinking about how to pay for college—or just trying to wrap your head around what’s possible—I’m here to help. It’s incredibly rewarding to continue growing in this space and to be part of the journey from both a personal and professional lens.
