Who will you work with?

Hi! I’m Emily Rawers, the owner of Next Step Collaborative. I was a Director of Recruitment & Admissions at a large public university for 11 years. I'm also a licensed independent social worker. High School students are some of my favorite people and I think it’s imperative for students and families to have someone they can lean on and trust throughout the process of figuring out the next steps past high school.

I have extensive experience working with high school students, families, and student supporters who are preparing for and navigating the college process, which includes course selection and exploration while in high school.

My goal is to meet you where you are and find the ultimate best fit for you.

Credentials:

  • Completed the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA) Summer Institute

  • 11 years in higher education as Director of Recruitment & Admissions

  • MSW and LISW obtained in 2011

  • Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a Minor in Family Studies, 2007

To read more, check out my LinkedIn profile!

Scroll down to learn more about why students and families should choose to work with an educational consultant.

Member of:

  • National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC)

Why use an
educational consultant?

Stone bridge in the fall

  • Receive expert advice, strategy, and clarity.

  • Educational consultants do a lot of research and trainings + campus visits, so they are keeping tabs on the rapidly changing realm of higher education.

  • Students and parents will have access to a digital platform that will keep everyone organized through the school search and application & admissions process.

  • Provide well-vetted resources like books, articles, and scholarship recommendations.

  • Decrease levels of stress for student and family and assist in keeping everything on track and on schedule.

  • Students learn new skills regarding communication, independence, and organization + they learn more about themselves.

  • Some students don’t know if college is for them. We can explore whether going to a 4-year institution or following a different path is best for the student.

What I do to best serve clients

Monarch butterfly sitting on marigolds

  • Visit colleges and universities

  • Attend trainings and certification programs

  • Understand and stay updated on the current state of higher education

  • Attend professional conferences

  • Member of several professional organizations

  • Network locally and more broadly with colleagues and schools

  • Draw on numerous years of professional experience in higher ed

Ultimately, I’m dedicated to continually educating myself so I can best educate you.

Contact us

Interested in working with Next Step Collaborative? Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly. We look forward to connecting with you!

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If you’re a reader like me, here are some book recommendations for families and student supporters ⭐️ education is important but educating yourself on education is just as important!
A beautiful fall day visiting Miami University 🍂
Campus visit to Xavier University. Beautiful campus, great tour, and my favorite part: the pizza atm 🍕
Every student has a different educational path. We’re here to make that path less stressful and overwhelming for students and families. Whether it’s finding the right major or program, the college search, or the application and admissions