Testimonials
PARENTS & STUDENTS:
Nanci assisted my son, Eric, in deciding among several colleges to which he was admitted. His choices included UC Berkeley, UC Santa Cruz, Wesleyan and Middlebury. Both Eric and I found Nanci to be extremely knowledgeable about the merit of each of these schools and their relative pros and cons. The insight that Nanci offered was based not only on her years of experience as a college counselor and her obvious intelligence, but also her innate ability to learn about my son, including his interests, aspirations, strengths and weaknesses.
Tracy and Eric (mother & son)
Harvard-Westlake School
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As a parent of two high school students, (now graduates), Nanci was very helpful in advising both children in matters pertaining to college goals, plans and the application process. She was always available to my children with meaningful advice. Nanci is a very responsive, caring and warm educator and counselor!
Brad (father)
Mira Costa High School
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Nanci was extremely adept at “drawing out” Mandy’s secret desires and goals about college and her future. (She had never expressed many of the concerns that Mandy told Nanci.) She gave Mandy cogent advice that made absolute sense to both of us and that proved to be invaluable in helping her evaluate each of the colleges and to make the right decision.
Liz (mother)
Crossroads School
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At a time when I was distraught and felt that the whole world was crumbling on top of me, who was there to help, comfort and believe in me but Nanci Leonard. She helped me realize that the world is full of surprises and that I shouldn’t give up once I see an obstacle in life.
Rosa – senior student
Manual Arts High School
Nanci was an incredible guide throughout our son’s college search. She is truly interested in helping students find a college that is a “fit” for them. Since she has guided so many students for so long through this process, she really knows the different colleges well. She is an energetic, enthusiastic, positive and realistic voice that made the search for a college less stressful and more successful.
Sherry- mother
Windward School
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EDUCATORS:
For almost 15 years, Nanci Leonard was the College and Career Counselor at Mira Costa High School while I was the Educational Advisor. During that time, I witnessed Nanci present more than 100 outstanding lectures, seminars, and workshops to parents and students. Nanci is one of the most dynamic, knowledgeable and inspirational speakers that I have ever heard. She engages large audiences by injecting humor and telling compelling stories and anecdotes while guiding her audience through critical and complex information pertaining to college and career counseling. I give her two thumbs up and would recommend her without hesitation.
Sue Bertran
Educational Advisor
Mira Costa High School
Manhattan Beach, CA
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As the principal of a large high school (2500 students, for five years), I witnessed NANCI LEONARD address hundreds of anxious parents and students at all grade levels at various parent/student meetings. Invariably, as soon as she began speaking, the audience would collectively sigh with relief. Her mantra: There’s a college, a major, a future for EVERY student. And, each year, she diligently worked to ensure that every Senior (650) had a “destination” in September. At Mira Costa High School, it is essential that information be accurate. I was always certain that Nanci’s information was well-researched and reliable. Her warm, calm and approachable demeanor coupled with her broad knowledge of college admissions and programs, not to mention her discerning sense of humor always made her presentations interesting, informative and significant.
Julie Rusinger
Principal
Mira Costa High School
Manhattan Beach, CA
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The lives of Senior students are at once hectic, exciting and a little scary. However, as the College and Career Counselor at Mira Costa High School, Nanci consistently helped students and parents make difficult decisions apropos post-graduation plans. Nanci’s passion and commitment to all students (Grades 9 -12), was consistent. In fact, a parent once told me that, thanks to Nanci, her daughter discovered how to motivate herself, to believe in herself, and to diligently work towards her dreams. Nanci helped this young woman find the strength and confidence to gently disagree with her parents and to make the college choice that, ultimately, would result in her professional success.
Lynn McCormack
Principal
Oak Park High School
Calabasas, CA
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For nearly 20 years, I have known NANCI LEONARD both personally and professionally. Over that time, I have observed her tirelessly working towards her number one priority: Finding the best college “fit” for each student. Her knowledge of colleges, scholarships, financial aid and the entire application process is the result of 30 years of experience. Nanci has a natural gift of “connecting” with students of all abilities and, therefore, she is able to help each student discover his or her most-promising post-graduation path.
Susan Schneiders
College Counselor
Torrance Unified Schools