When Lisa’s oldest son had a less than positive experience applying to college, she vowed that wouldn’t happen to her youngest. As a result, in 2011, she returned to the University of California, Berkeley (UCB) to pursue a Graduate certificate in Career Planning and College Advising and has been working with students throughout the U.S. ever since. In addition to advising high school students and college graduates pursuing advanced degrees, Lisa is a Holistic Reader for U.C. Davis.
In 2018, seeking ways to make the college application process a more positive experience for her students, Lisa attended the Master of Applied Positive Psychology (MAPP) program at the University of Pennsylvania. Her thesis, titled, “The Way You Are Is a Great Way to Be,” draws upon her research, advising experience, and prior success as a national sales award winner for three corporations. Lisa integrates college advising best practices, career assessments and research-based positive psychology approaches to help students understand their capacities, develop, and thrive.
Prior to becoming a College Advisor, Lisa received a B.S. in Nutrition and Clinical Dietetics from the UCB), became a registered dietitian, and spent several years as a renal dietitian. She was hired away by Baxter Healthcare, and spent 15 years in sales and management positions of increasing responsibility. She left her position as a Vice President of Group Sales to care for a sick child (now healthy).
Lisa’s has two sons. Her oldest son received a B.S. in Business Management from Arizona State University, a Master in Music Therapy from Lesley University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and works as Neurological Music Therapist in Bozeman, Montana. Lisa’s youngest son received a B.A. in English from Dartmouth College where he was a recruited athlete. He is currently a 4th year medical student at the Theodore Geisel School of Medicine (Dartmouth) and applying is Emergency Medicine Residencies.
Lisa has visited over 400 universities throughout the world. She belongs to many professional organizations including, National Association for College Admissions Advisors (NACAC), Independent Educational Consultant Organization (IECA), Higher Education Consultant Organization (HECA), International Positive Psychology Association (IPPA), and the Character Collaborative.
Helping students find their life purpose, and a college where they can thrive, is Lisa’s passion.
Jean Karavidas
Since receiving a BS from Cal Poly, Jean Karavidas has had a variety of careers, working in outside sales, interior design, and motivational speaking. In 2012, she pivoted once again, receiving a master’s degree in college and career counseling from the University of California, Berkeley, allowing her to pursue positions at a non-profit working with first-generation and low-income high school students, start a private college advising practice, and as a college advisor and registrar at a private high school in Oakland.
Jean has toured over 200 colleges throughout the United States and Canada. She is also a member of the Higher Education Consultants Association, the Western Association for College Admissions Counseling, the National Association for College Admissions Counseling, and the Independent Educational Consultants Association, professional organizations whose memberships are granted by application only. These organizations offer resources such as best practices and yearly conventions to keep her up to date in this ever-evolving arena.
Jean’s son attended De La Salle High School, recently graduating with honors from Montana State University, subsequently being commissioned into the US Air Force as a Second Lieutenant and pilot.
Jean’s passion is in operating her antique store in downtown Martinez, specializing in vintage clothing, providing her with a creative outlet and much joy. Jean also enjoys working out at Orange Theory or hiking the trails of Briones.
