Philosophy
THIS IS MY WHY
About MeHi! My name is Joann Elliott and I have worked in the college and career counseling field for over 25 years. My job had always been on the front line of the college and career counseling field—working in high school counseling offices directly with students and admissions representatives, being an application reader for a major university, and teaching career counseling courses. Over the years, however, I saw an increasing need for additional support beyond what busy high school counseling offices could provide. This, coupled with students’ busy schedules, left little time during the school day for students to get questions answered. As a result, College Counseling Tutoring (CCT) was founded in 2014 to provide support to students, families, and schools in the college planning process. As a certified
7-12 school counselor and a licensed professional counselor with a business administration background, I provide assistance to students who need support in navigating the college application process. I also work with young adults fresh out of college or looking to return to college (undergraduate or graduate) who are trying to find their path in life from college to career selection. |
My PhilosophyCollege and career choice should be all about fit. My goal is not to know the secret password for admission to the Ivy Leagues or to persuade a client to a specific career. My philosophy is simply this: help clients be the best version of themselves while searching for that next best step in life and helping them to realize their true talents and potential. I'm a big believer we all have something to contribute to this world. We all have unique talents that we are equipped with that can make an impact. Sometimes we just need help identifying how we might use our talents and what education or training we need to make that happen.
So what does that look like at CCT? For some it means providing moral support to believe they can handle the college application process and all that goes with it. For others, it means helping them get organized and stay on top of what they need to do to complete the applications. Or, it's helping career seekers find the courage to reach out to others in a career they are considering or dig deep to know themselves. They say the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Finding the right college, career, or new path in your life is no exception. My goal is to support and empower the individual while finding their fit. It's all about FIT. |
My ApproachMy clients find I meet them where they are in the process. Every client, circumstance, and goal is unique. Once we determine what the needs are, we work to create an individualized game plan that helps them reach their goals. For high school students, this might include creating an activity list, brainstorming and reviewing admission essays, and completing online applications. Or, we might employ the "honeycomb approach" considering 6 areas to find their best college fit. For the career seekers, reaching their goals may include identifying values, networking, taking interest inventories, crafting resumes, and practicing interviewing skills. To help facilitate that unique plan, each client is given an "Action Sheet" (aka homework) at the end of every session that makes a 'to-do' list for the next steps to move toward the goal. Doing this breaks down overwhelmingly large tasks into manageable steps and builds confidence. Finally, I believe clients are always in control of how many appointments they schedule and what they need help navigating. Come just a handful of times or set a weekly schedule--whatever is most productive and helpful to you. Be empowered!
|
"If you want to know what your purpose is, it is to make the most of your talents and skills for the greater good and that means starting with yourself."
-Tony Clark
-Tony Clark
