Expert advising for K–12 and college admissions: combining insider experience with a personalized, compassionate approach.
Empowering families in their school search
Choosing the right school is one of the most important decisions a family can make, and it’s rarely simple. At Journeys Educational Advising, we provide calm, informed guidance to help your child thrive in every stage of their academic journey.
Whether you’re exploring kindergarten options, navigating middle or high school transitions, or preparing for the college process, we offer thoughtful advising grounded in both deep admissions insight and genuine care for each student’s growth.
Our Approach
We believe the admissions process should be an experience in self-discovery, not stress.
Our process blends professional expertise with empathy and structure in four ways:
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We learn about your student’s story, strengths, and aspirations. As parents and guardians, your perspective is equally valued to ensure we are all aligned.
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We develop a personalized plan for admissions or long-term guidance.
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We are partners–we work side-by-side through each stage. From applications, essays and interviews, to choosing a school (or college) once admissions decisions are released, we help you choose a school or college where your child will thrive.
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Choosing a school is rarely easy. We guide families to make choices aligned with long-term growth and fit with confidence and clarity.
Meet the Principal
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With nearly 20 years of experience in school and college admissions, David has helped thousands of students and families navigate the admissions process with confidence and care. He began his career at Stanford University, where he read over 12,000 applications and nearly 50,000 student essays, recruiting students both locally in the Bay Area and internationally. He also led outreach for STEM and math programs and worked in the financial aid office to support families from all backgrounds.
In 2013, David joined the admissions office at Vanderbilt University, overseeing recruitment in Northern California and Asia. He also served as a voice for families through the university’s admissions blog and led efforts to engage students from diverse communities.
In 2015, David brought his experience to the world of independent schools, starting at The College Preparatory School, where he expanded outreach to families in San Francisco and the South Bay. Later, at Woodside Priory School, he helped guide the community through a time of leadership change while supporting both day and international boarding students during the challenges of the pandemic. Most recently, he served as Director of Enrollment Management at Bentley School, helping to sustain enrollment across its three campuses during another time of transition.
David is a trusted leader in the field. He spent nearly a decade on the board of the Bay Area Admissions Directors (BAAD) and served as a faculty member at the Enrollment Management Association’s Admissions Director Institute, where he trained new private school admissions leaders.
Originally from the East Bay, David holds a B.A. from UC Berkeley and an M.Ed. from Vanderbilt University. As a parent and admissions professional, he understands what families are looking for—and is here to help you find the right fit.
It starts with a phone call.
Complete the form with your information, and we’ll be in touch to schedule a time to talk about how we can help you.