We are on a mission to help families feel joyful and confident about the college process.
Kate, Sarah, and Lauren have spent a combined 70 years in undergraduate admissions offices, high school college counseling offices, and private practice.
Proprietors of separate independent college counseling firms, we are frequent and animated collaborators with closely aligned counseling philosophies. By demystifying the application process and educating about the admissions landscape, we help students take ownership of planning for life beyond high school. Families who attend Backyard College Counseling events will leave feeling calmer, and with more excitement about “what comes next.” Instead of worrying on behalf of their children, parents will celebrate their student’s unique strengths, and have a roadmap for how to support their child.
Kate Peltz
Kate is a career admissions professional, having worked in independent school admissions and the admissions offices at Grinnell College and Bucknell University, where she coordinated international admissions efforts. For 15 years, Kate was a member of the college counseling team at Concord Academy, serving as director for 11 of those years. A published author and contributor to the NACAC Journal of College Admissions, she is founder and principal of Kate Peltz College Counseling and Consulting, LLC.
Sarah Lovely
Sarah Lovely has worked in admissions and college counseling for over 20 years. She spent eight years in higher education - at The Juilliard School, New York University, and Brandeis University - before serving as Director of College Counseling at Walnut Hill School for the Arts for a decade. Both at Walnut Hill and in her role as founder of Lovely College Counseling, LLC, Sarah has helped over 1,000 families navigate the college process. She has also lent her expertise as a panelist and moderator at local, regional, and national conferences. Sarah holds a bachelor’s degree from Bowdoin College and a master’s degree from NYU.
Lauren Watson
In Lauren Watson’s 23 years of experience working in selective college admissions and college counseling, she has guided over 1,000 families through the college process. Lauren began her career in the Office of Undergraduate Admission at Boston College, then served as a college counselor at Bellarmine College Preparatory, College Counseling Director at Stuart Hall High School, and as Associate Director of College Counseling at both The Harker School and Buckingham, Browne & Nichols School. Lauren is founder of Watson College Consulting, LLC and holds a bachelor’s degree from Boston College.
Get in Touch
If you would like more information about events or have questions for our team, please reach out!