Kristen Tarantola
Kristen Tarantola is a respected college advisor and the founder of Collegemind Counseling, where she helps high school students navigate their high school years and make confident, well-informed decisions about college, areas of study, and future career paths. Having navigated the admissions to undergraduate and graduate school, as well as the transfer process with the 4 children in her blended family — her twin daughters and 2 stepchildren — Kristen understands that empathy and support are crucial for motivating students, elevating their confidence, and helping them complete their admissions milestones. With over 25 years of experience spanning corporate Human Resources, high school counseling, and independent educational consulting, Kristen brings a rare blend of real-world insight and student-centered guidance to every step of the college planning journey.
Kristen began her career in HR after earning a Bachelor's degree in Business from Ithaca College, with a concentration in Human Resources and Corporate Communications. She worked across several major industries — including petroleum, financial services, management consulting, and pharmaceuticals — developing expertise in employee relations, organizational development, and college recruiting. This broad experience gave her a deep understanding of occupational roles and the knowledge and skills students need to succeed in a rapidly evolving workforce.
Driven by a passion for working with students, Kristen earned her Master's in School Counseling from Montclair State University and spent five years as a counselor in top-ranked New Jersey public high schools. In 2020, she transitioned from school-based counseling to private practice, founding Collegemind Counseling to work more closely and flexibly with students and families. For the past five years, she has guided students through the college admissions process with a focus on individualized strategy, clarity, and confidence.
Kristen is a member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA), which provides valuable opportunities for professional development and collaboration. She also meets weekly with a small group of independent educational consultants to share ideas and best practices — an ongoing source of inspiration and insight that strengthens her work with students and families nationwide.