College Prep

3-Part Series: March 14th• April 18th • Aug 29th, 2026

Essential Mindset + Action Focus for College Admission Prep

During this Miniseries our panel of experts will be helping students + parents prepare for the college admissions experience ahead.

Feeling OVERWHELMED by the impending timeline of college admissions and unclear on what’s essential to do now? You didn’t spend lots of $$$$ for private college admission prep earlier on and now you’re halfway through junior year + deadlines loom. Join us for this 3-PART MINISERIES where top college admissions experts experts + mindset coaches guide you with clear action steps and timeline - all while honoring the MENTAL and EMOTIONAL process that both you AND your junior are navigating. Come together with other parents + juniors in a community who gets what you’re going through and is ready to overcome the overwhelm and be prepared for the UPCOMING COLLEGE ADMISSIONS SEASON!

Agenda

  • Welcome & Opening – Introduction to the goals and focus of our time together

  • Academics: The Foundation of Admissions

  • Activity Resumé + Narrative Development

  • College Visits & Research

  • Testing Strategy: SAT + ACT Planning

  • Building the College List (March - Summer)

  • Summer Planning Before Senior Year

  • Intro to Application Timeline Overview (Fall of Senior Year)

  • Q&A + Next Steps

Preparing for College Admissions: A Roadmap for Junior Parents & Students

Workshop 1: March 14th

  • Welcome & Opening – Introduction to the goals and focus of our time together

  • Tools to Manage Stress and Emotional Overwhelm

  • Stronger Parent - Student Communication

  • Greater Confidence and Self-Trust

  • A Grounded, Empowered Mindset for Decisions and What Comes Next In the Process

  • Q&A + Next Steps

From Stress to Self-Trust: A Mindset Workshop for the College Application Journey

Workshop 2: April 18th

Support Between Workshops

Emails that are useful and clear so you can stay on track with your goals

  • Guidance on what is most important for you to focus on when it comes to action and mindset

  • Clear and useful tools and techniques for you and your junior to have at your reach when you need them

  • Reminders of what how to take care of yourself while also getting things done that matter and get you closer to your goals

  • Encouragement for when challenges arise…remembering that you are not alone in this

  • Optional activities for you to engage in that aim to reduce stress, clear out confusion, and orient you to what matters and what helps

Senior Year, Simplified: Prepared, Clear + Confident

Workshop 3: August 29th

  • Welcome & Opening – Introduction to the goals and focus of our time together

  • Understanding the Big Picture

  • The College Application Landscape

  • Finalizing a Smart College List

  • Essays: How to Approach them Thoughtfully

  • Applications: What to be Working on Now

  • College Visits and Demonstrated Interest

  • The Parent Role During Senior Year

  • Q&A + Key Takeaways + Next Steps

UPCOMING EVENTS

FEATURED EXPERTS

UPCOMING EVENTS • FEATURED EXPERTS •

Our College Prep Experts

Shannon Brady, M.Ed

Founder of TheCollegeMIND

With a background in academic and college counseling and a passion for guiding students through the college admissions process, Shannon has made a significant impact in the education sector.

Shannon Brady's initiative in founding TheCollegeMIND course in 2021 is a testament to her dedication to revolutionizing college counseling and empowering students to make informed decisions about their academic futures. Her vision and passion for guiding students toward the best college options led her to establish TheCollegeMIND, a pioneering platform that offers comprehensive guidance and resources for students embarking on their college journey. The course equips students with the tools to navigate the complexities of college admissions while focusing on their personal preferences, abilities, and potential. Through TheCollegeMIND, Shannon seeks to alleviate the stress and uncertainty often associated with the college admissions process. Her innovative approach aims to provide students and families with tailored resources and support, reflecting her unwavering commitment to student success.

Shannon's early life in Bridgewater, New Jersey, and her experience as a student-athlete at Loyola University in Maryland shaped her path toward academic and college counseling. Her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology laid the foundation for her future work in supporting students' personal preferences, abilities, and potential. After completing her undergraduate studies, Shannon pursued a Master's of Education in School Counseling, demonstrating her commitment to enhancing her professional skills. Her role as the Internship Coordinator at Fordham University's Office of Career Planning allowed her to empower students by conducting resume-writing seminars, coordinating internship programs, and providing valuable career guidance.

Shannon's transition to a top-rated regional high school in New Jersey marked a pivotal moment in her career. As the College and Career Counselor, she established a comprehensive College and Career Center and conducted workshops and seminars to assist students and parents in post-secondary planning and the college admissions process. Her dedication and expertise made her an indispensable resource within the school community, as she provided invaluable support to grade-level counselors, students, and parents. Beyond her work in the school setting, Shannon's experience with a college consulting company further expanded her impact in the field of college counseling. Shannon's journey reflects her unwavering commitment to helping students navigate the complex landscape of college admissions and post-secondary planning.

Shannon lives in Carlsbad, California with her husband, Brian, and son, Liam & daughters, Shae and Brynn.

Our College Prep Experts

Lauren Boaz

College Essay Advisor at The CollegeMIND

Lauren has a passion for fostering growth, success, and self-confidence in high school students. She is dedicated to helping teenagers achieve their academic goals while enjoying a balanced life.

Lauren started teaching high school English in San Diego, California. When her husband had a work opportunity in Miami, Florida, Lauren took her teaching career to the other side of the country. Teaching high school in Miami allowed Lauren the opportunity to focus on providing a safe learning environment for underprivileged teenagers to achieve success academically and personally. This experience drove Lauren’s passion for creating classroom culture that promotes individuality, risk-taking, open-mindedness, and comradery. Lauren moved back to San Diego and decided to further her studies by attaining certification for AP English Language and Composition. These courses helped Lauren re-discover her love for writing and editing, specifically essay compositions. Helping teenagers discover their true voice while attaining confidence in their writing, became a central drive in Lauren’s teaching. Part of her 11th grade course curriculum was dedicated to college admission essay writing. She has been a part of the UCLA Extension College & Counseling Certificate Program, completing courses in brainstorming the college essay, and structure & content.

Lauren took time off from teaching career to spend time with her growing family. However, her passion for working with teenagers did not waver. When she learned about The CollegeMIND, she knew this was perfect opportunity for her to put her experience and dedication to good use.

Lauren is a San Diego native, having graduated from San Diego State University with a B.A. in English. She went on to acquire her Master’s in Education. She lives in Carlsbad, California with her husband Jake, son Jameson, and daughter Harper.

Our College Prep Experts

Gina Bowen

Certified Health + Life Coach and Founder of Moxy Strong

I was shaped—and fueled—by two defining moments in my life. As a teen, I lost my dad to colon cancer. Shortly after, my own health began to decline, and after a year and a half of unanswered questions, I was diagnosed with Lupus.

Through those experiences, I discovered the power of resilience, emotional regulation, and intentional action—tools that helped me not only reclaim my health but also define my life’s purpose. My passion for growth and human potential led me to earn a BA in Child and Human Development and a Master’s in Education and Child Life in Hospitals, blending my personal journey with a professional foundation to empower both women and children.

At the heart of my work is a simple but powerful truth: mindset shapes everything. My gift is helping others cultivate a growth and wellness mindset—so they can simplify healthy living and connect deeply to themselves. I focus on the **Core4 essentials—nutrition, movement, sleep, and stress support—**and provide the accountability, compassion, and structure needed to turn those into sustainable daily practices.

During COVID, I witnessed firsthand how isolation and the lack of social-emotional tools impacted kids, including my own. That experience inspired me to co-create Empowered Kids, a school-based program teaching growth mindset, emotional resilience, and self-advocacy. Now in its third year, it has reached more than 1,000 students, giving them the tools to believe in themselves and thrive.

Today, I devote much of my work to women over 40—often self-sacrificing, resilient women who have poured themselves into caring for others while quietly losing touch with their own needs, identity, and joy. Many are navigating hormonal changes, shifting roles as children grow, career transitions, or questions of self-purpose. I help these women come home to themselves—reconnecting with their strength, courage, and peace so they can embrace this next chapter with confidence, clarity, and vitality.

In addition to my private coaching practice, The Moxy Life, where I work 1:1 with women using my signature framework, I also co-own Moxy Strong—a health and fitness community designed for women to come as they are and feel empowered through movement that supports our age and stage of life. Moxy Strong blends strength training, agility, and functional fitness with nutrition guidance, healthy recipes, mindset coaching, and accountability—creating a whole-woman approach to thriving.

I am also in the process of launching The Moxy Life App, a life and health coaching platform designed to give women access to monthly coaching, community, and accountability at a more accessible entry point than private coaching—meeting women where they are and helping them rise together.

My role is to hold space—for women and children alike—where healing, growth, and transformation can take root. Together, we simplify health and life into what truly matters, and build habits and mindsets that last a lifetime.

Our College Prep Experts

Ashley Gonor

Mindset Coach + Speaker and Founder of Uncover Your Magic

“Believe in your magic. It’s been there all along.”

Ashley is a mindset coach, speaker, and founder of the Raising Confidence movement – on a mission to inspire the next generation to believe in their limitless potential. Her journey – from entrepreneur to devoted mom of two confident daughters to purpose-driven mentor – has been fueled by faith, resilience, and heart. Today, Ashley empowers kids, teens, and parents to uncover their inner magic through her Uncover Your Magic podcast, mindset programs in San Diego schools, and her signature course, Raising Confidence. She’s living proof that with love, intention, and a belief in what’s possible… anything can be.

From our community

  • “THIS WAS THE REAL DEAL. I WAS CONSISTENTLY BLOWN AWAY BY THE CALIBER OF PEOPLE IN ATTENDANCE. HIGH-LEVEL, INTENTIONAL HUMANS IN AN INTIMATE SETTING.”

  • “SUCH A UNIQUE AND CURATED MEETING CONTAINER FOR INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE NOT ONLY ON A HEALING JOURNEY BUT THEY WANT TO LIVE LIFE TO THE FULLEST.”

  • “THE SPEAKERS WERE VERY KNOWLEDGEABLE AND I LEARNED A LOT OF NEW VALUABLE INFORMATION.”

  • “THE SPEAKER: TOP-TIER, LIKE KEYNOTE TALENT FROM A MAJOR CONFERENCE, BUT DELIVERED TO A SMALL GROUP WITH GENUINE INSIGHTS THAT HELD MY ATTENTION AND SPARKED REAL GROWTH.”

Ticket Info

  • Early Bird Admission: $649

  • General Admission: $699

  • Inclusions: Access to all sessions, Q&A, and bonus access to platforms that will support your journey.

  • Each ticket includes admission for one parent and one junior student.

Frequently Ask Questions

  • This experience is intended to be a 3-part immersion. The benefits and value of the miniseries comes by attending all three sessions.

  • The entire experience will take place live in person. There will not be any recordings made available.

  • We’d love to have you bring someone along! Each guest is required to register for their own ticket to enter the miniseries. Feel free to share this event page with them to secure their spot!

  • No refunds though tickets are transferable.

Join Us at College Prep