College counselors occupy a unique position within independent schools. They must balance support for students and parents in their care with external realities and pressures, not to mention an always-evolving admission landscape. It is a tough job that has become ever-more difficult in our ROI-focused world. The expectations are high and the pressure real.
For Independent School or Division Heads, there is critical comfort in knowing that your college counseling operation is running smoothly and college concerns are not taking over your calendar. However, just as with other administrative functions—advancement, admissions, athletics—sometimes a bit of targeted expertise and support is necessary. You would not turn to a CASE consultant for help with an enrollment or campus security issue, or simply send an administrative colleague to network and “figure it out.” Your college counseling operation deserves the same.
I work with school leaders to assess and strengthen college counseling programs, support and mentor staff, and implement strategies that improve outcomes while reducing pressure on leadership. Whether conducting an audit to identify strengths and gaps, guiding a new Director, or enhancing your school’s profile with colleges and universities, I provide targeted, practical support that delivers measurable results. This work is grounded in more than 30 years of experience across high-profile schools, national recognition for my leadership of the Association of College Counselors in Independent Schools, and service on advisory boards and professional committees at every level of the field. In short, I will help ensure you have a college counseling program that is clear, credible, confidently led, mission aligned and performing at the highest possible level.
Individual or Counselor Team Support
Presentations
Current landscape of college admission
Writing effective counselor and teacher recommendations
Board presentations
Director Mentoring
New Director Mentoring
• Launch - 3 months
• Launch & Go - 6 months
• Sustaining - 12 months
Project-Based Support
• Short & Long-term strategy development
• Staff development
• Profile creation
• Programming
• Data analysis
• Board, faculty & parent presentations
Writing Effective Recommendation Letters
Project Support
Counseling Strategies
Services Offered
Meet Eric Monheim
After brief stints in college admission and teaching, I have worked in college counseling since 1996. (See below for a few career highlights.) As the saying goes, I’ve been there and either seen or done that. Beyond college counseling, I’ve earned my stripes in independent schools as a teacher, coach, advisor, dorm parent, committee chair and member, strategic planner, and collaborative partner on all manner of projects—work I am proud of.
I am also proud to have been part of the founding group that launched the Association of College Counselors in Independent Schools (ACCIS) in 2007. I served in a variety of capacities within ACCIS before stepping in as Executive Director for three years. In this role, I partnered with leaders at Independent Schools across the country, as well as legal, finance, and tech experts, to help grow this organization. Since leaving the Executive Director role, I’ve stayed active in ACCIS, leading and participating in numerous accreditation-style visiting teams for ACCIS focused on the college counseling operation. This work allowed me to collaborate with Heads of School, Division Heads, and other school leaders, establishing the foundation for the work I am excited to do now on my own and as part of EduDx.
Career Highlights
Earned a BA from Gettysburg College and a MAT from Teachers College, Columbia University.
Spent two formative years working in the admission office at Kenyon College, where I got my introduction to independent schools and college counseling.
Transitioned from a history teacher to college counseling at Northfield Mount Hermon School, where I spent four fantastic years learning how to be a part of a team.
Served as Director of College Counseling at Bullis School in Potomac, Maryland (2000-2004) and at Sidwell Friends School in Washington, D.C. (2004-2013).
During my time at St. Mark’s (2013-present), I have also served as Director of Strategic Projects, partnering with the Director of Institutional Research on projects supporting Alumni, Academic Program, Community & Equity, Student Health and Wellness, and Student Activities. I also co-designed a mission-driven, multidimensional model to measure student thriving and well-being.
As part of my work with ACCIS, I served on the Founding Committee, spearheading the initial membership drive and launching the first-ever corporate sponsorship campaign, driving innovation and growth. I led a 10-member Executive Cabinet, supervised a professional staff of 5, managed a budget exceeding $500K, and consulted regularly with legal counsel, accountants, and financial advisors to ensure compliance and financial integrity. I also developed partnerships with college admissions leaders and staff, enhancing collaboration among institutions to support Association initiatives.
I have led and supported ACCIS 360 Review teams providing comprehensive internal and external audits of college counseling operations; participated in eight reviews, three as Chair, partnering with school leadership (Head of School, Division Head, College Counseling team) to offer validation, support, assessment, and constructive feedback.
Location
Southborough, MA
emonheim@gmail.com
Phone
+1 (978) 302-2120