Meet Stefanie Abrams | College Consultant | Teen Coach | Parenting Coach | Executive Function Coach

We had the good fortune of connecting with Stefanie Abrams and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Stefanie, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Taking risks was not allowed, and it was not an innate skill I had for the better part of my life, nor was I allowed to have it from early childhood. Therefore, I have needed to grow in my understanding of risk and what it means. Overcoming the fear of failure launched me into gaining a greater awareness of healthy risk and how it can be applied to all aspects of life. I was recently exposed to the concept of what feels like two opposite ends of the spectrum; risk and faith. Yet, they can show up in parallel to one another in our lives and careers because they both require us to believe in something we cannot see. It makes so much sense and I am very well aware that I have been a person who has avoided risk at all costs (meaning I like to control things so there is no risk). Yet, in my new era of life I am much more faith-driven and lean into the uncomfortable areas of life that feel like risks but they may in fact just be opportunities for me to grow in new ways. I really like the latter approach to life and I plan to instill this in my everyday rather than operating from a fear-based narrative that was once mine. One door closes so another can open and I have a sign in my counseling office that says, “everything you ever dreamed of is on the other side of fear.” I should take that risk and not be fearful but have faith to do it!

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
As any entrepreneur knows, starting your own business is no easy feat. Taking care of all the business components while also being the person to ensure that you have a deliverable product while connecting with the community to build your clientele from nothing takes significant intention and time. It sure takes a lot of mental fortitude and compassion for yourself when, throughout each day, you are on an emotional rollercoaster. Often questioning what you are doing and how this will work, yet reminding yourself with a gentleness that it was because you are made to do this, and without taking action, you will not get anywhere. I strive to work on this mantra daily, and I know that I was given a gift to serve others, and that is what I will continue to see to do in my business. It is not about the money but about the people that I serve. I tell my students, “Your mindset matters, and you must trust the process!”

WayForward College Consulting was founded to support the growth journey for youth as they strive toward young adulthood and transition to college. I believe the focus of the next chapter in life is so much greater than the name of the college you attend. I strive to support my students’ mental health, wellness, and overall excitement as they think about their futures and plan for this significant decision in their life. The business started while I was working full-time as a school counselor as a side gig until now. I am dedicated to committing more time to being an entrepreneur and developing my craft, as well as the gifts I have been afforded to be the best coach and guide for teenagers and their families. The landscape of college admissions is ever-changing and complex, to say the least; however, I am a lover of learning and pursue professional development and opportunities to explore college campuses each year.

What makes me unique as a college consultant is that I was a first-generation college student in my family and a student-athlete playing basketball at the collegiate level. Having pursued higher education and earned many degrees, I now have the personal and professional experience of being a tenured school counselor for the past 18 years. I have the innate ability to work with teenagers through many developmental stages of their adolescence. The college admissions process can be stressful, and as a skilled mental health professional who has also worked closely with families over the years, I understand their unique needs. I aim to provide families with individualized support so they can meet them where they are and challenge them appropriately to develop necessary life skills, not just college applications. I am also a mother of two children who will be in college this upcoming fall, so I know exactly what the parent side of the college admissions experience is like.

As I age and reflect on life, I am often confronted with the idea of legacy, what it means to me, and what legacy I want to leave for my children and their children’s children. Therefore, I offer a unique legacy letter-writing experience for the parents of the students who are my college-bound clients to consider the legacy they want to leave for their children and document it! This unique service is the only part of the process that is solely between the parent and me, without the knowledge of the child. The legacy letter will be delivered to the child in a special way that will forever imprint their parent’s hopes, dreams, and unconditional love for them in print. These beautiful experiences are essential to who I am and how I want to provide an experience for parents to slow down and contribute to this journey in an incredibly profound way.

I work with a diverse clientele. However, I want to ensure that all students have the access and support they need for college planning. I also provide pro bono work for high-achieving, low-income students who are on the path to making generational impacts in their family systems! The philanthropist in me desires to one day create a scholarship foundation where a portion of the proceeds from each of my sales goes toward a student scholarship to support the expenses of higher education or trade school.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Our journey would begin by heading up toward the small town of Montezuma. This is a new place to me, although I am a native of Colorado and have lived four decades here! Taking the rocky roads up to the highest peaks to look for the most interesting Colorado animal, the mountain goat, while inhaling the fresh mountain air and spring waters flowing across the roads we travel. We will stop and take pictures of the beautiful wildflowers, take in the breathtaking views of the 13-14,000 foot peaks, have lunch after exploring the hidden gems of sheds built in the 1800s, having small chats with the Colorado Trail thrill seekers who travel from Denver to Durango but need an encouraging word from us to continue their journey, and viewing the wildlife. Then we would clamber our way back down the mountainside in our 4×4 jeep to have a beverage at a local distillery and continue to enjoy the outdoor weather of summer.

We would find a quaint Air BnB and spend the night relaxing and resting on the western slope, where we would enjoy the fresh taste of wine from the local wineries. Perhaps we will also visit the hot springs on our way back to town.

I also love to visit the National Wildlife Refuge near Northfield and I love a good comedy show at local venues and Red Rocks.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Aaron Abrams is the most supportive husband. He is determined to ensure that I find my way in life, which brings me true joy and where I can shine my light the brightest. I would not be where I am today without my faith in Jesus and the faith that my husband also has in him. We are so blessed, and we have overcome many challenges. It is exciting and scary to lean into faith during times of transition, but there are silver linings and blessings around the corner with my greatest support system.

Website: https://www.wayforwardcollege.com

Instagram: @wayforwardcollege

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stefanie-abrams-750ba596/

Other: google business profile

Image Credits
Pink Poppy Media