Local Independent Educational Consultant Appointed to National Training Institute Faculty

Fairfax, VA -- Dr. Rachel B. Sobel of Wynnewood, PA Selected for IECA Summer Training Institute Faculty

The Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA) announced that Dr. Rachel Sobel has been selected to serve on the faculty for the Association’s Summer Training Institute, scheduled for July 23 – 27, 2013 at Swarthmore College in suburban Philadelphia.  STI faculty members are chosen because of their extensive knowledge, insights, ability to teach, and respect among their peers. Faculty members are not compensated, but believe in the importance of preparing the next generation of independent educational consultants.

The Summer Training Institute is an intensive, hands-on, training program designed for those seeking to establish a private practice in independent educational consulting.  Admission to the Institute is screened by the consultant’s qualifications, and is consistently viewed as the best training available for those entering the profession. Attendees come from all over the world and have backgrounds in such fields as counseling, education, business, law, health care, and school/college admissions. 

The Institute introduces participants to all areas of consulting, and gives attendees an understanding of student needs outside their initial expertise. Session leaders are among the nation’s most experienced and successful independent educational consultants.

Dr. Rachel Sobel is an independent educational consultant based in Wynnewood, PA.

As a licensed clinical social worker with special training in child and adolescent psychopathology and learning disorders, Dr. Rachel Sobel holds a doctorate in Counselor Education, a Certificate in College Counseling, and is a Certified Educational Planner.  She has over 30 years of experience working with adolescents and their families in settings that include psychiatric facilities, schools, universities, her private psychotherapy practice and college consulting business. Her experience as a psychotherapist, college counselor, and educator informs her approach to guiding students and their families through the college search and application process.  She founded COLLEGE POSSIBILITIES to address the unique needs of students with LD, ADHD, ASD and other diagnoses as they plan for college or post-secondary options. 

Dr. Sobel speaks frequently to school and community groups about the specific needs and requirements of LD/ADHD/ASD students as they relate to the college admissions process. She continually travels throughout the country visiting colleges and meeting with college admissions officers and staff members from the learning disabilities offices to learn about new programs and track changes in admissions criteria. Additionally she attends local, regional, and national conferences and other college related events.

IECA was founded in 1976 as a nonprofit, professional association of established independent educational consultants. IECA member independent educational consultants are professionals who assist students and families with educational decision-making. Their educational backgrounds, specialized training, campus visitations, and professional experience equip them to help students choose schools, colleges, or programs that meet their individual needs and goals. Membership in the Association requires an appropriate master’s degree or comparable training and a minimum of three years of experience in the profession, as well as meeting IECA’s professional standards and subscribing to its Principles of Good Practice. Members continually update their knowledge and maintain skills through IECA-sponsored meetings, workshops, training programs, webinars, and information exchanges with colleges, schools, programs and other IECs.