about me
I did my undergraduate work in Psychology at the University of Southern California and California State University, Los Angeles. I later earned my Masters of Arts and PhD in Education Leadership and Organizations from the University of California, Santa Barbara. I have been in education for many years, working with students spanning from Kindergarten to graduate school. As an education researcher, I’ve collaborated with families, community members, teachers, school/district administration, state departments of Education administration, as well as publishers and curriculum developers. My area of emphasis was intrinsic motivation to learn. My research experience includes various content areas: K-2 Early Language Learning, 6-12 Math curricula, interactive education technology use, statewide program implementation, and professional development among others.
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I am a published author of numerous research articles in academic journals as well as my dissertation research on intrinsic motivation to learn. I have consulted on research projects for CrossFit Kids as well as the University of Hawaii, Maui College on the transition from College to Career.
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Having completed the College Counseling program at UCLA and the Independent Education Consultant Association Summer Training Institute, I am an Independent Educational Consultant for students and families going through the college admissions process and preparing for the next step in their journey. My students are aiming to pursue careers in Law, Education, Finance, Psychology, Engineering and Medicine. I am also a consultant to local school districts, co-developing the college and career curriculum for the comprehensive school counseling program.
Continually enriching my knowledge base in this area is a top priority. My professional affiliations include membership in: IECA, NACAC, PNACAC and WACAC. I follow IECA’s Principles of good practice as well as NACAC’s guide to ethical practices in College Admission.
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Principles of good practice
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NACAC's guide to ethical practices in College Admission
my approach
My professional experience in education, connectedness to the community and innate ability to connect with others gives me the essential qualities to work effectively with your student. I provide a one-on-one personalized approach to meeting the college admissions needs of high school students and graduates. Helping develop your student's strengths, interests and success is my priority.
pillars and priorities
01.
FORTE. Your student's forte. I will help your student construct their applications to showcase their strengths, through activities, essays and overall profile.
02.
Finding Fit: We will build their college list to align with academic, financial, geographic and social priorities.
03.
Financial aid and college affordability. We will aim to focus on financially reasonable schools that fit within your family’s financial boundaries.
04.
Follow-up and transition. Once accepted, we will review aid/award letters, help with decision-making for enrollment and ensure your student is ready for the real world.
05.
Fulfillment and success. A primary goal in this process is to get students to seek a life of fulfillment in school, career and in life's journey. Attaining success is part of this fulfillment. We will equip your students with the necessary tools to help achieve this.
testimonials
Dr. Cabalo expertly guided our son through the law school application process. She evaluated his goals and qualifications and helped him craft a list of programs. We appreciated the feedback she provided him with regard to his personal statement and other supporting documents as well as her ability to help him set deadlines, thus preventing any hurried submissions. Most importantly, our son enjoyed working with her. She is kind and has a great sense of humor; she found a way to take the stress out of the process. Our son was admitted, with a sizable early decision scholarship, to his top choice law school. We are grateful for Dr. Cabalo’s skill and leadership and highly recommend her to all students and parents!
(Parent of college student,
class of 2025)
Dr. Jess really helped me get organized throughout this process. We were able to focus on different priorities during a hectic and stressful time!
(High School student,
class of 2024)
Jessica made the college application season significantly less stressful for our family. So much has changed since my husband and I went to college. She is expert and up-to-date on all the college application processes. I loved her clear, structured materials to help navigate the various stages of applying to college. Her financial aid materials were particularly helpful and informative. But most of all I appreciated her personal attention to my daughter. She made sure all pieces of her application were completed and turned in on time and kept her on track with setting appropriate internal deadlines. Jessica provided insightful feedback during the essay writing process. After a long day at work, and coming home to make dinner, I recall several times walking into the kitchen and my daughter and Jessica would be meeting online to walk through submitting materials or talking through her essays. It was a great feeling to know that our daughter was in such capable hands. I would highly recommend Jessica’s services, and our family will definitely be hiring her to help our son when the time comes for him to apply to college!
(Parent of high school student,
class of 2025)
We want to thank Dr. Cabalo for her work with our son these last few months. She has put him in a position to succeed with several college acceptance letters and scholarship offers. We could not have asked for more than what she has given him. She has helped navigate a very complicated process and relieved our stress, directed our focus, which culminated in making the right choices. Our son is very lucky to have worked with her.
(Parent of High School student,
class of 2025)
