Cindy Stella Zelinsky
Independent Educational College Consultant
Lauren Popov-Muniz
ACC Writing Consultant
Lauren graduated Magna Cum Laude in 2012 from Wartburg College with Bachelor’s in Secondary English Education. She is currently earning a Masters of Fine Arts in English Literature from SIUE
“My favorite part of teaching, especially teaching writing, is watching students grow. I love the moment when they realize their writing doesn’t need to be perfect, but that it’s a slow and steady process to produce a piece of writing.”
Experience Highlights
• 2012-present
English teacher at O’Fallon Township High School teaching sophomore writing and sophomore, junior, and senior literature.
• Yearbook and Journalism Co-Sponsor at OTHS
• Head Softball Coach at OTHS
• FCA Huddle Coach at OTHS .
What is an Independent Educational Consultant?
The following information is taken from the IECA’s “10 Important Ways IECA Members Are Unlike Other Independent Educational Consultants” The brochure can be found here
Experience: IECA members are serious professionals. They must have at least three years of qualifying experience and have worked with scores of students before their application will even be considered. Integrity: IECA members sign an annual pledge that governs their interactions with schools, colleges, programs, students, and parents. They agree to avoid any action that distorts or misrepresents a student’s record or interferes with admission personnel’s ability to get an accurate picture of a student.
True Advertising: As a criterion for membership, IECA educational consultants must submit their marketing materials so that the IECA can ensure no false promises are made to prospective clients. Campus Knowledge: IECA members have, on average, visited and evaluated more than 150 campuses each (annually about 20% of their time) to stay knowledgeable and up-to-date.
Education: IECA members don’t stumble into independent educational consulting. They are required a master’s degree in counseling or an appropriate field, or similar experience and training. Those who specialize must demonstrate additional knowledge and credentials to earn the designation.
Services For All: Although independent educational consultants are hired by families with the ability to pay for their services, IECA members are different in two ways: First, over 90% of our members provide significant pro bono work, either individually or through charitable community or national organizations. In addition, IECA’s Foundation has served over 750,000 students in the last 17 years and has contributed over $800,000 in direct support and free programming to help school-based counselors and parents better meet the needs of all students.
Respect Of Colleagues: Members in IECA must demonstrate their commitment to students’ welfare and professional standards by providing professional references. Given their extensive knowledge and experience, it’s not surprising that IECA members are routinely tapped for national and regional boards, presentations, and lectures.
Commitment To Keep Current: No association places a greater emphasis on professional training. IECA leads conferences and workshops that feature the very latest trends in admission, learning theory, and adolescent behavior.
Dedication To Reduce Anxiety: Every member of IECA understands his or her important role in the application process. Members immediately seek to reassure students and parents that there are great options for everyone, and commit to help reduce anxiety for both parents and students. Success is judged not by gaining admission, but by a successful experience wherever a student chooses to attend.
Ethical Standards: Rarely, but occasionally, a member violates the spirit of our Principles of Good Practice. When that happens, the member is removed from IECA. Those removed from membership are ineligible to rejoin our association. This is the only way we can assure you that when an independent educational consultant is an IECA member, it means something
