About
Philosophy & Ethics
Every student is unique and I appreciate the qualities that make him/her/they special. As a result, the college search and application process is distinct to each student. I believe that families who are looking for assistance outside the traditional institutional framework also believe that the approach must be individualized. I don’t hold group meetings or workshops; students meet with me so they can openly share what is important to them when thinking about college and the future. I also work with a limited number of students per grade level.
I follow the Statement of Ethics and Standards of Practice by the Independent Educational Consultants Association. My fees are paid only by the families to whom I provide services. I am not paid by colleges, school, coaches, and any other organization nor do I pay colleges, schools, coaches, or organizations. I expect transparency and ethical decision making from my families, and they can expect it from me. Admission to specific colleges is not guaranteed.
About Jeana
Jeana Kawamura has worked as an independent educational consultant for 15 years in Orange County, CA. She is an active member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association and a member of the National Association for College Admission Counseling and the Western Association for College Admission Counseling. She earned a BA from Scripps College, a MA in Education with an Emphasis in Psychology from Pepperdine University, and a College Counseling Certificate from UCLA. She also completed the University of New Mexico’s teacher certification program. Jeana is one of 300 Certified Educational Planners (CEP) nationwide. During her 2022-2023 sabbatical, she was one of few members to earn the College Counseling Education Program Certification from the Western Association for College Admission Counseling. She is also a Myers Briggs Type Indicator and Strong Interest Inventory Certified Practitioner. That expertise adds additional insight to her work with students. Kawamura College Advisement, LLC is a certifying organization for the President’s Volunteer Service Award.
Education & Certifications
Certified Educational Planner (CEP) – January 2014, Re-certified January 2019, Recertified January 2024
The American Institute of Certified Educational Planners awards the CEP credential to professionals who have passed a national exam, visited a specified number of colleges, submitted references, and have ongoing documented professional development.
Pepperdine University, MA in Education, Emphasis in Psychology, 2013
University of California, Los Angeles Certificate in College Counseling, 2008
Scripps College, BA, International Relations
University of New Mexico, High School Teaching Credential – Single Subject
Myers Briggs Type Indicator – Certified Practitioner
Strong Interest Inventory – Certified Practitioner
Western Association for College Admission Counseling – College Counseling Education Program Certification
Professional Organizations
Independent Educational Consultants Association, Professional Member – Elected to the Board of Directors 2020-2023, Chair - Government Relations Committee 2021 - 2023, Chair - Ethics Committee 2021 - 2023, Appointed to the Nominating Committee 2023 - 2024. Appointed to the IECA CEO Search Committee 2024. DC Advocacy Day Participant 2023, 2024.
National Association for College Admission Counseling
Western Association for College Admission Counseling – Independent Educational Consultant Taskforce, Membership Committee, Appointed Delegate.
American Gap Year Association