OWNER, DIANNE ARMSTRONG, COLLEGE CONSULTANT
BACKGROUND
After graduating from Hockaday, a private all-girls school in Dallas, Texas, I attended Stanford University where I received my B.A. with Distinction and Honors in International Relations. I also received my MBA from Harvard Business School after working for JP Morgan on Wall Street. After business school, I moved to Canada with my Canadian spouse-to-be and never left. For over 15 years, I worked in the investment industry at large financial institutions such as RBC Dominion Securities, CIBC and Mackenzie Financial and then began my own financial consulting company Thornbury Financial in 2006. My clients have ranged from small businesses, to not-for-profits to private client individuals.
EDUCATION ENTHUSIAST
Despite significant business experience, what I'm most proud of is my zealous commitment to and involvement in my own children's education. I have been an active volunteer at my children's schools, immersing myself in the trends and nuances of education. I have served on the Parent's Associations of St. Clement's, Crescent and Greenwood schools for multiple years, including executive roles at two of the three schools. In addition, I have been a member of the Endowment Subcommittee of the Board of St. Clement's School. I have kept in touch with my alma matters Stanford and Harvard through reunions, club-based events and interviewing potential undergraduates.
EXPERIENCE
I had my 'aha' moment about entering this profession when I helped my first child with her university search and applications. I realized there was a need for accredited college consultants to help students discover, distinguish between and apply to the plethora of programs available today. I learned first-hand how much preparation, organization and thought goes into the university search and application process, especially when applying to competitive programs and/or pursuing university-level athletics. Looking back, I wish I had relied on a college consultant to supplement the school guidance counsellor and to ease the family stress that often exists during this uncertain time. I stress to clients how important it is to be strategic in course and extracurricular selection as early as grade nine and look forward to sharing my insights and tips with students and parents alike.
To prepare myself for this venture, I completed my Independent Educational Certificate from University of California (Irvine), a program that provides the necessary knowledge to navigate the university admissions process and meet the needs of varied clients. This 18-month program equipped me with the tools, global network and strategies to assist students in searches in Canada, the US and globally. Since then, I have advised hundreds of students, student athletes, and artists, helping them gain admission to elite colleges across the US, Canada, the UK and Australia. I have also learned the intricacies of pursuing NCAA-level athletics, as my son (and now many clients) have secured spots on Division I, Division III and Club sports teams (alpine ski racing, rowing, sychronized swimming etc). Artistic students have been admitted to fine arts and architecture programs in both the US and Canada.
Professionally, I am a student member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA), committed to the highest integrity and ethics of the industry. Each year, I attend a variety of college webinars, conferences and university tours so I can stay informed and able to help my clients with the rapidly changing admissions process and trends.
HOBBIES
When I'm not working with clients, I love travelling, hiking, skiing and cycling. I have promised my husband that I'll soon learn to golf, but at this point, it's a love-hate relationship. My favorite weekend activity is enjoying the outdoors with family and friends.