Meet Our Team
Educational Consulting + Design is a college counseling and consulting firm that supports students applying to universities. Our team is dedicated to providing personalized guidance and support to help students navigate the college application process.
Ashley L. Cole
Owner/ Founder
Ashley began her career working in selective college admissions, and after more than a decade, went on to work as the Director of University Counseling at a private bilingual international high school. She has been a graduate admissions reader for Ivy League institutions,and has worked in private college counseling with college prep companies in the US and UK. In 2019, Ashley was named “Exemplary School Counselor” by the College Board. In 2021, she was named a California University "40 Under 40" alumna.
Ashley understands this extraordinary time in your life, and has served students on all sides of the desk. She has worked with students of all stages and backgrounds including freshmen, transfers, military veterans, domestic and international high school students, refugees, graduate students and non-traditional students. With her finger on the pulse of many university admissions systems, she can support students through any program at any school.
She has traveled to work with and deliver presentations to universities, high schools and families in more than 25 countries, and is a strong proponent of students crossing borders to access educational opportunities. She has served in leadership roles for special interest groups with National Association of College Admission Counselors (NACAC) and other organizations. She regularly presents at national and international conferences. Ashley is a member of NACAC and IECA.
Ashley feels tremendous gratitude for her full career. She places incredible value on the relationships she has forged with both current and former students, and often finds students returning to work with her years later for graduate and doctoral degree applications. She founded Educational Consulting + Design to expand her private practice and reach new students at a price point and quality standard that many college prep companies cannot meet. EC+D is not a “one sized fits all” approach; it is a boutique firm that will meet you where you are in the process, and formulate a tailored game plan to reach goals. With a strong sense of collaboration, she has surrounded herself with incredible counselors, specialists and financial aid experts who also embody her values and views on the educational journey. Ashley is down to earth, easy to talk to, and has a natural ability to connect with students in a way that demystifies and takes the pressure off the application process, putting the power in their hands.
In Ashley's free time, she enjoys exploring the world with her favorite travel buddy and rescue dog, Frankie the Yorkie; reading, learning languages (Spanish and Arabic), sailing, swimming, chasing sunsets and cooking.
Ashley's Thoughts on her own College Path:
I did not want to go to college.
I worked my first job when I was 12 years old. I made $4 an hour. I worked through junior high and high school and had to overcome many obstacles as a high school student. I attended a public high school and my family had no idea how to navigate the college application process. My college counselor told me I'd be lucky to get my GED.
I was a first-generation college student, and the first in my household to earn a college degree. I went on to graduate from university a year early (with honors). I fell in love with learning. So, I got more degrees and found a true passion for helping young people. I most recently completed the doctor of education coursework at Northeastern University. I found the right fit for me, and it sparked a lifelong passion for helping students reveal their own unique gifts and abilities. I am living proof that anything is possible.
I've had incredible experiences in my life that I never could have expected as a result of my education and enthusiasm for the work I do. I am here to push you. I am here to help you discover yourself, your potential, and the true contributions you can make to the world around you.
I built my firm within a framework of ethics, morals and positivity; a way that made sense and was right for myself and the students and families I serve. I encourage you to reach out- let’s talk about your plans. You will be heard, seen, valued and celebrated. I know you can conquer challenges, and are wildly capable of achieving your goals.
For the past 15 years, Miriam Sosewitz Clarke has counseled hundreds of students seeking a vast array of majors as both the Assistant College Counselor at North Hollywood High School and in her private practice. She is well-versed and certified with distinction in college counseling by UCLA Extension including the intricacies of financial aid. Many of her students have won distinguished scholarships such as the UC Regents and the fully distinguished, Indiana University Wells Scholarships. Additionally, with decades of experience as a film score musician, Miriam is often sought after to mentor and guide emerging artists pursuing careers in the music industry. Miriam was fortunate to study with and become a protégé of Sir James Galway. She simultaneously earned her degree in Flute Performance and Jazz Studies from IU at the age of 20. She then headed for Los Angeles where she performed on numerous film scores for accomplished composers such as James Horner, Jerry Goldsmith, Ira Newborn, David Newman, and Charles Fox including: The Star Trek Series, Ferris Beuller’s Day Off, Throw Momma From the Train, The Bill and Ted Series, The Naked Gun Series, The Vacation Series and more. She has adjudicated the Young Musicians Foundation Scholarships and scouted orchestras for a decade. Her television soundtrack highlights include Dallas, The Muppet Babies, My Little Pony, and Early Edition, and she has had the opportunity to work for such greats as Todd Rundgren, David Byrne, Brian McKnight, and Michael Jackson.
Miriam's knowledge and kindness is evident in her interactions with students and parents. She is exceptional in providing financial aid support and guidance to families who are not only trying to navigate the college application process, but also determining how to pay for it. Her assistance has helped families save tremendous amounts of money which ultimately set students up for better financial fitness upon graduation. Miriam joined forces with Ashley because they share the same ethics and morals that prompted the need for Educational Consulting + Design. Miriam is available to work with students throughout their entire application process, or in tandem with Ashley and her current clients, as-needed.
In her spare time, Miriam enjoys spending time with her talented sons, attending live music performances, mentoring emerging artists, riffing on her Steinway concert grand piano, and exploring coastal destinations.
Miriam Sosewitz Clarke,
Financial Aid &
Music Expert