The College Experience Team
Marsha Ray, M.A., a longtime educator, has lived and taught in three European countries where she resided for 17 years. As a result, she speaks fluent Italian and French. Upon returning to the U.S., she became an adjunct professor of English at DePaul University, where she also was co-director of the University’s International Studies Office. In 1998, she founded Student Extended Experiences Consulting, Inc. (SEEC, Inc.), which helps students create and design dynamic GAP years or academic sabbatical experiences. She brings an informed and unique voice to study abroad advising and has extensive knowledge of UK universities. Marsha is located in Deerfield, but has served students from all over the U.S for over 22 years. She has presented at major professional conferences in the U.S. and has also chaired the Board of Directors of Siena Sojourn, formerly based in Siena, Italy.
Gratitude for Marsha
From a college student:
Marsha, you have been the driving force over the past six years, the force that has helped me put myself back on the right track. The work you have done and do for so many others truly is a blessing.
From a parent:
Thank you so much for all the work you’ve done with our daughter; we are so happy and excited to see all the opportunities unfolding for her from your guidance. We feel so blessed to have met you.
College applicant:
I’m very grateful for all the awesome help you’ve given me to reach my goal of going to college. I will never forget how you played a key part/role preparing me for this next step in my life.
Colleague:
We appreciate the time that you have given to us about our school. Your comments were very insightful and we realized you’d be a guiding force as we build more programs to serve our students.
Jeanette Spires, M.S. and M.Ed., has a background in college counseling, career counseling, and school psychology with experience in the United States and in American high schools in India and Argentina. She earned a degree in counseling in higher education at Pennsylvania State University while working on the student personnel staff as a dormitory supervisor and activities advisor. For 37 years she has worked as an independent counselor, earning an additional master’s degree in school psychology. She has given many professional presentations at national conferences in the areas of college selection, transfer counseling, and therapeutic placement. She has done contract work for The College Board, served on the board of SAGE Global Education, and has been a commissioner for the American Institute of Certified Educational Planners.
Jeanette Spires testimonials:
From a student:
I’d simply like to say thank you. I had a wonderful college experience and gained lessons and friends for a lifetime at Macalester. Your guidance during the process was invaluable and the great care you took in offering advice inspired confidence in me during a very delicate time. Thanks in part to you, I think I’ll continue to “go where my kind of people are” and I look forward to keeping you updated.
From a school counselor:
You have been my role model and an example of someone who demonstrates the ultimate in integrity and compassion. I often look to you when having to make a difficult decision. You have touched the lives of hundreds of young people who would have otherwise been going down a wrong path and you have inspired the lives of many of your colleagues.
From a parent:
Jeanette has changed young lives in ways she probably doesn’t fully realize. She has helped my children, my nephew, and a pro bono case for a young brilliant girl who wanted to be the first in her family to go to college. Her knowledge translated into a four-year ride at Harvard. Your heart, thoughtfulness, and care for each child is truly irreplaceable!
