Discovering Calm & Confidence In the Independent School Admissions Journey

Hummingbird Books

Join us for a discussion about the Independent School Admission Journey.

Join us for an information session on navigating the independent school application process—a transformative journey for families—and learn how getting informed early can help you prepare thoughtfully for the work that begins in summer before fall deadlines.Join Dr. Katie O'Connell, child psychologist and author; Lindsey Valente, educational school placement consultant; and Alycia Steelman, secondary school and college test prep consultant, for an engaging conversation on how to navigate this journey with clarity, composure, and confidence. Learn strategies to maintain a balanced perspective, and leave with new insights, helpful handouts, and book recommendations focused on building calm and confidence.Tickets: $20About Lindsey Valente:Lindsey Valente is an educational consultant working with families applying to Pre-K through Grade 12 schools in the Boston area. She graduated from Teacher’s College at Columbia University with her M.A. in Psychology of Education with a specialization in School Counseling and holds a B.S. in Finance from The Carroll School of Management at Boston College. She has admission and financial aid experience at schools in Dallas, New York City, Chicago, London, and Boston. Lindsey chairs both Boston-Area and National Groups for Day School Consultants and Co-Founded the Annual Enrollment Exchange for Boston-area Admission Professionals. Lindsey resides in Newton, MA with her husband and three children.About Katie O'Connell:Katie O’Connell, PhD, LP is an author and licensed child clinical psychologist with over 30 years of clinical experience working with children and families. Her areas of expertise include learning differences, attention and impulsivity, social-emotional development, and neurodivergence. Grounded in evidence-based practice and decades of hands-on work, her books offer engaging, practical exercises that build confidence, resilience, and skills children need to thrive.About Alycia Steelman:Alycia Steelman holds a Master’s in Curriculum Development from Boston University and a bachelor’s in political science and psychology from New England College.A special educator with over a decade of experience, she designs personalized, data-driven learning experiences that help students excel academically and build confidence. She began her career at Wediko Children's Services supporting students with complex learning and behavioral needs, and later served as a Teach for America Corps Member at Durfee High School, strengthening her commitment to educational equity.As founder of Ascension Educational Services, she specializes in admissions coaching, executive functioning support, and SAT, ACT, ISEE, and SSAT preparation. Through diagnostic assessments, customized study plans, and strategic instruction, she helps students raise scores while building habits for long-term academic success.About Hummingbird Books:An independent, local female-owned and operated store, Hummingbird Books is a community destination for an extensive collection of adult and children’s books and showcases a mix of local and widely beloved authors. Hummingbird Books is a magical place where children discover a love of reading. At Hummingbird Books, we believe reading connects us to others as we search for ideas, wisdom, and sometimes just provides a much-needed break from reality. In addition to its book selection, Hummingbird Books offers a variety of games, gift items, candy, and stationery, as well as in-store programming including story times, and book signings.

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