Best Educational Consultants in the USA

United States Education Consultants & Academic Consulting Services

In a world where schools are grappling with everything from AI integration to teacher burnout, education consultants have stepped in as essential support systems. Whether helping school districts rethink curriculum, advising edtech startups, or working directly with teachers and administrators, today’s education consultants are reshaping how we think about learning.

At Digital Reference, we’re all about making the talent ecosystem more transparent. That’s why we’re proud to release this curated list of Education Consultants in the USA to Watch For in 2025. It’s not just about who’s got the credentials—it’s about who’s making a real impact.

Why We Made This List of Education Consultants

Education is personal, and so is great consulting. As the sector shifts toward flexible, just-in-time expertise, we’re seeing a rise in freelance education consultants and solo operators who are helping schools, nonprofits, and education companies navigate complexity.

We evaluated consultants based on:

• Their presence in the U.S. education ecosystem (from K-12 to higher ed)
• The visibility of their work, thought leadership, and credibility
• Regional accessibility (we focused on professionals located across the U.S.)

These are folks who aren’t just working in education—they’re pushing it forward.

🌟 Meet the Educational Consultants in the USA

Elevation Educational Consulting Group

What they do:
Elevation Educational Consulting Group delivers research-based consulting, professional development, and technical assistance to educational institutions, nonprofits, and workforce organizations across the United States. The firm specializes in designing programs that improve instructional quality, leadership capacity, and organizational effectiveness—always with a focus on equity, agility, and measurable impact.

Who they work with:
School systems, workforce development agencies, nonprofits, and government organizations seeking evidence-based capacity-building solutions.

Operating model:
Elevation operates as a cross-disciplinary consulting network, bringing together experts in education, psychology, business, and policy. Their “cross-pollination” model allows for agile, project-based collaboration among specialists, ensuring clients benefit from diverse professional perspectives.

💡 Why they stand out:
🎯 Award-winning commitment to racial equity and education reform (XPRIZE Racial Equity in Education Winner)
🌱 Grounded in psychology and leadership science to drive lasting organizational change
🧩 Known for practical, inclusive frameworks that elevate teaching and learning systems

Daquanna Harrison, MS Psy, CNPM , Founder & CEO
Daquanna Harrison is a transformative leader recognized for her work in educational equity and nonprofit management. With degrees from Howard University and advanced certifications from Duke and American University, she blends academic rigor with real-world systems thinking. Named among Prince George’s County’s 40 Under 40 for Excellence in Education, Daquanna champions transparency, authentic leadership, and collaborative innovation in every project.

Golden Educational Consulting

What they do:
Golden Educational Consulting provides holistic college admissions, test preparation, and educational wellness services. More than just application assistance, the firm helps families navigate the complex emotional and logistical process of higher education with clarity, confidence, and compassion.

Who they work with:
Students and families preparing for college admissions, including those seeking guidance on scholarships, ACT prep, interview readiness, and selective school admissions strategy.

Operating model:
Operating virtually and in-person from Nashville, Tennessee, Golden Educational Consulting combines one-on-one coaching with structured, research-based programs tailored to each student’s strengths and goals.

💡 Why they stand out:
🎓 25+ years of selective university admissions experience (Purdue, Vanderbilt)
🧠 Grounded in educational psychology and stress management research
💬 Renowned for prioritizing wellness, fit, and integrity over prestige and pressure

Thomas C. Golden, Ph.D.,  Founder & CEO

Dr. Thom Golden is a nationally respected admissions strategist and educator. Holding a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology, he has transformed the college application process into a journey of self-discovery rather than stress. Drawing from decades inside admissions offices, he helps students find balance, authenticity, and purpose in their choices—values that mirror his firm’s ethos of “fit first, prestige second.”

Emerging Educational Consulting

What they do:
Emerging Educational Consulting guides students and families through every phase of the college admissions process with a values-driven approach. Their signature Capstone Curriculum: A Field Guide blends academic planning, self-reflection, and real-world readiness to prepare students not just for college—but for life beyond it.

Who they work with:
Middle and high school students, families, and schools seeking comprehensive college planning, mentoring, and executive function support.

Operating model:
Emerging Educational Consulting operates virtually and through small-group cohorts nationwide. The firm emphasizes holistic student development—integrating emotional wellness, identity formation, and purpose-driven coaching into each engagement.

💡 Why they stand out:
🌿 Creator of the “Capstone Curriculum” for structured, reflective college preparation
💬 Pioneering a human-centered, strengths-based advising model
🪴 Recognized for fostering family trust, transparency, and long-term student resilience

Laura Barr,  Founder & Lead Consultant

Laura Barr brings over 30 years of experience as an educator, administrator, and consultant. A thought leader on identity, purpose, and equity in education, she founded Emerging to help students discover who they are before deciding where they’ll go. Her calm presence and evidence-based methods make her a go-to advisor for families seeking authenticity and clarity in the college process.

KIT Educational Consulting, LLC

What they do:
KIT Educational Consulting, LLC provides specialized consulting in applied behavior analysis (ABA), special education, and instructional systems design. Their mission is to help schools and organizations create inclusive learning environments through data-driven behavioral strategies and evidence-based educational frameworks.

Who they work with:
School districts, educators, and therapy professionals supporting neurodiverse learners and inclusive classroom initiatives.

Operating model:
KIT Consulting combines fractional consulting, remote professional development, and on-site training to help institutions embed sustainable systems of behavioral and academic support.

💡 Why they stand out:
🧩 Expertise in applied behavior analysis and inclusive education systems
📊 Data-driven decision-making rooted in measurable outcomes
🌍 Dual focus on individualized support and institutional transformation

Caroline Linfante, Ph.D., BCBA-D, LBA-NJ, IBA, Founder & CEO
Dr. Caroline Linfante is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (Doctoral level) and thought leader in inclusive education. Her consultancy reflects her deep commitment to empowering educators and improving systems for neurodiverse learners. With credentials across multiple U.S. states and international practice, Dr. Linfante blends behavioral science with compassionate leadership—helping institutions translate theory into real-world change.

Green Ivy Educational Consulting

What they do:
Green Ivy Educational Consulting delivers holistic academic coaching, organizational skills training, and social-emotional learning programs for students worldwide. The firm emphasizes executive function, digital wellness, and sustainable success—key pillars in today’s tech-driven education landscape.

Who they work with:
Students, parents, and educators seek customized support in academic planning, study strategies, and mental well-being.

Operating model:
Headquartered in Silicon Valley with a hybrid virtual model, Green Ivy integrates research-backed methodologies with coaching and consulting services that adapt to each student’s lifestyle, learning profile, and goals.

💡 Why they stand out:
💻 Leading voice on technology balance and social media wellness in education
📚 Author of multiple bestselling books on teen success and well-being
🌱 Known for empowering students with tools for focus, resilience, and long-term growth

Ana Homayoun, Founder & Lead Advisor

Ana Homayoun is a globally recognized author, educator, and entrepreneur whose work bridges academic strategy, executive function, and wellness. Founder of both Green Ivy and the nonprofit Luminaria Learning Solutions, she’s reshaping how educators and families think about student success in the digital era. Her books and talks have reached audiences worldwide, inspiring a more compassionate, human-centered approach to education.

Katey Shirey – Founder, EduKatey

With a background in physics and art, Katey brings a STEAM-infused perspective to K-12 education consulting. Through her consultancy EduKatey, she works with schools to develop engaging, equity-focused learning strategies that make science actually fun again.

Dr. Meagan Pollock

An engineer turned culture architect, Dr. Meagan Pollock helps schools and companies design inclusive systems where people and progress thrive. With expertise in AI integration, data analytics, organizational development, STEM education, and learning theory, she delivers tools and training that drive sustainable, people-centered change.

Kendra Grinnage – Senior Consultant, Kennedy & Company

Kendra works at the intersection of strategic planning and student success. With Kennedy & Company, she helps higher education institutions improve enrollment strategies, diversity initiatives, and student services. She’s a go-to for data-driven insights that don’t lose the human touch.

Jeffrey Spencer, Ph.D.

Jeffrey blends years of experience in teaching, research, and instructional leadership into a consulting practice focused on systems change. His specialty? Helping schools implement sustainable, student-first academic models.

Jean Louis

Through Louis Educational Consulting, Jean supports educational institutions with equity-centered strategy, professional development, and systems change. Temporarily based in Switzerland, Jean's education consulting career was built in the US and is still servicing US clients. He brings a powerful mix of policy knowledge and practical tools to every engagement.

Tom Mullaney

Tom is a digital learning coach and instructional tech consultant who’s passionate about Google tools, edtech strategy, and accessibility. His blog and YouTube channel are treasure troves for educators looking to up their digital game.

Rosie Hunter – Founder, TestWolf

Rosie runs TestWolf, a test prep and academic support company that’s helping students navigate standardized testing with less stress and more strategy. Her approach is pragmatic, student-centered, and fully remote-ready—a must in 2025.

Katie Miller – Founder, Katherine Miller Consulting

Katie focuses on higher ed communications and DEI strategy. Her work bridges internal engagement, crisis comms, and leadership messaging—areas where universities are increasingly leaning on expert guidance.

• ✅ U.S. higher ed expert focused on DEI, crisis comms, and leadership messaging
• ✅ Strategic partner to colleges and universities navigating internal change
• ✅ Thought leader in inclusive communications and institutional storytelling
• ✅ Works cross-functionally with academic and admin teams to shape culture from within

Stephen Brodbar – Co-founder, Mosaic Education

Stephen co-leads Mosaic Education, a consulting practice supporting schools with leadership development, data-informed instruction, and organizational change. He brings a collaborative, capacity-building approach that’s all about sustainability.

Dr. Vemitra White Alexander

Dr. Vemitra works with K-12 districts to improve leadership pipelines, curriculum equity, and school culture. With a deep background in education policy and administration, her impact spans rural and urban districts alike.

Todd Whitaker

Todd is a legendary voice in education leadership. A former principal and professor, he’s authored dozens of books and now consults with school leaders across the country on staff motivation, school culture, and what actually works.

Adam Fletcher – Founder, Freechild Institute

A longtime advocate for youth voice in education, Adam is the founder of Freechild Institute. His consulting focuses on student engagement, community involvement, and equity—especially within public schools and community orgs.

Mike Anderson

A longtime educator and author, Mike consults on social-emotional learning, differentiated instruction, and teacher wellness. His approach is down-to-earth, teacher-tested, and always student-centered.

What Makes a Great Education Consultant?

From navigating AI in classrooms to rethinking how we measure success, education consultants are doing heavy lifting behind the scenes. The best ones don’t just offer expertise—they offer clarity. They work across stakeholders, anticipate challenges, and provide the frameworks educators need to adapt, not just react.

And many of them aren’t operating from big-name firms—they’re building independent practices, one district or campus at a time.

This reflects a broader trend we’re tracking here at Digital Reference: a shift towards consulting talent. If you’re new to this model, check out our resource on Education Consultants & Academic Experts for insight into how specialized consultants are changing the game across fields.

We also recommend our guide to Hiring Independent Consultants for tactical advice on engaging education professionals the smart way.

What This Means for Schools, Startups & Systems Leaders

Hiring an education consultant used to feel like a luxury. Now, it’s a necessity—especially if you want:

• Custom solutions, not one-size-fits-all programs
• Advisors who understand the realities of your community
• Support that’s flexible, scalable, and budget-aware

Whether you’re a superintendent, edtech founder, academic executive, or nonprofit program lead, the names above are your shortlist.

Stay Curious, Stay Connected

At Digital Reference, we believe independent professionals are a big part of the future of education reform—and we’re here to help you find the ones who fit your mission.

Bookmark this page, share it with your team, and keep an eye on our Insights section. We’ll be updating this list throughout the year as we continue to spotlight the people shaping what’s next in education.

Got someone we should know about? Reach out ( hello@digitalreference.co )—we’re always listening.

Welcome to the next era of education talent. Let’s build better, together.

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