WELCOME
ABOUT ME
YOUR SEARCH SIMPLIFIED
Jill Altshuler
The college and career process has dramatically changed over the last 10 years—and it continues to evolve every day. With so many options and unknowns, it can be paralyzing to even know where to begin. You don’t have to do it alone. With yoursearchsimplified, I provide the guidance and support necessary to transform this process into an energizing journey of discovery and action. Together, we will explore possibilities to create a path that inspires and excites your child. My approach is to listen and learn first. It is important to get to know your child, hear their story, and understand their goals and values. Once a relationship is established, we can start exploring careers and/or colleges that fit your child's story and personality. A relationship where your child feels valued and comfortable is critical to their ability to move forward in the postsecondary planning process. Depending where your child is on their journey, will depend on where we begin. Together we will explore the variety of choices, and ultimately find a path that inspires and excites your child.
I’m entering my 25th year in education, with 22 years as a school counselor and the past three years serving as the College and Career Readiness Counselor for the Howard County Public School System. Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of working with a diverse range of students and families, which has shaped my commitment to providing personalized guidance to meet each student's goals and strengths.
My experience spans every facet of postsecondary planning—from guiding students through the college search and application process to helping them explore career schools, apprenticeship programs, and military pathways. I’ve created and led postsecondary workshops series, supported students with financial aid planning and athletic recruiting, and offered targeted help with college essays and scholarship applications.
At the heart of everything I do is a simple priority: to empower each student to recognize their unique strengths and realize their full potential.
COACHING FOR POSTSECONDARY SUCCESS
Professional Experience
School Counselor, Wilde Lake High School 2025-Present
College and Career Resource Counselor, Howard County Public Schools, 2022-2025
School Counselor, Reservoir High School, 2010-2022
Instructional Team Leader , 2012-2022
School Counselor, Chesapeake High School (Anne Arundel County), 2007-2010
School Counselor, Catonsville High School, 2000-2007
Professional Associations
PCACAC, Potomac Chesapeake Association of College Admission Counseling
NACAC, National Association of College Admission Counseling
Coaching Experience
Youth Sports
Catonsville Cobra Soccer (2009 Girls), 2015-2022
Howard County Field Hockey, 2022-2023
Catonsville Recreation Basketball, 2015-2021
Catonsville Ville Lacrosse, 2021-2023
High School
Women's Varsity Lacrosse Coach, Catonsville High, 2001-2007
Women's JV Soccer Coach, Catonsville High, 2004-2007
Women's JV Volleyball Coach, Catonsville High, 2001-2004
Women's Varsity Lacrosse Coach, Towson High, 1997-2000
Asst Varsity Volleyball Coach, Towson High, 1998-2000
Education
1997-2000
1992-1996
MEd School Counseling, Loyola University Maryland
BA Psychology, Lehigh University
While attending Lehigh University, I was part of the Women's Lacrosse Team and helped guide her team to a national ranking during during her junior and senior year. She captained the team during her senior season and was inducted into the Lehigh Athletics Hall of Fame in 2001.
SERVICES OFFERED
1
College Admission Coaching
From start to finish!
Your child will be guided through the entire college admission process. This includes self-exploration, college research, college application completion, essay writing, financial aid and scholarships, and making a final decision. Specialized services for athletic recruiting as well as supporting students with learning disabilities is also available.
2
Career Coaching
Is your child unsure about college? Or have they decided to leave college after a year or two. Your child (or young adult) will be guided through a career exploration journey introducing many different pathways that connect to their interests and values. This package also includes resume writing, interview skills, and job searching.