Welcome to Plan2Thrive College and Career Coaching!
Currently Enrolling Oregon and Washington High School Juniors!
What I Offer
My name is Melanie Kong-Shaw and I want to be your family's personal college and career coach!
I specialize in supporting neurodivergent and highly sensitive adolescents and young adults with learning differences including ADHD, level 1 autism, dyslexia, etc. or a high level of anxiety toward their post-high school planning and young-adult transitions.
I am knowledgeable about colleges/universities, other pathways, and different levels of learning supports available, particularly in our Northwest region.
I help students and families discover their best-fit options, create a plan that meets their needs, navigate the entire applications and financial aid process, adhere to their timeline, make an informed decision, prepare for transition, and feel good about the change ahead. Most importantly, this process supports personal growth, executive function, and readiness for change, while decreasing anxiety for both student and family.
Whether living at home, close by, or far away, all students deserve a post-high school environment where they feel encouraged and supported, where they build confidence and ultimately thrive.
Let's do this together!​​
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About Me
I have roots in Maryland and New York but have lived in Portland, Oregon since 2007.
I completed the University of California-San Diego's post-graduate
College Counseling Certificate in March, 2024.
This is my second career, as I have a master's degree in special education from Columbia University and enjoyed a gratifying 20+ year career as a behavior analyst/autism specialist. After selling my company, Play Connections, in 2019, I worked in various consulting and volunteering positions. These experiences, combined with supporting my own children and others through their post-high school planning process, led to my current role as an Independent Educational Consultant. I am a vetted member of the IECA as well as PNACAC.
Those who know me describe me as enthusiastic, nurturing, diligent, organized and resourceful.
My husband since '99 is a clinical therapist in private practice, and my two young-adult children are successfully navigating their own college and career journeys. I love getting out in nature, exploring new places, reading, and learning about and connecting with people.
Let's Connect
You can reach me at melanie@plan2thriveccc.com to schedule a free, no-obligation 25-minute discovery call. Following our meeting, I will send you an individualized service package and comprehensive price quote.
I look forward to meeting you!