Heather Ayres, Ed.D., Ed.M., MAT

As the former Director of Admission at Wellesley College and ten-year member of the Board of Admission at Brown University, Heather Ayres brings a wealth of knowledge to her consultancy. Heather’s expertise comes not only from evaluating thousands of applications and applying her extensive knowledge of admission and financial aid practices to advise families, but also from her 30 years as an educator, dedicated to teaching and mentoring high school and college students. At the collegiate level she has held roles as an academic dean, advisor to first-year students and student-athletes at Brown, and as an instructor at the College of William & Mary. At the secondary level she has held positions as an English teacher, college counselor, and consultant to districts in improving college readiness and creating a college-going culture in schools.  

Heather is a graduate of Brown University, where she earned her bachelor's degree in history and competed as a Division I Ivy League athlete. She holds a Master of Arts in Teaching from Simmons College and both master’s and doctoral degrees from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. 

Heather’s insight into student growth and development along the high school to college continuum distinguishes her counseling approach. Heather believes that students should be encouraged to navigate the college process in a manner that instills confidence and independence. She is dedicated to helping students strengthen critical self-assessment, decision-making, and interpersonal communication skills as they chart a course to college.  

In support of her advisees and their families, Heather offers a broad and deep understanding of undergraduate programs of study. She is highly attuned to factors that distinguish the academic and social atmosphere of college campuses – factors which are key to ensuring that students apply to colleges with a clear sense of purpose and match with colleges where they will be challenged, appropriately supported, and discover exciting opportunities to learn and grown intellectually and personally.  

Professional memberships: NEACAC