Innovative Education Partners
Welcome to
I’m Erin Gordon Grady, founder of Innovative Education Partners. If you're here, you're likely looking for trusted guidance—someone who can help your student navigate the college process with less stress and more confidence. You’re in the right place.
As a college advisor with over 25 years of experience and as a parent who has walked this road myself, I understand how overwhelming this journey can feel. The stakes are high, the information is endless, and every student is unique. That’s why my approach is centered on one thing: personalized support.
Why Choose
Innovative Education Partners
Less Stress for Parents
and Students
College admissions is more complicated and competitive than ever. We all wish this process were less stressful than it is. Still, the fact is that there are more applications than ever to colleges, better qualified applicants, and a feeling of uncertainty about the entire process. It is also a challenging time developmentally in a young person’s life, compounded with applying to colleges and thinking about the future. We approach the process one step at a time, bit by bit. Knowledge of the nuances of and experience with college admissions and our proprietary tools ease stress for students and families, allowing for more enjoyment of the high school years together. Our ongoing communication and digital college counseling platform help connect you as a parent to the process.
Insider Expertise with an Unbiased, Outside Perspective
With a proven track record and an extensive knowledge base, we bring a deep understanding of distinct college admissions requirements, up-to-date industry awareness, and a nationwide professional network. We offer access to invaluable resources, including specialty programs, summer offerings, enrichment activities, and more. Our outside perspective and expertise sets us apart, ensuring that students receive guidance and truly "listen" to it, which sometimes doesn't happen with their own parents. We objectively assess unique aptitudes and interests, skillfully highlighting potential majors and colleges. As your dedicated counselor, motivator, and guide, I aim to empower students to accomplish their educational goals.
Quality Connection and Individualized Attention
Successful admission begins with the counselor-student relationship, through in-depth learning about your student, then working to find the college that provides the best educational, social, professional, and personal growth environment. I spend hours with your student and family getting to the heart of personality, interests, abilities, qualifications, and aspirations. I provide personalized guidance on coursework, activities, test preparation, internships, applications, essays, and more. Focused time and attention with each student and flexible scheduling allow us to work collaboratively to find colleges that are the right fit. Each student has a customized timeline and action plan to motivate students to succeed. It’s not only about being accepted – more importantly, it’s about thriving at the college that is the right fit.
Life Skills Development
Through our work together, students develop essential skills that prepare them for greater independence in college and beyond. The college planning process provides ongoing opportunities to practice accountability, goal setting, time management, organization, self-advocacy, and meeting agreed-upon deadlines. Together, we set expectations, navigate challenges and disappointments, and help students build the confidence to understand and reflect on their own values, strengths, and goals.
The Power of Teamwork
As part of TRIO, a unique college counseling collaborative, our students benefit from access to the additional expertise of Kathryn Crosby, also based in Southern California, and Ann Bartron Morris in the San Francisco Bay Area. Our complementary skill sets and experience provide the most full-bodied advice to our clients. Consultation and collective efforts behind the scenes produce optimal results for your student. We have extensive, first-hand knowledge of colleges and graduate schools, big and small, around the country. This personal insight gives your family a much deeper understanding than any catalog or website can convey. Because we are familiar with many institutions, we can present applicants with a much more comprehensive selection of possibilities and help weigh the many factors that go into considering a college.
OUR PROCESS
Supporting Students at EveryStage
Middle School
Early Bird provides a gentle, encouraging introduction to high school planning, course selection, involvement, and readiness skills for a confident start to high school. Students and families receive guidance related to freshman course planning, extracurricular exploration, organization, and developing healthy habits for a balanced and meaningful high school experience.
High School
By working closely with students to prepare the elements of their applications and follow an organized timeline, we help reduce last-minute application stress.
College Transfers
Sometimes the college you choose to attend may not be the best fit or you're transitioning from a 2 year college to a 4 year university. Deciding to transfer is an opportunity to reevaluate what you truly want and need in your educational journey. We guide transfer students through the process of identifying new college options that align with their academic, personal, and career aspirations. From evaluating transfer credits to crafting compelling applications and essays that highlight your journey, we provide the tools and support needed to help you take the next step with confidence. Your college path may look different, but it’s still uniquely yours—and we’re here to help you make the most of it.
PARENT & STUDENT
Testimonials
