Since 2009 College Knowledge Consulting has been dedicated to serving students and families navigate the college admissions process.  Our dedicated counselors personally assist students plan, apply, and enroll in college. 

Our Story

In 2009 several college counselors in San Diego joined forces to create an educational consulting agency that was dedicated to providing students and families with personalized services. 

With our college admissions and high school counseling background, we decided to create programs that would support the various segments of the college application process. 

 

Our Mission Statement

College Knowledge Consulting is an educational consulting agency dedicated to helping students and families navigate the college admissions and enrollment process.  We strive to provide personal, professional, and passionate services to support the educational goals of young minds. 

 

Our Team

College Knowledge Consulting

Founder and CEO

Edgar Montes, MA, PPS  

emontes@collegeknowledgeconsulting.com

Since 2003, Edgar Montes has supported students and families as they  navigate through the college admissions and financial aid process.  His participation on admission committees, outreach programs, and as a high school college counselor gives him an edge in making college a reality for all students. 

Edgar began his career as an Admissions Counselor at the University of San Diego.  He traveled to various high schools and community colleges across the country recruiting and enrolling talented and motivated students.  With a passion to work more closely with students and their families, Edgar accepted a position at High Tech High Media Arts, a project-based charter school in San Diego, as Director of College Counseling.  Edgar remains active in admissions by serving as an External Admissions Committee Member for the University of California at San Diego (UCSD) and the University of San Diego (USD). 

As an active member of professional national and regional counseling associations, Edgar Montes has presented at conferences for the Western Association for College Admission Counseling (WACAC), the California Association of School Counselors (CASC), the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), and The College Board.  Edgar has served as Board Member and Co-Chair of the Diversity, Equity, and Access Committee to the Western Association for College Admission Counseling (WACAC), Assembly Delegate to the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), and Board Member Liaison to the California Association of School Counselors (CASC).  Edgar has also served as lead instructor for the UCSD Extension College Counseling Certificate program.  He finds great pleasure in mentoring and guiding new counselors into the world of college admissions.   

Edgar obtained both his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Master of Arts in Counseling from the University of San Diego.

 

College Knowledge Now

President

Teri Heard, MA, PPS, NCC                                                                                 

theard@collegeknowledgenow.com

Teri Heard has been helping families successfully navigate the college search and application process for the past six years.  She began her career working for the undergraduate admission office at the University of San Diego while completing her master’s degree.  Upon graduation, she was hired by the Academy of Our Lady of Peace - a selective private high school in San Diego. Teri also enjoys her position as an external admissions evaluator for both the University of San Diego (for the past 6 years) and UC San Diego (for the past 3 years).  This allows her direct insight into the complex world of college admissions.  As an active member of both the Western and National Associations of College Admission Counselors (WACAC & NACAC) Teri has presented at regional and national conferences.  Teri also enjoys traveling to college campus.  This allows her to relay her personal experiences and impressions to her clients.  Recent college visits include colleges in California: Pitzer, Harvey Mudd, Claremont McKenna, Scripps, Pomona, U of LaVerne, UC Riverside, UCLA, Dominican University, Notre Dame de Namur U, Mills, California College of the Arts, and Cal Maritime; and Colleges in Massachusetts: Simmons, Emerson, Bentley, WPI, Clark, Suffolk and many more.

Teri graduated Summa Cum Laude from San Diego State with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a minor in Spanish.  She earned her Master of Arts in Counseling from the University of San Diego.

Teri lives in La Mesa, California with her 2 year old son and husband of 4 years.  She enjoys running and has completed 4 half marathons and one marathon.  Her other interests include spending quality time with her family, traveling, and reading.

 

College Knowledge Consulting

Regional Marketing Director - San Diego, CA

Emily Zierolf, MA, PPS 

ezierolf@collegeknowledgeconsulting.com                                       

Emily Zierolf has been mentoring and working with students for over 10 years.

While her career began in marketing and sales, Emily has learned that her true passion is working with students and their families.   She grew up the daughter of two military officers, and as a result was awarded the opportunity to live all over the country and work with people of diverse backgrounds.  Emily has spent the past 6 years working in the college admissions field.  During this time she has traveled all over San Diego County and the East Coast visiting high schools and community colleges in order to recruit and enroll students.  She has extensive experience and success in guiding students and their families through the college admissions process.  

Emily earned her Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies with minors in Psychology and Spanish and a Master of Arts in Counseling from the University of San Diego.  She currently lives in San Diego with her husband of 4 years and her 1 1/2 year old son. 

 

College Knowledge Consulting

Regional Marketing Director - Inland Empire  

Jose Montes

jmontes@collegeknowledgeconsulting.com

My roots in the Inland Empire extend deep into the community. Growing up in Ontario, California I participated in Boy Scouts and G.A.T.E. education courses. During school I participated in flag football, basketball, track, cross-country, and A.S.B. After graduating from Alta Loma High School, I attended Claremont McKenna College where I majored in Government and Studio Arts. I have worked as a banker, restaurant manager, and English tutor at a junior college. Working with my local community is a passion of mine. I look forward to continuing to serve the students in this area achieve their dreams.