Testimonials

Working with Christy was the smartest decision we made when deciding to move to Seattle. She helped us navigate a very robust, complicated and somewhat confusing system. She was very knowledgable about the Seattle private schools and the uniqueness of each. She got to know our family and directed us according to our family values and what we were looking for in a school. The schools she recommended were exactly what we were hoping for, and more. We are extremely happy with where our daughters ended up and are grateful for her input that got us here.

“Best decision ever to work with Christy and Mindful Education Consulting throughout this process! Christy made the middle school application process feel so much more manageable for our family (twice!). From helping us explore the many area schools and narrowing them down to the best fits to tracking application timelines, to suggesting fabulous prep resources and finally helping to make the right/best school choice, she was beyond helpful and such a pleasure to work with.  Christy’s extensive knowledge of schools and the entire admissions process, along with the time she took to get to know our family as well as our two kids as individuals, resulted in both of our children getting into amazing, top choice schools where they are thriving and SO happy!”

We reached out to Christy to help us navigate the middle school process.  After various meetings with us and our son, she was able to determine the “right fit schools” for him.  We did some ISEE test Prep on her recommendation, met a handful of times after we went to visit a school, and had her review our essays. She was always available via email and/or phone and it never took her long to respond which kept us calm throughout the process.

We are happy to say our son is going to his top choice school in the fall.  I highly recommend Christy to anyone who is looking for help with the school process in the Seattle area.

From the moment we met Christy we felt at ease.  We felt comfortable sharing all of our hopes and dreams for our child’s educational journey as we contemplated kindergarten.  Christy’s ability to deeply listen to our family’s particular needs and her wise responses to our many questions greatly helped us to stay focused on the process and stay in touch with what we wanted in a school for our child.  In retrospect, it’s clear to us how well she understood what we were looking for in a school, by virtue that our top choice was not on our initial list of schools and was presented by her as a gentle “you might want to think about this school” suggestion. Christy’s guidance from start to finish was expertly!

We are so incredibly grateful on a multitude of levels. Her responsive, insightful and generous demeanor were impressive. Christy’s warm and sun-infused presence clearly shone throughout the process!

I had a wonderful experience working with Christy. She really listens and from her deep experience is able to ask the right questions to help move you forward. She made the process of considering schools enjoyable and we are incredibly satisfied with the outcome of what had been a challenging process before connecting with her. I am very grateful for her expertise. She made herself available with very little notice and at times that worked best for me. Most importantly- she’s warm, approachable and easy to connect with.

Christy truly is a ‘parent whisperer!’ She listens and responds, in a caring and tender way, to the concerns, questions and anxieties that accompany the process of choosing the right school. Then, she uses her amazing knowledge of Seattle-area independent schools to guide parents to the right ‘home’ for their child. Christy is totally dedicated to her craft, and it’s easy to see that she genuinely cares about her clients. Most of all, she has a special way of making this whole process peaceful, hopeful and even exciting!

I have always known Christy to be dedicated to the students and families with whom she works.  She devotes a lot of time and energy to helping families understand the admissions process and to understanding the mission and programs of the various public, independent and religious schools.  Christy approaches each situation with an individualized plan and is responsive to the strengths and challenges which each student brings to the process.  She works well with people with varying degrees of understanding and experience with the world of schools and knows how to help people journey through the process with the least amount of anxiety and fear. Her calming nature makes her the perfect person to help families!

– Joan Beauregard, Head of School, Hamlin Robinson School

As a parent and educator, I am very aware of how stressful education decisions can be for families, and I highly recommend Christy Haven to anyone navigating this complex world. In addition to her extensive knowledge of area schools, her calm and caring demeanor helps decrease anxiety as families strive to find the right fit for their children.

I’ve worked professionally with Christy for years — but she was a life-saver when my own children were going through the application process as well. Her expertise, combined with timely communication and follow-through, allowed our family to make informed and mindful choices while still keeping our sanity. I know she can do the same for your family.

– Sarina Behar Natkin, LICSW