About Me
Greetings! I’m Karen Oppen, an independent educational counselor located in Phoenix, AZ, dedicated to helping students and families navigate the complex college admissions process. Along with my work with teens, I also have firsthand experience as a parent of college-aged kids. I understand the unique blend of excitement, stress, and important decisions that come with this journey.
I’m a current member of Independant Educational Consultants Association and have my IEC certificate from the National Association of College Admissions Counselors.
I also volunteer with the Matchlighter Scholar’s Program and Scholar Match to help low-income, 1st gen students apply to college and prepare their financial forms. If you would like to explore those programs, I’m happy to help!
As a parent of four children — each with different interests, goals, and college paths — I deeply understand how overwhelming the college admissions process can feel. The sheer amount of advice out there is enough to make your head spin. I’ve been there: reading all the books, following the podcasts, and still feeling unsure about what would truly help my kids succeed. That experience taught me how confusing and stressful this journey can be — and it’s why I became an Independent Educational Consultant.
A little about me…I’m from Philadelphia, PA and have BS in Chemical Engineering from NC State University. I worked in that capacity until I had my first child. So, after spending many hours volunteering in K-12 schools, I thought it was time to get back in the workforce and follow my passion for college admissions.
