Hi, I’m Natalie, founder of Live Oak Educational Consulting.
If you are a parent in the Bay Area, I will help you
find the best school for your child, and guide you through the admissions process.
1-on-1 School Placement and Admissions Consulting
As your school placement consultant, I will utilize my extensive knowledge, experience, and relationships with Bay Area schools to help you find the best fit school for your child and guide you through the entire admissions process.
Currently Serving Families of TK - 8th Grade Children in the Following Areas:
- East Bay
- San Francisco
- Peninsula
- Marin County
- South Bay
Choosing the right school is one of the most important decisions you can make for your child, but the process can feel overwhelming and frustrating.
With me at your side every step of the way, I will make sure:
You have all of your questions answered and concerns put at ease.
The school you choose for your child is the best fit for their unique qualities.
Your school applications are as strong as they can be.
You and your child are fully prepared for interviews and school visits.
Here Are the Ways I Can Help You
Choose the option that works best for your needs and budget
1-on-1 Private Consulting
- Curated list of best-fit schools for your child (public or private)
- Assistance completing all components of school application & enrollment
- Support with scheduling events and meeting deadlines
- Help navigating acceptances, waitlists, and transfers
- Liaison with schools
- Text/phone/email support on demand
School Selection Success Digital Course
- Self-paced comprehensive course designed to guide busy parents through the school search and application process
- Over 2.5 hours of bite-sized videos with clear action steps
- Downloadable worksheets and templates
- Expert tips on how to find the best school for your child and maximize their chances of getting accepted
What You Get When You Work With Me 1-on-1
Child Evaluation and School Selection
Once we start working together, we’ll meet in person or virtually so I can get to know your family’s preferences and values, as well as your child’s unique qualities and personality. I will then generate a list of schools that would be the best fit for your child and family.
Application Guidance
I will help you every step of the way through the application process, ensuring your applications are complete and optimized for each individual school.
Interview and School Visit Preparation
Many schools require parent interviews and student shadow visits as part of the admissions process. I will work with you to make sure you and your child feel confident and prepared to put your best foot forward at these important events.
Personal Liaison Between You and Schools
I will leverage my relationships with Bay Area schools to inquire about availability at the grade level of interest and stay in contact with the schools throughout the application process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What parts of the Bay Area do you serve?
I’m currently serving parents and families looking for public, charter, independent (private), and parochial schools in the East Bay, San Francisco, Marin County, the Peninsula, and the South Bay.
What ages do you specialize in?
I work with families of children entering TK through 8th grade. Age requirements vary by location and school.
I don't live in the Bay Area yet, but I am planning on moving there. Can you help me?
Absolutely! I help families who are relocating to the Bay as well as current residents.
How can I be sure your services are right for me?
I offer complimentary 30 minute phone consultations for anyone who is interested in my services. Get in touch to set up a meeting to see if my services are a good fit for your family.
I represent a company who is looking for a consultant for our corporate relocation program. Is this something you do?
Definitely. I partner with companies who need to relocate their employees to the Bay Area. Contact me for details.
About Me
As a 30+ year Bay Area resident, parent, and veteran educator with 10 years of experience as a lead teacher and admissions team member, I have the knowledge and experience to help you navigate the Bay Area school landscape and find the best educational program for your child.
You can count on me to use my background as a Bay Area native and experienced teacher to guide you through the school search and admissions process. Here’s why I am the right person for the job:
- I attended Bay Area schools myself for preschool through 12th grade.
- I have been a 1st and 2nd grade lead classroom teacher for 10 years at independent, charter, and public schools across the Bay Area and beyond.
- I have extensive experience with independent school admissions as a member of the Admissions Committee and assessment teams at Presidio Hill School and Berkwood Hedge School.
- I graduated with a B.A. in Communications from UCLA.
- I received my M.Ed. in Elementary Education from University of Missouri, St. Louis.
- I am passionate about meeting the unique needs of every child and family and setting them up for optimal success.
See What Others Have to Say
“As busy new parents trying to navigate the complexities of Bay Area schools, Natalie’s expertise, well-rounded approach, and confidence removed the stress and made the process of finding and applying to schools a true pleasure.”
“Natalie helped us navigate this stressful process for our son entering kindergarten and was a constant source of wisdom. She was patient with our endless questions and helped us feel confident and assured in our decision. Working with Natalie was one of the best investments we made!“
“Natalie took the time to get to know our son and find the school that would be the right fit. She was very patient throughout the whole process. I am so grateful for her guidance!“