Meg joined Steinbrecher Educational Advisors in 2008 and became a senior partner in 2012. Prior to that she spent nine years working as a school counselor at Mamaroneck High School. While at Mamaroneck, she designed a multi-session college prep program and handbook for students and their parents. She began to notice that students with learning challenges and/or mental health issues weren’t getting the support they needed in the public school system, which sparked her interest in therapeutic schools.
She now primarily works with high school students applying to college, as well as students across the educational spectrum, struggling with emotional or behavioral issues in need of a therapeutic program. Meg can connect with all different types of kids, and is able to tap into what makes each student unique and special. She is also the mom of three teenagers, and can relate to the stress of being the parent of a child applying to a new school.
Meghan has an AB in psychology from Smith College, and an EdM and MA in counseling psychology from Columbia University. She is a certified school counselor and holds certificates in conflict resolution and peer mediation.
Where are you originally from and how long have you been in Fairfield?
A: I am originally from Fishkill, NY. My husband, Blair, and I moved out of NYC to Fairfield in 2003.
Tell us about your Family!
A: I think all stages of parenting are great, but this one might be my favorite. I have 3 kids – Finn, 17, Ty, 15 and Eibhy (pronounced AV) 12. They are all incredibly busy figuring out who they will become as adults. Finn is a senior at Ludlowe HS. He is an All-American diver, volunteers at Homes for Hope and makes art in his free time. Ty chose to go to Salisbury School to follow his dream of playing lacrosse at the highest level possible while getting an amazing education. Eibhy splits her time between diving and lacrosse while singing and hanging with her friends at RLMS.
One thing people would be surprised to know about you?
A: That I love to dance. I was a classically trained ballet dancer and minored in dance in college. Whenever I can get to a hip hop class I do – and I love to hit the dance floor at any event.
One thing you wish someone would have told you about motherhood?
A: A few years ago someone told me that with kids the days are long and the years are fast. That has proved to be very true, so now when I am up late at night talking with one of my kids, I try to remind myself to stay present because this time will go so quickly.
What’s your favorite thing about raising a family in Fairfield?
A: That my kids love it so much they talk about raising their families here! They love that they can walk to school, town, and the beach – it gives them freedom and gives me peace of mind that they are close and safe.
Best mom hack that makes your life easier?
A: Venmo and linked bank cards. At this stage I am helping them learn to budget and also allowing them financial freedom. My 17yo is my main driver, my 15yo is away, and my 12yo loves Starbucks so having the ability to easily pay them for chores and/or babysitting helps all of us.
Tell us about your business, and when & why you decided to get into this business?
A: Steinbrecher Educational Advisors has been around since the 1970’s and was founded by Phyllis Steinbrecher, an amazing and inspirational woman. She and I met just after I had Finn. I knew I wanted to take time off, but I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do after that. Less than two years later I had Ty and was ready to work part time. I started with just a few hours a week and learned the business. I took time to travel and learn about the national network of placements for students who need therapeutic and/or academic support. I absolutely love being able to meet a family where they are at and support them through traditional and non-traditional pathways.
Why is it important to see a college administrator?\
A: One branch of the practice is traditional college placement support. People sometimes ask why they should hire a consultant to help them through the process. It took me a long time to answer that question because the truth is that families can navigate the process on their own with the help of the school counselor. I like to think of us as a personal trainer. You can work out on your own, but you will most likely have a better experience with a personal trainer. We support everything from helping students explore a balanced list of schools, to interviews, to creating a comprehensive and reflective application. Most importantly we work hard to remind our students that they only get to do high school one time – so we encourage them to make the most of it by designing a class schedule they are excited about and can academically excel in, joining activities of interest, and creating lasting friendships.
Tell us about the different services that you offer?
A: We offer highly personalized services for students who
- seek guidance in selecting a school, college, or graduate program
- wish to develop an educational strategy that will prepare them for the most competitive career paths
- desire an educational program to complement special talents or athletic skills
- need a different school setting
- would like to become involved in an alternative program
- lack motivation and direction
- have poor study habits
- are not meeting their potential
- have been dismissed from a school or college
- require a program to address their specific learning differences and/or emotional needs
Best advice for moms who experience the inevitable MOM GUILT handling a career and raising a family?
A: Overall balance. I try to think about it like feeding a toddler. You might not hit the right amount of each food group every day, but over the course of a week you want to check all of the boxes. Some days I am need to shift more focus toward work, or the family, but by the end of the week I need to make sure I have done my best to balance all of my responsibilities.
Who has most influenced you to be the mom that you are today?
A: Because of my work I am constantly learning about parenting from the best people in the industry. I try to apply those practices whenever I can. I also had two amazing women in my childhood (my mom and my best friend’s mom) who showed me two very different ways to parent and I have been able to borrow pieces from both of them.
What advice would you share with a new mom or other moms?
A: We are all in this together. Moms and kids have good days and bad, it’s important that we judge less and support each other more.
We love supporting local businesses – favorite places in Fairfield to…
Have Dinner with Family: Bodega and Shu
Grab a Drink with Friends: Martel Bistro and The Sinclair
Spend time together as a Family: We love the Farmers Market and on a rainy day you can find us hunting for treasures at Home Goods or Marshalls.
Outside Activities: Lake Mohegan and walking around town (We have 4 dogs, so we do a lot of walking!)
Grab coffee: Source Coffeehouse
Contact info:
www.steinbrecherconsulting.com
Phone: (203) 227-3190