I am Marci Schwartz, and I work as a college counselor to support neurodiverse students and students with various learning profiles to navigate a path to college. I work with students to help them understand the differences between high school and college as it pertains to their learning needs, so they are in the best position possible to access the educational experience they desire.

I founded Thrive College Counseling with the goal of supporting teens with learning differences to make the difficult but important transition into independence. Thrive College Counseling works with students to discover their best college fit to ensure a successful transition to the college or program of their choice after high school. I began my career as a therapist and provided counseling services to parents of children with developmental and learning challenges since 1989. In this capacity, I worked with children and teens to better understand their strengths and challenges and develop the independent living skills and self-advocacy skills necessary for independence. I received my Ph.D. from New York University and my Certificate in College Counseling from UCLA Extension in 2016. I currently teach an online class at UC Irvine to individuals who are working on their college counseling certificates. The class is entitled “Working With Students With Learning Differences”. I am also an Adjunct Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Stanford University School of Medicine.

I transitioned to being a college counselor from the role of therapist, as I saw so many students struggle with adjusting to college and finding success. I decided to refocus my work to support students to be prepared for the college experience and educated as to what skills they can build while in high school to achieve their goals.

I am excited about the people I get to meet at colleges across the country who are building programs to support the learning needs of students more holistically than in years past. It is wonderful to work with families and professionals who take a strengths-based approach in their work, and I am looking forward to continuing my learning in this space at the upcoming Stanford Neurodiversity Summit. 

Like many people, I have realized how productive I can be by working through Zoom, and so I made the decision to give up my office space. I appreciate the location of Satellite Los Gatos, the option to use space at other locations as needed based on my schedule, and the friendly people and atmosphere.  

My favorite aspect of Satellite Workplaces is the relaxed and open energy that is welcoming to me and the students that I do see there in person when it is a fit for their needs.