About Us

Our Team

Barbara Pasalis, Founder

Independent Educational Consultant

Barbara Pasalis graduated with honors from Ohio Wesleyan University with a major in psychology and teaching certification in English. She earned a Certificate in College Counseling from U.C.L.A. Ext. Thereafter, she completed the Summer Training Institute of the Independent Educational Consultants Association.

In 2003, Barbara launched Northcoast Educational Consulting. Barbara earned the designation Certified Educational Planner (CEP) in 2010. In Spring 2011, Barbara was elected to the Board of Directors of the Independent Educational Consultants Association, the premier professional organization in the field. She served as Vice President for Ethics in 2012-2013, Vice President for Committees in 2013-2014, and President in 2018-2020.

She also served as a member of the Admission Practices Committee of the Ohio Association for College Admission Counseling, and as its Chair for 2 terms.

Barbara annually attends professional conferences and workshops and subscribes to college counseling e-lists in order to keep abreast of the latest developments in the field. She has visited over 250 colleges across the United States, meeting with admissions officials to obtain the latest information on academic programs and admission trends, as well as scholarship opportunities.

Her professional associations include the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA, Professional Member), the National Association of College Admission Counseling (NACAC), the Ohio Association of College Admission Counseling (OACAC) She has authored columns and been quoted in the Cleveland Plain Dealer, Cleveland Magazine, Sun Newspapers, and Continental Airlines Magazine.

As a former middle and high school English teacher and advisor to youth groups, Barbara brings to the profession over 35 years of experience working with adolescents.

Taz Pasalis, Partner

Taz joined Northcoast Educational Consulting in 2012 after graduating with honors from Denison University and attending CASE Law School. Following law school, he made a deliberate decision to work 1:1 with students instead of joining the legal profession or corporate arena. His educational background provides Northcoast students with expertise in research, testing, interview preparation, essay writing, and graduate school applications. Taz is a student of colleges and college trends, studying the latest developments in college admission, attending professional conferences, regularly visiting colleges and meeting with Deans of Admission to stay up to date on the programs and opportunities at colleges and universities across the United States. He is a member of the Ohio Association for College Admission Counseling, OACAC, and also attends webinars and subscribes to college counseling e-lists to stay current on news in the field of college admissions.

Philosophy

The ideal college for all students is the one where they can pursue their passions and achieve to their highest abilities. Our mission at Northcoast Educational Consulting is to serve as a trusted advisor to students and their families as they navigate the college admissions process.

We help our students find their passion. When students articulate their passions through their academic, extracurricular and personal records, they are attractive candidates for college admission; they are successful students; and they are fulfilled and happy people.

At Northcoast Educational Consulting, we pride ourselves on providing our families with up-to-date information to inform their decisions and increase their options. We work with our families every step of the way, providing knowledge, assistance and support to ease the anxiety of the college admission process.

Benefits

What are the benefits of using Northcoast Educational Consulting for your College Planning?

Personalized Service
At Northcoast, we pride ourselves on our personalized service. For every student, we develop an individualized college plan, designed to maximize the student’s admission profile.

Responsive To Your Needs
At Northcoast, our students are our only priority. We take time getting to know our students and guiding them through the college selection process.

Comprehensive Assessment
The better you understand yourself, the easier it will be to choose the right college. Therefore, we administer learning, personality, and career assessments. Northcoast will review your academic and testing records and offer suggestions for course selection, test preparation and a testing timeline. We will discuss your extracurricular activities and make suggestions for summer programs that will be interesting for you, as well as complement your academic strengths and interests.

Personalized College List

At Northcoast, we will develop a broad list of colleges based on your comprehensive assessments. Each college will be a match for your individual academic strengths, talents and interests. Working together, we will fine-tune and narrow the list.

Campus Visit Expertise
Make the most of your time on campus! Northcoast will help you to prepare for your college visits and interviews.

Application Guidance
Filling out the applications and keeping track of everything can be overwhelming! Northcoast will guide you through every step of the process. We will give you a timeline to follow, assist with your essays and personal statements to ensure that your special qualities shine through, format your extracurricular resume, and review and proofread your applications.

Informed Admission Options
“Should I apply early decision?” Together, we will discuss the important and confusing issues of early decision and early action to determine the appropriateness of these admission options for your personal circumstances.

Financial Aid Evaluation
From the beginning of the process, Northcoast will work with your family to develop a list of colleges that is appropriate financially in addition to academically and socially. A college should never be eliminated initially because of cost. Northcoast will research colleges that offer merit scholarships in addition to need-based aid; financial strategies will be discussed to increase your options. We will explain the financial aid process and assist you in completing all the necessary financial aid forms.

Comparison of Admission Offers
“When it is time to make my final decision, how will I decide which college is best for me?” Northcoast will help you evaluate your options based on academic, social and financial criteria so that you can make an informed decision.

College Transition Support
“I’m looking forward to leaving for college, but I’m also nervous.” Relax! As part of our comprehensive program, Northcoast sponsors a workshop on “Success in College,” which deals with issues such as time management tips, where to find help, and managing your finances. These areas are critical to your ability to be successful as you begin this exciting new phase in your life. In addition, we will support your family as they deal with the stress of the college transition.