about us
In 2016, during our weekly commute from Marin to our classes in the Certificate Program in College Advising and Career Planning at UC Berkeley Extension, we discovered shared values and goals in our approach to advising students. While we work individually with students, we use a collaborative approach so our students can benefit from our varied experience and backgrounds.
liz brotman
co-founder
Liz earned her Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of Puget Sound and studied at the Universite de Dijon in France for a semester abroad. Little did she know that her college work-study job at the Career & Development Center, helping peers with their resumes, interview skills, and job placement, would serve her well in a career that she loves….
Liz spent 20 years in the fashion industry, wearing many hats and positions as manager, buyer, merchandiser, designer, store owner, and consultant. She also worked in human resources for Nordstrom where she facilitated new hire and management training. In 2016, Liz decided to get back into the education world, earning a Professional Certificate in College Admissions and Career Planning at UC Berkeley Extension.
As a Marin resident for over 30 years, Liz understands this community and the pressures that teens face today. Liz brings calmness and laughter to each interaction and is dedicated to helping teens find joy in the college journey and confidence in their next step. Liz loves guiding students towards a college list that reflects their authentic self, interests, and goals.
As a parent of a college student, Liz found a new perspective and understanding while going through the college process with her own daughter.
Liz enjoys spending time with her daughter, family and friends, yoga, Stinson Beach, lattes, spa days, movies, watching the Warriors or Saturday morning college football.
janet cutcliffe
co-founder
Janet’s college advising journey actually began as a student at UCLA when, in her part-time job as an Admissions tour guide, she not only perfected walking backwards (if you’ve been on a campus tour, you know what she is talking about!), but discovered an enthusiasm for sharing her college experience with potential students. After graduating with her BA in English, Janet worked for many years in retail and apparel management for Macys, Liz Claiborne, and Byer California.
Moving to Marin with two young children, Janet became an active supporter of education, serving as a trustee and parent association president at two Marin County schools. Janet has personally taken the college admissions journey twice, with her son and her daughter, so she understands that the college decision is a family decision and acknowledges the combination of excitement and angst that accompanies this critical decision.
Serving as a volunteer mentor for 10,000 Degrees, a Marin non-profit college access organization for four years, Janet provided unwavering support, care and understanding to local students as they pursued their college dreams, inspiring her to pursue a career in college advising. Janet earned her Professional Certificate in College Admission & Career Planning from UC Berkeley Extension.
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Janet and her husband Steve enjoy hiking the hills of Marin, watching live music and theater around the Bay Area, and taking annual vacations to the shores of Lake Tahoe with family and friends.
“ Empathy. Honesty. Insight. With a focus on these shared values, we build trust with each of our students.”
- Liz & Janet