Today we’d like to introduce you to Jill and Jordan Burstein.
Jill and Jordan, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
JJB Educational Consultants was born out of a personal need to help my son Jordan, who has learning disabilities and ADHD, find the appropriate college match. I have a Master’s Degree in Special Education and was employed at Roosevelt University; tutoring students with learning disabilities I was amazed at when I started looking at what great supports were available for kids with learning disabilities at college! I decided to launch a private practice dedicated to students who, without the correct supports, would fail out of college. I visited numerous colleges and joined the only accrediting group for independent consultants in the country. Meanwhile, I was helping students be successful and earn a college degree but my own son had to leave two colleges because he could not organize his time. As a special educator, I could not figure it out. We were both depressed and demoralized. Finally, at age 21, he was diagnosed with ADHD, which was a HUGE relief to us. We finally had an answer why he could not be successful in college. He started taking medicine and enrolled at Landmark College, a college that only accepts students with learning issues. He went from a B-C student to an A-B student. It was life changing! He graduated with a four-year degree from Roosevelt University and worked in a psychiatric hospital for three years. I then asked him to join my practice. He REALLY understands our student’s struggles and as a team, we know what the emotional and financial cost of failing out of college can be.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Becoming experts in our field was the easy part. We travel to see colleges and meet with learning specialists to see what supports the college offers. We love working with students to help them find the appropriate college match where they will be happy and successful. What we lacked was the business acumen which we have worked hard to develop. We now have systems in place that allow us to be more efficient and effective.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about JJB Educational Consulting – what should we know?
JJB Educational Consultants Inc. provides college placement services for students with learning differences. Our clients have learning disabilities, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorders (ASD), traumatic brain injuries and developmental delays. Having over 20 years of collective experience in the college placement field allows us to help our students and their families find the appropriate college fit for their student.
We are the only independent educational consultants who work exclusively sending students with learning differences to college. We work one-on-one with our students to complete applications in a timely and stress-free environment.
We have a 100% success rate placing college-bound students with learning differences in college!
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Jill- Dr, Dorothy Bernstein was my graduate advisor. She taught me not only how to teach students with special needs but how to be engaged with these kids. I also will mention the Independent Educational Consultants Association for ongoing education and colleagues with an enormous wealth of knowledge. I also want to thank my two kids who both have learning issues who taught me persistence and patience.
Jordan- I have the best mentor in my boss/mother, Jill. She has been able to share her wisdom and insight into colleges that support various students, as well as an understanding of how to help our students through the application process. I would like to thank our clients. Every client I work with allows me further hone my craft as I help them find the success they deserve.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1441 Hemlock Knoll Terrace
Northbrook IL 60062 - Website: www.jjb-edconsultants.com
- Phone: 847-940-8090
- Email: Jill@jjb-edconsultants.com
- Facebook: facebook.com/JJB.EdConsultants
- Twitter: @JJB_Edconsults
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