Ann and Nancy bring more than ten years of experience helping students successfully navigate the college admissions process. Their shared goal is to guide students and families through each step with clarity and minimal stress, while encouraging students to better understand themselves and explore the many exciting possibilities for their futures.
Ann Scholz-Crane
Ann began her career in university libraries, serving as a teaching librarian at institutions including Rutgers University, Purdue University, University of Wisconsin, and University of Illinois. Working in these rigorous academic environments, she developed strong research, advising, and interviewing skills while supporting the diverse needs of students, faculty, and academic communities.
Having lived in more than ten states and provinces, Ann has embraced each new community through active volunteer involvement. In 2014, she discovered her passion for helping students navigate the college admissions process while volunteering in the College Room at a large public high school in Houston, Texas. For seven years, she and Nancy served as co-coordinators of the volunteer team supporting students and families through the admissions journey.
By relocating her children many times, Ann gained firsthand insight into the importance of finding educational environments that align with each student’s academic goals, learning style, and personality. Combined with her extensive research background, this experience enables her to guide students thoughtfully toward colleges where they can thrive both academically and personally.
Ann earned her undergraduate degree in Classics from University of Missouri and her graduate degree in Library and Information Science from University of Illinois. She has completed a certificate in College Admissions and Career Planning from University of California, Berkeley.
Nancy Westwood
Nancy spent more than a decade in the Office of Advancement and University Relations at Lehigh University in Pennsylvania. When her husband’s job relocated the family, she “retired” from her role as Executive Director of Advancement Relations, where she supervised development communications and publications, direct mail, donor relations, capital campaign materials, University Events, and Board of Trustees activities.
A longtime school, athletics, and community volunteer, Nancy found her way into the college room at her children’s public high school in 2014. Each year, more friends and neighbors sought guidance with their college searches — and what began as friendly assistance naturally and eventually grew into this Trailhead partnership.
She is the parent of three very different learners who each carved their own path. Two are currently pursuing graduate degrees — one in the U.S. and one abroad — and her youngest will complete an undergraduate degree in 2027.
In addition to working with young people, Nancy especially loves the essay process. Helping students find their voice and create a personal introduction to colleges and universities inspires and energizes her most. She holds a B.A. in English from the University of Delaware and a certificate in College Admissions and Career Planning from the University of California, Berkeley.
Professional Memberships
Together, Ann and Nancy are members and follow the standards of the National Association for College Admissions Counseling (NACAC), the Higher Education Consultants Association (HECA), and the Minnesota Association for College Admissions Counseling (MACAC). They each hold associate membership with the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA).