Meet the Partners
Fran Manning-Smith
Fran started her career in the private sector as project manager for a Philadelphia-based management consulting firm. During her tenure, she developed strategic plans integrating marketing, communication, government relations and community engagement to maximize client image and visibility for many of the city’s largest companies, non-profits and universities. Fran then joined the Development team at University of Pennsylvania where she raised significant funds and awareness for academic research programs, scholarships and endowments for the Wharton School and the Health System.
While raising her family, Fran spent several years as an independent consultant providing strategic planning services such as foundation and grant management, development research and fundraising to support the education and non-profit sectors for clients including the Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House and the Pennsylvania Ballet. During this time, Fran’s daughter was diagnosed with Auditory Processing Disorder, a learning difference which presented academic and emotional challenges throughout her formative years. The impact of her experience led to a career change with a focus on working with students with learning differences. Fran returned to school to focus on college counseling and interned at the prestigious Delaware Valley Friends School, an Apple Distinguished school dedicated to educating bright students who learn differently.
Fran earned her undergraduate degree in marketing from Temple University in Philadelphia, Independent Educational Consultant Certificate from the University of California-Irvine, and Certificate in Executive Function & LD: Integrating Strategies, Study Skills and Technology from Landmark College in Putney, Vermont.
Carol Tunstall, M.S.
Carol has over two decades of experience in Higher Education at both private and public institutions in the Philadelphia area. As a former Associate Director of MBA Admissions at the Wharton School, Carol spent 12 years interviewing and evaluating applicants from around the world for the highly selective program. She was also responsible for the annual application evaluation training program for the entire Admissions team.
While pursuing her Master’s degree at West Chester University, Carol worked at the Twardowski Career Development Center where she researched, developed and marketed resources to raise awareness of internship opportunities. Carol also worked individually with students at the Learning Assistance and Resource Center helping those facing challenging academic, social and emotional issues by providing counseling, guidance and referrals to tools and resources to enhance personal success, and facilitated workshops at area high schools on academic, communication and social skills for college readiness. In addition, Carol had the privilege to work closely with faculty in West Chester's Department of Special Education on research and publications relevant to families and students with learning differences. After completing her graduate degree, and before starting STEP, Carol worked in undergraduate admissions focused on the transfer student population.
Carol earned her undergraduate degree in business from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and a Master’s degree in Higher Education Counseling/Student Affairs from West Chester University of Pennsylvania.
Carol and Fran are immediate past Co-Chairs of the Philadelphia Regional IECA Group which consists of 70+ members who reside in and around the Philadelphia area. Their role involved arranging visits with college representatives, programs, and companies to help expand their knowledge base.
Carol and Fran truly enjoy the team aspect of their practice. Both were first generation college students and are parents of college graduates with learning differences. They are passionate about working with students one-on-one but understand the importance of partnering with parents and keeping them informed throughout all aspects of the search and application process.