Meet Jennifer Quinn, Founder & Educational Consultant
I founded Headwaters Educational Consulting to walk alongside families as they navigate one of the most important transitions in a student’s life. I help teens—and their parents—plan thoughtfully for life after high school, whether that means applying to college, taking a gap year, or building independent living skills. My work is highly individualized, built on a foundation of relationship, trust, and long-term student success.
I work with students of all learning profiles: neurotypical, twice-exceptional, and neurodivergent students navigating ADHD, autism, anxiety, learning disabilities, or executive functioning challenges. I also support students who thrive in creative or nontraditional environments and those seeking highly competitive college placement.
My approach is holistic, practical, and deeply informed by experience: over 15 years in education, executive function coaching, college counseling, and leadership. Before launching Headwaters, I spent 13 years running a learning center in Montana and previously held senior leadership roles in New York City’s financial industry. This blend of experiences shapes the way I help families—strategically, compassionately, and with attention to both detail and big-picture outcomes.
Why “Headwaters”?
Just as headwaters mark the origin of a river’s journey, I see high school as the starting point of each student’s future. My goal is to help students explore their strengths, build direction, and step into young adulthood with purpose and confidence.
Who I Work With
- Neurodivergent students (ADHD, autism, dyslexia, anxiety, 2e and more)
- High-achieving and neurotypical students seeking personalized guidance
- Students needing executive function coaching or college readiness support
- Transfer students and gap year explorers
- Families navigating nontraditional or complex educational paths
Whether your student is highly motivated or still discovering their path, I meet them where they are—with respect, encouragement, and a tailored plan forward.
Credentials & Background
Education & Training
- College Access Counseling Certificate, Rice University
- Graduate Certificate in Disability Studies in Higher Education (in progress)
- BA in American Literature, Hofstra University
Professional Affiliations
- Professional Member, Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA)
- Chair, Mountain West Regional Group
- Co-Chair, IECA Transfer Affinity Group
Career Experience
- Founder, Headwaters Educational Consulting (current)
- College Consultant, Top College Consultants (current)
- Owner and Executive Director, Montana-based Learning Center (13 years)
- Former Principal, Banc of America Securities (Global Clearing Operations), NYC
- Former Senior Vice President, Jefferies & Co. (Clearing Operations), NYC
Community Involvement
- Business Professionals of America, Economic Research Judge, 2011 – present
- One Book Billings, Discussion Leader, 2012 – present
- Billings Public Library, Board Member, 2010 – 2021
- Montana Library Association, Certified Trustee, training completed 2014
- Montana Library Association, Member 2010 – present
- Billings Chamber of Commerce, Education Committee Chair, 2015