Joan Lockwood has spent over a decade of her career guiding students and young adults through some of life’s most pivotal transitions, choosing a college, stepping into a first job, and building the confidence to navigate an ever-changing world.

Her professional journey began in corporate media, where she worked as a reporter for FORTUNE Magazine and held leadership roles at Time Inc. and America Online. Joan launched new business initiatives, traveled the country, and developed a deep understanding of how people grow, adapt, and succeed in high-performance environments.

Over time, Joan’s passion for mentorship and education led her to shift focus. For the past two decades, she’s worked at the intersection of academic advising, career development, and personal growth, supporting hundreds of students and families as they navigate complex decisions with greater confidence and clarity.

Today, Joan’s coaching practice blends structure with empathy, offering a grounded, personalized approach that meets each student where they are. She begins with connection and curiosity, using research-backed assessments like the Birkman Method and Strong Interest Inventory to help students uncover their strengths, learning styles, and values. Her calm, thoughtful presence creates space for honest conversations, new strategies, and meaningful growth.

Whether guiding a high school junior through the college search, supporting a young adult through a career pivot, or helping a student build real-world confidence, Joan brings warmth, insight, and decades of experience to every conversation.

Joan holds a BA from Middlebury College and an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. She is a Certified Academic Life Coach, a Certified Etiquette Consultant, and a trained consultant in the Birkman Method. She is also an active member of IECA (Independent Educational Consultants Association), HECA (Higher Educational Consultants Association), and NACAC (National Association for College Admission Counseling). Her training in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) informs the steady, supportive style she brings to her work.

Based in Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts, Joan works with students and families across the country. When she’s not meeting with clients, she can be found reading books and publications, walking her dog, finding outdoor adventures with her husband, or cheering on her three grown children as they build lives and careers of their own.