Meet Our Consultants

Exceptional Support for Students

Our consultants are highly qualified with master’s degrees and extensive experience in higher education. We emphasize collaboration, professionalism, and effective communication, ensuring students receive exceptional support on their academic journeys.

Seaside Higher Education Consulting is committed to guiding students toward academic excellence, creating confidence, competence, and a sense of purpose. We are your partners in higher education success.

The consultants at Seaside collectively bring a wealth of academic advising and teaching experience to the table. They offer specialized guidance for students at various stages of their higher education journeys. With their diverse backgrounds and expertise, our consultants foster a supportive learning environment, ensuring that students receive personalized and comprehensive guidance to excel in their academic pursuits.

Deb P., M.A.

University of Iowa, M.A.
Cedarville University, B.A.

Deb has more than 15 years of experience working with college students. Her passion is building relationships – learning each student’s unique strengths, abilities, concerns, and interests and actively supporting them in their academic journey.

Deb lives near Nashville, TN, and enjoys hiking with her husband, yard work, baking bread, and spending time with family and friends, especially when celebrating birthdays and holidays.

Academic Credentials

  • Academic advisor and instructor for university student success courses at Cedarville University (CU), Central Washington University (CWU), and Auburn University (AU)
  • Taught and advised undeclared students at CU and AU with a focus on selecting a major and career
  • Advised and mentored students at CU and AU on academic warning, probation, or suspension
  • Held certificate from the National Institute for Learning Development and tutored students with learning disabilities
  • Holds professional teaching certificate, K-12

Becky K., Ph.D.

Appalachian State University; M.A.,
Azusa Pacific University; Ph.D.

Becky loves helping students learn how to learn! For more than 35 years, she has been encouraging college students to discover more effective ways to learn by introducing them to a variety of study strategies and skills that align with each student’s academic goals and learning preferences. She challenges students to put forth their best effort as they navigate each facet of
their higher education experience.

Becky enjoys reading, tending her small flower garden, and walking and biking the trails near her home in southwest Ohio. She treasures the time spent around the table with family and friends – enjoying the conversation and laughter between bites of chicken curry, her family’s version of chocolate pie, and any other recipe they create together.

Academic Credentials

  • Completed a doctorate in higher education with an emphasis on student success and thriving
  • Focused her dissertation research on students of color thriving in predominantly white institutions
  • Teaches university student success courses and developmental math courses, and provides academic coaching at Cedarville University
  • Taught student success courses at Clark State Community College
  • Taught elementary education in Baguio City, Philippines

Brenda R., M.Ed.

Cedarville University; B.A.,
Cedarville University; M.Ed.

Brenda believes every student has the capacity to improve their academic performance to meet their goals. She has a passion to see International, MK, and TCK students thrive and excel in higher education. Her expertise in cultural intelligence, culturally relevant pedagogy, and proactive advising help her customize culturally responsive strategies to support students from any country and educational system. Brenda will help you discover and leverage your strengths and develop your skills to meet your goals and achieve your potential.

Brenda enjoys good conversation and good coffee. She also loves hiking in the woods and enjoying nature. She can often be found in the kitchen, cooking all sorts of international foods with her family. Their table is often filled with delicacies like curry, shabu shabu and shawarma, and surrounded by friends who enjoy the same!

Academic Credentials

  • BA, Comprehensive Social Science and History, Secondary Education specialization

  • M.Ed. Teacher Leader specialization with a focus on international student support and success

  • 100% retention of all first time, full time international students during her tenure as Director of International Student Services

  • Developed courses and curriculum for both International and MK, Third Culture students supporting cultural acclimation and academic success

  • Advised, mentored, counseled International, MK, TCK students in all aspects of their academic and career pursuits

  • Extensive SEVIS expertise to assist and advise F-1 students

Kim Ahlgrim, M.S.

National Louis University, B.S.,
Wright State University, M.S.

Kim, an academic director with extensive experience in higher education, has a proven track record of developing and implementing academic programs, exemplified by her work at Cedarville University’s Academic Enrichment Center, The Cove. Beyond academia, Kim offers her expertise in organizations, teamwork, and public speaking as a trainer and consultant. The primary focus of Kim’s consultations will be on higher education professionals. She is available for consultations on academic student success, academic center evaluations, and more. See “About the Owner” for additional details about Kim. Email Kim at Thrive@seasidehighered.com if you are interested in consulting with her.

Free Resources

For Students, Parents, & Higher Education Professionals

Coming January, 2024.

Contact Us

To Start Your Journey