ABOUT KNUDSON COLLEGE CONSULTING
Mission Statement
Knudson College Consulting exists to help students and families from all backgrounds and income levels navigate successfully through the college preparation, selection, and application process, and to guide students to the schools that are the best fit academically, financially, and socially.
Vision and Philosophy
Our desire is to contribute to a productive and well-educated society by empowering the students we counsel to unlock their full potential, to become life-long learners, to gain the confidence and enthusiasm necessary to do well for themselves and others, and to welcome and grow with change. Finding the college or university that is the best match for each student is the first step to success in this ultimate endeavor to benefit both the individual and society.
LEADERSHIP
Elisa Pacini Knudson, J.D. – College Consultant
Founder and President of Knudson College Consulting, Lisa began her career in the legal field, but has been involved in education for 20 years. Lisa co-founded Nova Classical Academy, the first classical charter school in Minnesota, which opened in September, 2003. She served as Nova’s first Board Chair and continued in that capacity until 2008. She also served as Chair of a number of academic and school committees during her tenure. Nova Classical Academy celebrated its 20th anniversary in September, 2023, and is ranked as one of the best schools in Minnesota and in the nation.
For two years Lisa served as an educational consultant evaluating charter schools, but she found her passion transitioning to access in post-secondary education. In 2011 she began working with a successful independent college consultant in St. Paul. In 2012 she attended the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA) Summer Institute, and in December, 2014, Lisa completed a certificate program in college counseling through UCLA. Since then she has primarily worked with private clients, but has also been called on to work in a school setting.
Lisa was born in New York City and was raised in Mexico, Brazil and Venezuela. In addition to her college counseling certificate, she holds a B.S. in Political Science from Mount Holyoke College in Massachusetts, and a J.D. from American University in Washington, D.C. Lisa has lived in St. Paul since 1988. She is married and has four adult children in their twenties and early thirties.
As a parent who has helped shepherd her own children through undergraduate, graduate, and gap year experiences, Lisa intimately understands the questions and concerns that families face during this exciting time in a student’s educational journey.
Professional Memberships and Certificates Earned
- Member, Minnesota Association for College Admission Counseling
- College Counseling Certificate, UCLA Extension Program
Colleges and Universities Visited (click link to view)
College and University Client Acceptances (click link to view)