About Me!

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Lindsey Saarie

Founder and CEO of Creative College Solutions | IEC

Lindsey is an independent educational consultant with 10+ years of experience in education. 

She earned a BFA in Musical Theatre with an emphasis in Directing from The Boston Conservatory. She returned to Seattle to begin a career on stage, while also teaching and coaching for companies like Village Theatre, Broadway Bound and Studio East! In 2014, she received an MA in Education from Pacific Lutheran University with endorsements in English and Theatre and started working at Lincoln High School in Tacoma, WA. 

While at Lincoln, she taught in the English and Theatre classroom and produced plays and musicals with students. Under her leadership, the program grew, made connections with artists across the country, and was recognized by the 5th Avenue High School Musical Awards. She also helped guide several cohorts of students, many of them undocumented and first-generation, through the college admissions and financial aid processes. While at Lincoln, she completed a certification in College and Career Counseling with UCLA.

During the pandemic, Lindsey moved to BEAUTIFUL San Juan Island, where she lives with her wonderful husband and two children. She consults remotely with students while also serving as Drama Coach for Friday Harbor High School and Middle School.

Lindsey is a counselor/consultant to students and families all over Washington State. In order to stay current with all college admissions related information, she maintains memberships to HECA, PNACAC, and SACC.

FAQs

  • I always knew that I loved working with students. When I was a classroom teacher, I found that I was not able to get to know or help students as much as I wanted to. The classes were just too big. As an IEC, I get to know students one-on-one. Our work is focused, intense, and individualized. I love helping students find the best way to represent their unique perspectives in essays and applications.

  • My personal background is in performing arts and I LOVE working with performing artists, but I work with all students. I’ve been able to find wonderful programs for students interested in computer science, engineering, nursing, business, marine biology, sports management, kinesiology, and so much more!

  • I work on an hourly basis with students in grades 8-10. We meet a few times a year or on an as-needed basis. Once students reach Junior year, they begin their 25-hour package. This packege takes them from the beginning of 11th grade until the end of the application and decision process (May of senior year) and includes essay editing, workshops, list building, and so much more. Please schedule a meeting if you would like to know more.

  • Parents can be as handson or off as they want. Some parents want to be a part of every step of the process and some parents hire me to help take this very big job completely off their already-too-full plate. Be whatever kind of parent you are! I will do my very best to make sure you are in the loop as we move through the application process!