About Via
Via Educational Counseling was born out of a desire to work directly with high school students to help them explore their aptitudes and preferences, and find a fit for their post-secondary education. I work to help students expand their knowledge base of programs and universities, stay organized and on-task, and benefit from working with a non-parental figure. Families have the benefit of a go-to person for answers, insight and experience which saves time and stress. The goal is that each student represent themselves well on applications and is able to maximize their potential.
Meet Jodi
Hi, I’m Jodi Wilson. As the founder of Via Educational Counseling, I’m driven to provide a clear path for educational and social growth for students. I have a passion for working with young people who are keen on growing and finding a college or program “fit” that matches their skills and personalities. My college and study abroad years were extremely rewarding and I want the same for all of the students I work with.
I grew up in Washington State and developed a sense of adventure after a trip to Germany through my High School. I ventured to California for college and then to Vienna and Salzburg Austria for two academic opportunities. I returned to Europe to work before launching my career in the U.S. I spent much of my career at the U.S. Department of State, contracting for the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.
I currently live in Seattle and enjoy spending time with my husband and high school aged son. We also have a daughter (University of Wisconsin-Madison ’23) who lives in D.C. and works in politics and a son studying at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. We love to travel, bike, kayak and spend time with our red labrador.
Work and Board Experience
- Helped launch LMU’s study abroad program in Bonn, Germany.
- International account manager at Columbia Sportswear in Portland, OR.
- Lead the International Visitor Leadership Program at the World Affairs Council in Seattle, WA.
- Contracted with the U.S. Department of State in the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.
- Served on the board of FIUTS at the University of Washington and founded the International Spanish Academy PTA committee for Bellevue School District’s Spanish Immersion program.
Education and Memberships
- Certificate, Independent Educational Consulting, University of California, Irvine.
- Graduate Studies through a Rotary International Scholarship, University of Salzburg, Austria.
- B.A. Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles, California. Study abroad in Vienna, Austria through IES.
- Associate Member, IECA
- Member, PNACAC
What Clients Say
We were thrilled with the help that Jodi gave (and continues to give) to our daughter, helping her to navigate the college application and admission process. Jodi’s strengths lie in her depth of knowledge, her organizational skills, and her ability to connect with adolescences and parents. Our daughter has happily committed to one of her reach schools and we all couldn’t be happier.
Meg, Parent, Seattle, WA
Jodi helped me realize how to show my best self in college applications. She was always there to help me with researching schools, revising essays, prepping for interviews, and anything else I needed along the way. Thanks to Jodi, I know my college applications show a clear me, highlighting and refining my strengths.
Nora, Student, Los Angeles, CA
The college application process is unbelievably laborious and complex these days. Jodi was such a calming, guiding presence during the entire process. She helped my child focus and narrow her school choices, navigate the film school applications and stay on deadline. Her guidance was invaluable, and I will definitely be using her again. Jodi is a diamond in the rough and you will be thrilled you found her.
Sondi, Parent, Los Angeles, CA
Via Educational Counseling 