About Lorrie

I’m Lorrie Director, the founder of DirectEd Advantage. I have spent more than a decade working as a School Counselor, and district-level Director of School Counseling. Throughout my career, I have guided thousands of students and families through important educational decisions. My experience spans the counseling office, the leadership suite, and the district perspective where systems, programs, and supports are built.

And that vantage point is exactly why I do this work.

Much has been written about the uncertainty families face when navigating the college process. The admissions landscape has become increasingly complex, and many students feel overwhelmed by the volume of information and the pressure to “get it right.” Inside schools, I saw the same challenges every day. Students needed clarity, calm guidance, and thoughtful planning. Counselors wanted to provide that level of support, yet the demands of the job often left little time for the deep conversations that matter most.

As a Director, I was responsible for crisis response, scheduling, testing coordination, and large caseloads. I loved working with students, yet I often wished I could pause the clock and give each family the time they truly needed. It became clear that the system was struggling to give students the thoughtful, individualized support that the college search now requires.

That realization led me to create DirectEd Advantage. I wanted to work with students the way I was trained to work: with time, intention, and a focus on what is best for each individual. In private practice, I serve as a navigator for families, helping them cut through the noise, understand their options, and make confident decisions at every stage of the educational journey.

Today, I provide personalized guidance for students in grades K through 12. Whether a family needs support with college planning, academic success, or early career exploration, I bring clarity, structure, and compassion to the process. My work is grounded in child development, social-emotional learning, and years of firsthand leadership experience.

I am a lifelong learner who values professional growth. I am an active member of NACAC, NYSACAC, ASCA, and NYSSCA, and I regularly attend conferences at the local, state, and national levels. Families who work with me can be confident that my guidance is informed by current research and evolving trends in education and college admissions.

My work has been featured in The New York Times. I have presented at conferences across the country and contributed to several leading admissions publications. What I value most, however, is supporting students and families through a process that feels clear, informed, and aligned with their goals.

My mission is simple: to ensure that every student feels supported and every family feels empowered. I want the path to college and beyond to feel intentional, grounded, and as enjoyable as possible.

A woman sitting at a desk in an office, looking at a computer monitor. The desk has various office supplies, a water bottle, and papers. Behind her are books, a window, and office decorations.