About Options Abound
Heather
Heather brings complementary and specialized expertise to the college application process. She has a strong commitment to staying current on the always changing landscape of college admissions. Heather brings passion to her work as the primary college counselor at Options Abound.
Get to know
Heather Freitag
Mom to 4 young adults
I raised four children and know firsthand the challenges associated with managing the launch to college. It is all full of emotion, hard work, and ends with a goodbye. I have also helped many families navigate the college search and application process. My personal experience as a mom gives me empathy and wisdom in guiding families through this journey.
I began my career as a social worker.
I come to college counseling with a unique skill set. My clinical background and education are solid assets that have prepared me well. I hold an MSW-Clinical Track from Portland State University, a BS in Sociology from Willamette University, and a UC Irvine Independent Educational Consultant Certificate.
Member of IECA, HECA, PNACAC, and SACC (Seattle Area College Consultants).
I know the power of a good story!
I am an avid reader, lover of stories and storytelling. Colleges want students to tell their story in a way that is captivating, authentic and meaningful. Strong essays open doors. As many colleges remove testing as a primary weight in admissions, essays have become far more important. When working with students I get them to tell me their stories: Stories about their day, stories about a recent struggle or achievement, stories about the mundane, and stories about what they most care about. I keep a record of these stories and then pull them out when it is time for the student to write!
Being able to text with Heather about my everyday questions and anxieties was beyond helpful. Without her counseling, I feel like I would have been totally in over my head. Heather is organized, accommodating, and kind and I couldn’t recommend her enough!
