Holly McGlennon Treat, M.Ed.

Holly’s experience with secondary school admission and relationships with admission directors throughout New England provides an abundance of information to guide the school search process.

Before becoming an educational consultant in 2003, Holly served as the Director of Admission and Dean of Students at The Ethel Walker School in Simsbury, Connecticut; the Associate Director of Admission at both Miss Porter’s School and Miss Hall’s School; and the Director of Admission at the Salisbury Summer School. As the Secondary School Advisor at the Indian Mountain School, a junior boarding school in Lakeville, Connecticut, Holly thoroughly enjoyed helping ninth-grade graduates with their secondary school searches. This experience led her to pursue the role full time as an independent educational advisor.

Holly has a Master’s Degree in Education from Harvard University and is a graduate of Bowdoin College and Middlesex School, a secondary boarding school in Massachusetts. Holly was the recipient of the IECA Foundation Irv Katz Award in 2010 for her “volunteer service to children.”

What families say about working with Holly:

"Holly has been amazing.  She guided us through this process which my wife and I had last encountered 35 years again when we were applying. Holly provided support, advice and calmness when it was needed.  Our children are going to their first choice schools. Both are ecstatic."— New York City parents

"Holly, this has been such an amazing boarding school journey with you.  Thank you, Thank you.  Your hand-holding has been immensely helpful and reassuring, and the successful outcomes our son has achieved could not have been accomplished without you. You have our sincerest gratitude." — Hong Kong parents 

“I was totally overwhelmed going into the boarding school process. Holly’s thoughtful and methodical approach was such a relief. I was thrilled with the outcome. My daughter is blissful at her new school!” — Parent

“Many thanks, Holly, for your valuable guidance and for the successful outcome. And without a doubt, any family looking to explore boarding schools, I will send them your way with the highest recommendation. Your integrity throughout the process and the honesty with which you managed our expectations and our reality made a lasting impression on me. Thank you.” — Parent

“Holly, thank you for all that you have done for us. You were there when we needed you most last year with our eldest daughter and this latest experience has been so interesting. Your identification of (school) was so insightful. This is why you are so good at what you do.” — Parent

“We have really enjoyed working with Holly. She is energetic, warm, and very professional. She is a real asset to your firm.” — Parent

"It was an absolute pleasure to work with Holly and The Bertram Group once again this year.  Holly encouraged us to stay in the process in October as we grappled with serious issues.  We are so thankful her guidance and support. The Bertram Group has helped us find two incredible schools that reflect our family values and provide the appropriate academic and athletic environment for both our children.  We will forever be grateful!" — Parent

"Since we spoke on Wednesday, I’ve thought a number of times about how much I appreciate the style with which you approach your conversations with us and this process overall.  The information you provide is not only thoughtful, savvy and practical, but it’s also delivered in such a supportive, reassuring, calming and confidence boosting way.  Our daughter was really starting to get nervous about the interviews before we spoke with you, and after the call she was visibly more calm and confident." — Parent

Affiliations include:

• Professional Member, Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA)
• Former member of Schools Committee and Nominating Committee, IECA
• Former Advisory Board Member, Deep Creek Middle School, Eleuthera, Bahamas
• Pro bono consultant, Deep Creek Middle School, Eleuthera, Bahamas
• Past Board Member, NorthEast Association of Learning Specialists
• Past Vice President, Board of Directors, Housatonic Child Care Center, Salisbury, CT

Articles include:

•  “Keeping the Search Private: Avoiding the Pitfalls of Public Opinion”, IECA Insights Magazine, Spring 2018, page 13
• "Semester Schools Offer Immersive Learning”, IECA Insights Magazine, Fall 2018, page 20
• “Independent School, Independent Choices,” Seen Magazine, Fall 2011
• “The Value of Pro-Bono Work,” IECA Insights article, Spring 2008
• “Discovering Educational Options,” Grand Manner Magazine, Fall 2008

Speaking Engagements include:

• “Post-graduate Overview”, Fusion Academy, Fairfield, Connecticut 2019
•  “Playing on the Same Team: IECs, Placement Advisers and Admission Officers”, IECA Annual Conference 2019
• “Evaluating Learning Support Programs”, Hong Kong 2017
• "Managing the March 10th Nonfiction Date," TABS Annual Conference 2015
• "Demystifying the Secondary School Financial Process," IECA Annual Conference 2014
• "Tackling the NCAA," IECA Annual Conference 2012
• “The 13th Year: Post Graduate and Gap Year Options,” IECA Annual Conference 2012
• “Selecting and Applying to Independent Schools,” 2011 Annisquam, Massachusetts
• “Making the Most of the Wonder Years: Selecting and Applying to Independent Middle Schools,” 2011 Mooreland Hill School
• “The Secret Life of Semester and Year-Long Academic Programs,” 2010 IECA Annual Conference
• “How to Navigate the Boarding School Search,” 2008 Pre-prep Showcase for Ice Hockey Players

Webinars include:

• “The 13th Year: It’s Time to Grow-up,” Dragonfly Learning, 2012
• “The Role of Independent Consultants,” Dragonfly Learning, 2012
• “Athletes, Intellectuals and Explorers: Post Graduate and Gap Year Options,” Dragonfly Learning, 2010