Kristen J. Naspo, M.A.

Managing Partner,
Traditional Boarding and
Non-Traditional Advising

Since becoming an educational consultant in 2013, Krissy draws on her 12 years of experience in boarding schools.  This experience encompasses junior and secondary boarding school admissions, secondary school placement, and financial aid positions. These include seven years as Director of Admissions and Financial Aid at the Hillside School, Assistant Director of Admissions at the Portsmouth Abbey School, and Associate Director of Admissions at St. Andrews School in Rhode Island. While at Hillside School, Krissy was also responsible for secondary school placement where she helped students explore and select the “right” next step on their educational path.  Krissy provides services for both traditional boarding school candidates and those needing therapeutic school placements.

Over the past two decades, Krissy has placed hundreds of students in boarding schools, from the most competitive schools to the most supportive schools.  She understands that a school search is different for each family. Krissy is an expert in guiding and counseling students and families to express, achieve and realize their educational, emotional, and social goals. As a result, her students are able to present their best selves in a competent, clear, and confident manner. She works hard to find the best fit and has excellent relationships with boarding school and therapeutic admissions colleagues throughout the United States.

In addition to her competence in working with traditional boarding school families, Krissy also has experience working with at-risk teens and young adults.  She works with students needing a more therapeutic setting or those who have been to a program and are transitioning back to traditional schools. Krissy is skilled at defining what students need and determining optimal levels of support. 

Krissy is a graduate of Lawrence Academy in Groton, Massachusetts and attended Providence College, where she earned both Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees.

 Professional Affiliations include:

  • Professional Member, Independent Educational Consulting Association (IECA)

  • Current Board Member and Past Chair of the Independent Educational Consulting Association Foundation (IECAF)

  • Current Faculty Member for the Summer Training Institute for IECA

  • Current member of the Membership Committee IECA

  • Former Chair of the Schools Committee, IECA

  • Past member of the Lawrence Academy Board of Visitors

  • Past member of the Steering Committee for the Junior Boarding School Association

What families say about working with Krissy:

  • "Working with Krissy has been a incredible experience, no matter how this search ends. She is a true professional. You are very lucky to have her as part of your firm.  She truly is an incredible representative for your group."

    — Parent

  • "Krissy, Thank you so much for all your help on this new journey for us.  You've been an amazing resource for our family."

    — Parent

  • “We worked with Krissy to choose a secondary school for our two boys.  Her knowledge about the schools was exceptional, but what we feel really made the process worthwhile was her relationships at the schools.  She had an excellent handle on each school, not just what they offered on the surface as far as curriculum, student life and activities; but a real feel for the culture and direction of each school.  Krissy knows exactly when to check in with admissions, knows what questions to ask and because she is so well respected in this community she gets information back. We found Krissy honest in her interactions with our family and the schools and she established a nice bond with us.  We felt very comfortable asking her questions along the way and understanding the process.  Our children could not be happier with their school, it has been a great fit for both of them!!” 

    —Parent

  • “Krissy Naspo is an expert regarding the adolescent and education. Her understanding of the needs of each individual as well as her intimate knowledge of independent schools makes her an asset to each of the students with whom she works. She is a strong advocate for her families and communicates holistically and honestly with schools. Krissy is regarded as an outstanding professional in the educational industry.”  

    —Admission Director, Secondary Boarding School

  • "Within moments Krissy’s knowledge, enthusiasm and care were apparent. I felt heard. My daughter felt heard. Not a wave of the hand or the tone of I know better what you need. She got to know us, what we were looking to accomplish and what type of environment we sought. Krissy was positive, candid and forthright; she encouraged hope where there was legitimate possibility but discouraged us from focusing on schools she knew did not fit our criteria.... Being so knowledgeable— re school offerings and availability—and realistic about timing not only streamlined the process but took the fear out of it."

    — Parent

  • “I just want to thank you so much for being my guide on the wild ride I’ve been on over the past few months. I hadn’t even known what an educational consultant was when I called you, but you’ve been so professional, thoughtful, proactive, responsive, and followed through on every detail of everything you told us you’d do at the very beginning. Thanks for holding my hand and walking me through this when I needed it and being a shoulder to cry on or someone to share a laugh with when I needed that. Most of all, you gave me faith and hope that we would get through this and to a better place. You’re the best Krissy! “

    —Parent