Recently retired from the practice, Jani Ross remains involved with the firm and client work for the College Counseling practice. Jani earned a B.A. from the University of Michigan and continued her graduate work at Mills College. Jani has taught at the middle school and high school levels in both public and independent schools in the Bay Area. Her administrative experience began at Mount Tamalpais School and continued for nine years at the Branson School where she was Associate Head and Director of Admission.
At MTS, Jani combined teaching middle school English with admissions work. Jani represented the school at admission fairs, conducted school tours for prospective parents and served as assistant to the Head of School.
As Branson’s Associate Head, her responsibilities were two-fold: overseeing curriculum and serving as Dean of Faculty. Working with the master class schedule and helping students plan their classes, Jani quickly became the “go-to” person for students and faculty alike. Her ability to listen carefully, diagnose a problem, present several possible solutions and put the onus on the high school student to follow through, won her praise from parents.
During her years as head of the College Counseling department and supporting current clients working with Karen Kindler, Jani’s background in schools, especially high schools, and her understanding of the developmental stages of students help her demystify the college search process. Jani conducts workshops for parents and counselors, and participates in and promotes professional development sessions for the Western Association of College Admission Counseling (WACAC). She is an active member of the National Association of College Admission Counseling (NACAC) as well as a HECA (Higher Education Consultants Association). Jani sets time aside each year to visit college campuses. Like her mentor, Jane McClure, Jani works closely in advising families of college bound students who have learning disabilities and/or ADHD.
Jani has volunteered as a WASC Visiting Committee Member and has done project work for the Buck Institute for Education, a subsidiary of the Buck Foundation. In addition, she serves on the Board of Trustees of Bridge the Gap College Prep in Marin City, CA and The Branson School in Ross, CA and as consultant to the Board for several local schools.
Testimonials
My son and I had our initial meeting with Jani Ross during his junior year. She provided an overview of the college application process that was packed with valuable information yet not overwhelming. She relieved our anxiety about this unfamiliar process, then provided us with an individualized plan for the subsequent 18 months. I appreciate her professionalism and practical approach, newsletter, reassurance, and the respect with which she answered my son’s questions, both in person and via email.
Jane Ross is the finest counselor that my son Andrew has had in his 12 years of education. First, she earns the trust and respect of a teenager then she works to broaden his horizons with a professional skill that is both artistic as well as practical. I heartily recommend both her and the program at McClure, Mallory and Baron to other parents with college bound children.