About Chris

Christine (Chris) Nusbaum is an Independent Educational Consultant (IEC) and the founder of Onward College Consulting, where she works to guide students and families through the college search and application process. She is deeply committed to helping students discover who they are, where their aptitudes and passions lie, and what path best aligns with their post high school goals.

​​​

Chris is currently an associate member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA) and a member of the Potomac & Chesapeake Association for College Admission Counseling (PCACAC). She completed the IECA’s intensive Summer Training Institute, the Gap Year Association's Counselors Institute, and is earning a Certificate of College Counseling from UCLA. Her experience, ongoing training, and strong professional network enable her to find answers quickly and provide tailored advice. To date, she has visited over 100 campuses nationwide.

​

Having recently navigated the college admissions process with her own daughters, Chris understands firsthand what these years entail. She is up to date with the ever-evolving admissions landscape and committed to helping students and families cut through the noise to arrive at the best fit. She has successfully worked with students from a wide range of backgrounds, helping them secure multiple options that meet their academic, personal, and financial goals.

 

Prior to launching Onward, Chris spent more than 20 years as an Emmy-nominated writer, director, and executive producer of nonfiction television. She brings her love of authentic storytelling and a wealth of research, writing, and project management experience from this initial profession to her work in college counseling.

 

Originally from Chicago, Chris holds a bachelor’s degree from Vanderbilt University. She currently lives in Washington DC, where she raised her two children. In her free time, she enjoys cycling, running, and taking long hikes with her dog.