About Helen

Helen Banner
Helen-M-3261

Helen B. Montague

With over thirty years of experience working with students in their transition from high school to college, Helen’s experience and understanding of the college admission process is both comprehensive and deep.  Her knowledge of colleges and universities throughout the nation is extensive. Helen meets students where they are and provides support and strategic assistance through the college search, application, and enrollment process.  Helen’s approach is developmental, with the highest priority being the care and support of each student and family.

Prior to founding her independent college counseling practice, Helen was Director of College Counseling at Moses Brown School and the Lincoln School, in Providence, RI.  She began her college counseling career at the Dana Hall School in Wellesley, MA, where she served as Director of College Counseling for seventeen years before relocating to Rhode Island.  Helen began her career in the admission office at Boston University and worked in the Tufts University admission office as well. Throughout her career, she has provided comprehensive college counseling to thousands of students with a broad array of interests, talents, academic abilities, and financial resources.

A graduate of Wheelock College (BS), Helen earned her Master’s degree from the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

Awards

Counselor of the Year Award - 1996-97 - NEACAC

Harry R. Carroll Distinguished Service Award – 2009 - NEACAC

Industry Involvement

Helen has been actively involved with NEACAC – The New England Association for College Admission Counseling since 1980, where she served on the Governing Board for many years. With NEACAC, she has been a mentor to New Admission counselors, a Vice President, Assembly Delegate, Co-Chair of the Summer Workshop for New Professionals, and co-chair of Local Counselors Day for NACAC 2017 in Boston.

She has also been involved with NACAC – The National Association for College Admission Counseling as a presenter for Tools of the Trade.

Helen has presented and served on several panels at NACAC, NEACAC, and College Board Conferences.

She brings this experience to bear for her student's success.

Testimonials

"Helen is a terrific resource for students and parents in all stages of the college search.  She readily shares information, guidance and direction in a straightforward way for all generations to digest and to comprehend.  With her help, our son was able to prepare where needed, focus his search to realistic institutions and put the effort into the process whole heartedly."

Eddie R.

Parent

“Thank you for helping Julia with her college search (and essays).  She really enjoyed working with you; you were the perfect fit for her.

Terri L.

Parent

"Working with Helen, I was able to navigate through tough obstacles which would have been nearly impossible to do alone. Helen provided the diligence, patience, resources and expertise to ensure that I was able to present my best self to various prospects. Helen's prowess showcased greatly during the essay writing stage- what was once viewed as cumbersome task was framed with her help into an outlet of expression which fortified by fit in my desired schools.”

Fatou S.

Student