Breaking News
Jeff Johnson Forms Onpoint Consultants
Mar 22, 2007, 17:54

I am excited to inform you I have struck out on my own and started an LLC by the name of "OnPoint Consultants." This is not educational consulting, nor does it have anything to do with ballet. OnPoint Consultants mission is to bring high-level training to new and established schools and programs across the country. I am also available to consultant offices to train their front line phone staff. As a consultant working with a program or office in this capacity, I am also able to offer support with program and business development, and marketing.

At Mount Bachelor Academy, I was fortunate to be mentored and trained by some very talented, leading-edge professionals in the field of special needs programs. I have Linda Houghton, Dennis Crowell, Jeannie Crowell and Jane Samuel to thank for the wonderful start to 18 years of growth in this work I love so much. Since then, I have directed nine admissions departments, two of which were start-ups, and trained a number of admissions professionals. I have been part of the support team for a division of nine wilderness programs, and served as Marketing Director for most of the admissions departments I have led. I have facilitated many workshops, group counseling sessions, and been an integral part of program development.

Many of my Educational Consultant friends like to rib me about my dynamic career and I hear comments all the time like, "Where is Johnson working now?" And frankly while I deserve this, I truly believe this path has created an incredible opportunity for me to experience first hand various management and admissions styles - I know what works and what doesn't. Each move has furthered my growth and training in this field we all love.

One of my great joys is training and sharing what I've learned with others, taking the time to teach others how to do this process right, with integrity and always with the clients' best interest as the guiding principle. I was taught to never set a child or young adult up for another failure. This has been my maxim from the very first days at Mount Bachelor Academy, and continues to be.

I believe the weakest link in the business of special needs schools and programs is the lack of commitment to training. I have seen many wonderful people promoted to the admissions chair, and then given little guidance or support to ensure their success. There is a better way - and it's really very simple. Spend the time and invest in the effort to train your admissions and marketing staff correctly from the start.

To that end, I believe I have something to offer. Many of you have reinforced this for me with your feedback about our work together. I am grateful for all the encouragement and votes of confidence.

Currently, I am fortunate to be working with Auldern Academy and Jane Samuel, how nice to be in Jane's sphere again. I am acting as their Interim Admission Director to help restructure the Department and hire and train their new Director of Admissions.