About Us

Michelle Mauren, M.S., L.S.C.

Certified Career & College Counselor

Michelle is a Certified Career & College Consultant with 35 years of experience. She holds an M.S. in Secondary School Counseling from Minnesota University Mankato, a K-12 Principal License from the University of Minnesota, and a Certificate in College Admission Counseling from UCLA.

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As a retired Adjunct Professor at Hamline University, Michelle taught graduate students in the College Admission Process. She was a College Counselor for District 112 in Eastern Carver County, Minnesota. Her areas of expertise include academic, college, and career counseling in both public and private schools, four-year educational planning, high school transcript review, standardized testing optimization, and career assessment. She is also able to administer the Highlands Ability Battery Assessment.

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For 15 years, Michelle has provided consultations through her private practice, formerly named College Connections Plus. In 2024, to reflect the need for expansion and the addition of a new partner, her consulting practice rebranded as Journey Forward, LLC.

She is committed to helping you identify the most successful and fulfilling educational options for your child and will guide you step-by-step through this exciting yet sometimes overwhelming process.

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Michelle is currently located in Central Minnesota but has worked with clients all over the U.S, as well as internationally. She enjoys travel and spending time with family.