Margaret Rothe M.A.

Margaret Rothe is a nationally regarded leader in higher education and independent college counseling, and the Counselor in Residence at CounselMore College Counseling Software, and founder of HigherGrounding, and All College Pros.


With more than twenty years of distinguished service in university student affairs, educational leadership, and college advising, she brings deep institutional knowledge and a comprehensive understanding of student development. Margaret is committed to advancing the quality of college counseling, reducing family stress, and ensuring students discover institutions that support their academic, social, and long-term success.


As an educator, mentor, and active member of prominent national associations, Margaret has contributed significantly to shaping professional standards within the field. Her extensive record of teaching, presentations, and award-winning leadership has influenced practitioners across higher education and the counseling profession. Recognized for her work in campus leadership, diversity education, and counselor training, she continues to provide guidance grounded in experience, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to student and counselor advancement.


Education

  • M.A., Higher Education Student Affairs, University of Connecticut
  • B.A., Sociology, Richmond College, International University, UK

Founder

  • HigherGrounding – Independent college counseling
  • All College Pros – Counseling services for grades 9–College

Professional Memberships

  • Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA), Professional Member
  • Higher Education Consultants Association (HECA), Member & Regional Representative
  • NACAC • WACAC • NASPA • ACUHO-I • ASCA

Selected Awards

  • Distinguished Service Award, WTI (2009)
  • Bridge Builder Award, University Housing (2007)
  • NCAA Diversity Education Leaders Standout Award (2004)

Teaching & Leadership (Abbreviated)

  • Counselor in Residence, CounselMore
  • Faculty, Campus Resident Leadership, SFSU
  • Co-Faculty, First-Year Experience Program, SFSU
  • Tri-School FIRST Robotics Mentor
  • Chair, Western Training Institute (2009)

Selected Presentations

  • College Fit: Finding What Is Right for Me
  • Technology Tools for College Counselors
  • Unlocking Your Inner CEO: IEC Business Practices
  • Diversity, Living Learning Communities, and Campus Leadership (ACUHO-I, WACUHO, SFSU)

Featured Podcast Interviews


Find the Right College Mentor for Your Teen

Our College Counselor Matchmaker helps you find the right college consultant for your family or

Get Matched With the Right College Counselor for your Family

Personalized Matches. Trusted Experts. Support for Every Family.

Navigating the college admissions process can be overwhelming—but you don’t have to do it alone. Led by veteran college advisor Lee Norwood, this trusted matching service helps parents of college-bound teens (ages 15–18) connect with the right counselor, mentor, or admissions expert based on your family’s goals, timeline, and budget.



We offer three simple options to get the support your student needs:


Option 1: Fast & Free Counselor Matches


Quick. Easy. No cost.

Fill out a short form and Lee will personally send you 3 handpicked counselor referrals—completely free. Ideal for busy parents who want to jumpstart the process with expert guidance.

Option 2: Evaluation + Counselor Matches $595


One session. Clear direction.

Book a paid consultation with Lee to receive:

  • A personalized student evaluation
  • A starter college list tailored to your teen
  • A timeline/overview for Junior & Senior years
  • Overview of what colleges are looking for in an accepted student
  • 3 vetted counselor referrals you can contact on your own time


This option is great for families who want expert insight before committing.

Option 3: White-Glove Admissions Consulting $1000  (credited to your college counseling contract for services)


For families who want a fully guided experience.

Lee will work directly with your family to build a comprehensive college admissions strategy, including:

  • A curated college list based on your teen’s strengths
  • A customized timeline based on where your student is on their journey
  • Personalized referrals to a certified college counselor, essay coach, and financial aid expert who will work with you from now through graduation
  • Guidance that prioritizes both admissions results and your family’s financial wellness

Why Families Trust CounselMore

• No data selling. We never sell or share your student’s information.

• Certified Counselors. Every referral is a vetted, ethical, experienced professional.

• Standards of Practice. Our network follows strict codes of educational professionalism.

• Built by Educators. CounselMore was designed in partnership with advisors—like Lee.

Why It Works

All referrals are CounselMore-certified, ensuring your student works with professionals

who meet high standards of ethics, experience, and results. Lee Norwood personally

oversees every match, so you can trust your teen is in good hands.


Want help choosing the right level of support?

Contact Lee today to get started—because the right guidance can change everything.

Get Matched with the Right

College Planning Mentor for Your Teen


Personalized Matches. Trusted Experts. Support for your Family.

Navigating the college admissions process is overwhelming— don’t do it alone! Led by veteran college advisor Lee Norwood, parents of college-bound teens (ages 15–18) connect with the right counselor, mentor, admissions expert based on your family’s goals, timeline, and budget.



Three simple options to support your student:

Option 1:

Fast & Free Counselor Matches


Quick. Easy. No cost.

Fill out the short form below and Lee will personally send you 3 handpicked counselors — vetted experts, who possess the experience you need for success - completely free.


Ideal for busy parents who want to jumpstart the college application process with expert guidance.


Have you tried shopping for a counselor on your own?!?






Get Matched Today

Option 2:

Evaluation + Balanced College List $595


One session. Clear direction.

Book a paid consultation with Lee and get expert insight before committing :

  • A personalized student evaluation
  • A starter college list tailored to your teen
  • A timeline/overview for Junior & Senior years
  • Overview of what colleges are looking for in accepted students
  • 3 vetted counselor referrals




Book a Meeting

Option 3:

White-Glove Admissions Strategy $1000


A fully guided experience

with Lee Norwood resulting in a comprehensive college admissions strategy, including :

  • A curated college list based on your teen’s strengths
  • A customized timeline based on where your student is on their journey
  • Personalized referrals to a certified college counselor, essay coach, and financial aid expert who will work with you from now through graduation
  • Guidance that prioritizes both admissions results and your family’s financial wellness
Book With Lee

Find the Right College Mentor for Your Teen

Our College Counselor Matchmaker helps you find the right college consultant for your family or

Get Matched With the Right College Counselor for your Family

Personalized Matches. Trusted Experts. Support for Every Family.

Navigating the college admissions process can be overwhelming—but you don’t have to do it alone. Led by veteran college advisor Lee Norwood, this trusted matching service helps parents of college-bound teens (ages 15–18) connect with the right counselor, mentor, or admissions expert based on your family’s goals, timeline, and budget.



We offer three simple options to get the support your student needs:


Option 1: Fast & Free Counselor Matches


Quick. Easy. No cost.

Fill out a short form and Lee will personally send you 3 handpicked counselor referrals—completely free. Ideal for busy parents who want to jumpstart the process with expert guidance.

Option 2: Evaluation + Counselor Matches $595


One session. Clear direction.

Book a paid consultation with Lee to receive:

  • A personalized student evaluation
  • A starter college list tailored to your teen
  • A timeline/overview for Junior & Senior years
  • Overview of what colleges are looking for in an accepted student
  • 3 vetted counselor referrals you can contact on your own time


This option is great for families who want expert insight before committing.

Option 3: White-Glove Admissions Consulting $1000  (credited to your college counseling contract for services)


For families who want a fully guided experience.

Lee will work directly with your family to build a comprehensive college admissions strategy, including:

  • A curated college list based on your teen’s strengths
  • A customized timeline based on where your student is on their journey
  • Personalized referrals to a certified college counselor, essay coach, and financial aid expert who will work with you from now through graduation
  • Guidance that prioritizes both admissions results and your family’s financial wellness

Why Families Trust CounselMore

• No data selling. We never sell or share your student’s information.

• Certified Counselors. Every referral is a vetted, ethical, experienced professional.

• Standards of Practice. Our network follows strict codes of educational professionalism.

• Built by Educators. CounselMore was designed in partnership with advisors—like Lee.

Why It Works

All referrals are CounselMore-certified, ensuring your student works with professionals

who meet high standards of ethics, experience, and results. Lee Norwood personally

oversees every match, so you can trust your teen is in good hands.


Want help choosing the right level of support?

Contact Lee today to get started—because the right guidance can change everything.