Ellen Chao began her professional career in finance as an analyst in investment banking after graduating with distinction from Barnard College, Columbia University, with a Bachelor's degree in Political Science. She became a Stern Scholar at NYU, where she received her MBA in Finance and International Relations. After a successful career as a high tech loan officer, Ellen took time off to raise her three children while managing her family's legal business.

About Me

Ellen was an extensive volunteer in all levels of PTA, chairing various operational and fundraising committees and sitting on high school PTSA boards (Mira Costa HS and Redondo Union HS) and Mira Costa HS School Site Council. She raised money for public schools as silent auction chair of the Manhattan Beach Education Foundation Wine Auction, advocated for public education funding in Sacramento, and served on the steering committee of two bond measures for Manhattan Beach public schools. Because of her passion for volunteering, Ellen became intimately involved in the Manhattan Beach Unified School District where she advocated for curriculum improvements. She has been volunteering with the MB Youth Council since 2015.

​​

Having parented three children, Ellen understands the complexities and nuances of the high school journey. Her children are all college graduates--WashU in St. Louis-Biomedical Engineering (now a technology consultant), Duke University-Economics (now an investment banking associate at a bulge bracket firm), and her oldest graduated with a B.A. in Cognitive Science from Univ. of Pennsylvania, a Masters in Education from Johns Hopkins Univ., and is currently a candidate for a Masters in Clinical Psychology from Columbia University. Her guidance extends beyond high school, and she has assisted her children and some former students on career advice and positioning for graduate school.

​

Ellen received her Certificate in Independent Educational Consultant from UC Irvine's extension program and completed the "Advising the College-Bound Student-Athlete" certificate and Wow Writing Workshop "College Essay Experience."

​

Ellen's passion to help others, background in analytical reasoning, and knowledge of admissions trends from attending conferences and visiting numerous colleges, have allowed her to strategically and successfully assist hundreds of students over the past ten years. As a single parent and mother of two recruited athletes, her knowledge of the athletic recruiting and financial aid processes is also helpful to her families. She enjoys working with motivated students from public and private high schools in Southern California.

Specialty Areas

Students Enrolled