Bio
Beth Heller Gelles is the co-founder of Acceptance Ahead, a college advising practice based in Westchester, New York. Over the past fourteen years, she has guided nearly 500 families through the admissions process and visited more than 160 college campuses — in all kinds of weather and footwear.
She wrote Crazy for College after watching how quickly smart, loving parents begin to panic once the word college enters the room. Her work keeps the focus where it belongs: on the kid, not the application.
Beth presents and leads conversations for schools, libraries, synagogues, and community organizations across the country. Her talks draw from real stories and focus on lowering the temperature around admissions while protecting the parent–teen relationship.
In addition to her private work, she provides pro bono college counseling for organizations including Yonkers Partners in Education (YPIE) and Grand Street Settlement, supporting students from under-resourced communities.
Beth is a graduate of Harvard College and Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management. She serves on the Board of Trustees of Harvard Hillel.
She is also the proud parent of three children who made it through the process with minimal tears — and who have (mostly) forgiven her for briefly turning everyday family moments into potential college essay material.
She lives in Westchester, New York, with her husband and is grateful that college conversations are now mostly optional.
