The Haven Group

Who We Are

Experienced consultants providing steady educational support for students and their caregivers.

Our Story

At Haven Group, we understand that educational journeys can be joyful and formative, but they can also bring unexpected personal and academic challenges. Preparing for college asks students to overcome obstacles and build new skills, often while managing considerable stress.

Once admitted, the terrain changes again, as students face unfamiliar academic expectations, distant support structures, and campus systems that can be hard to interpret. Caregivers who wish to be supportive often find themselves trying to assist from afar, and without knowing which office, resource, or next step will help most.

That is where The Haven Group comes in. Our consultants are experts in educational settings and provide highly tailored, concierge-style support that empowers students and caregivers with the resources and skills they need to build resilience and confidence through graduation and beyond.

Consultants

Experienced Guides for Complex Educational Journeys

Shannon Farrand-Bernardin — Founder & Director

Shannon Farrand-Bernardin

Founder & Director

Shannon is the founder and director of The Haven Group, and a graduate of Columbia University and New York University. She has over a decade of experience supporting young adults through their higher education journeys, most recently at Amherst College, and previously at Carleton College and Smith College. Shannon assists clients in navigating the complexity of college systems, evaluating college fit given each student's unique support needs, identifying and accessing college resources, teaching self-advocacy skills, creating educational and organizational plans, and consulting on pauses from or returns to college. Shannon is also skilled at assisting students in navigating experiences of testing and sport performance anxiety. Her clients describe Shannon as knowledgeable, warm, empathetic, and insightful.

Lisa Jaffe — Educational Consultant & Executive Function Coach

Lisa Jaffe

Educational Consultant & Executive Function Coach

Lisa is a graduate of Drake University and Smith College. She empowers high school and college students to master the behind-the-scenes skills of success. As an educational consultant and executive function coach, Lisa provides a steady hand for students navigating complex educational transitions. By blending practical strategy with a warm, person-centered approach, Lisa helps clients bridge the gaps between their potential and their daily performance, moving from overwhelmed to empowered.

The First Step Is a Conversation

Tell us where your student is on the journey. We will help you clarify support needs, think through the right resources, and decide on thoughtful next steps.

Start the Conversation