Dr. Marta Beede, Ed.D.

Marta Beede, Ed.D. is the Founder and Director of Thrive Educational Advising Group. Dr. Beede brings expertise from both higher education and K-12 environments. She has worked with students and colleges and universities in various roles, and has distinguished herself by bringing a strength-based approach to her work with students. Prior to launching THRIVE, Marta served in higher education and independent school leadership in Vermont and New York City, and has also worked in higher education, student advising, and admissions.

Marta has worked with students with a variety of learning profiles and is passionate about understanding each student’s strengths and assisting them in developing an understanding of themselves as a learner, while assisting them in achieving their educational goals and aspirations.

Marta has also provided leadership to institutional leaders and student service and admissions teams from leading institutions across the US and Canada. Working closely with multiple independent schools, colleges and universities, and admissions teams has provided her with the unique opportunity to gain an insider's view of the campus culture and programs at leading institutions across the country.  

Dr. Beede has a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Vermont, an M.S. from Northeastern University, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Vermont. She has achieved a Professional level Membership with the Independent Educational Consulting Association (IECA) which allows her to collaborate with other senior educational consultants and bring a strong network of resources and current information on K-12 and Higher Education trends to her work. In 2025, she was recognized for her leadership, professionalism, and community contributions with the IECA’s Beacon Award.

Susan Wertheimer, M.Ed.

Susan Wertheimer, M.Ed., is a partner in Thrive Educational Advising Group and focuses her practice in the area of College Advising and also serves as an Essay Specialist and Scholarship Coordinator. Susan served as Senior Associate Director of Admissions at the University of Vermont during a career spanning three decades. Throughout her career Susan had the opportunity build relationships with schools and school counselors throughout the country. Over the course of her career, Susan has reviewed thousands of college applications, read countless student essays, and has served on the University’s admissions committee, making important and challenging decisions about applicants’ fit and preparation for liberal arts and professional programs. This experience has prepared her well to assist students throughout all phases of the admissions process. Susan also draws on her extensive background reading essays and serves as an Essay Specialist at Thrive.

Susan is also serves on the Board for the Boys and Girls Club in Burlington, Vermont. Susan also serves as the Scholarship Coordinator for Thrive’s ‘Women Thriving’ Leadership Scholarship that awards promising young women with leadership potential with a scholarship to support their college education and long term goals.

Susan has achieved a Professional level Membership of the Independent Educational Consulting Association (IECA), is a member of the Higher Education Consulting Association (HECA) and has completed the certificate in School Counseling through the UCLA Extension program. Her extensive background as an Admissions insider and in a college advising role allows her to bring a strong familiarity with the admissions process, essay writing, and an admissions lens to the process.

Student Interns