The mission of College Sage is to help fuel student passions into rewarding high school experiences and best-fit college placements. 

Because it’s cool to go to your dream school.

Susan R. Leadem, Founder and Consultant

Susan R. Leadem is Founder and President of The College Sage.  Susan discovered her passion for the college consulting business through a circuitous route of investment banking, volunteering in education, advising colleges and corporations, and parenting.

Susan’s career began as a financial analyst. Lured to London in 1994 to build a European financial institutions research business for Goldman Sachs, she became a Managing Director, the first female to earn that title outside of the United States. As a top industry analyst, her views were cited in periodicals, annual reports and broadcasts around the globe for nearly two decades.

After relocating to Charleston, Susan applied her analytical strengths to her passion for education.  She has served on the Finance Committee of the Charleston County School District Board, the CCSD Strategic Vision Team, the Charleston Educational Excellence Financing Corporation, the Academic Magnet Foundation with past roles on the boards of Charleston Day School, the Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry, and The Charleston Concert Association.

Susan is actively involved in her own alma mater, Wake Forest University, where she served on the Calloway Board of Visitors, The College Board of Visitors, and as advisor to the Center for Innovation, Creativity and Entrepreneurship.

When she isn’t busy helping students realize their college dreams, you can find Susan walking downtown with her husband, visiting college campuses worldwide, or visiting her own four graduates across the country.

Research is my passion

Today’s college investment requires serious research and analysis.

Finance is my background

BEWARE - financial aid can be a four letter word - DEBT.

Organization and efficiency are my strengths  

Knowledge is the piling up of facts; wisdom lies in their simplification.

Education is my every day sphere

I have been advising schools in Charleston and the Southeast for over a decade.

I’ve got kids; I get it

Your student can learn from following their dreams.

The goal is helping students excel in life 

The resume is the by-product, not the means.

My parents taught me right

I offer pro bono services to a student with financial need for every paying client.

Sheila McGrory, Consultant

Sheila McGrory has enjoyed a long career in education, teaching English at Phillips Academy, Middlebury College, and the University of Vermont, and most recently at The Madeira School. At Madeira, she also served as a Class Dean, Lead Advisor, and College Counseling Associate. In all of these roles, she guided students to achieve their personal best in pursuit of their dreams.

In addition to her expertise in education, Sheila is deeply experienced in communications as a writer and editor for national and global organizations. She used her analytical and creative strengths to help organizations tell their story by crafting narratives for diverse stakeholders.

A graduate of Wake Forest University (BA in English and French) and The College of William and Mary (MA in English), Sheila lives in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia with her husband Ed and their rambunctious Westie. She enjoys exploring the DC area and beyond with Ed and their four grown daughters. In her spare time, you can find Sheila on her Yoga mat or reading a novel. The College Sage is delighted to welcome Sheila to the team.

Empowering young people is my passion

What inspires me is helping young people believe in themselves and shape their future.

Education and writing are my background

Navigating this complex process can be overwhelming; an experienced guide makes it less stressful.

Research and organization are my strengths  

With so much information available, it’s what we do with it that matters.

Support with accountability is my philosophy

I provide support that leads to a feeling of agency; control what you can and then trust the process

I’m a parent; I get it

Your student is not their resume; colleges want to know who they are as an individual.

The goal is helping students achieve their full potential  

The college search process is key to ensuring your student has the opportunities to grow and succeed.

I believe in giving back

I offer pro bono services when there is financial need by a paying client.