Robyn Spoon

I’m a researcher, educator, and consultant focused on helping young people thrive—particularly during the pivotal transitions from high school through college and into young adulthood. My work is rooted in educational psychology, with a special emphasis on gifted education, adolescent development, and the systems that support meaningful learning and growth.

I hold a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology from Ball State University, where I specialized in the psychology of gifted students. My academic background also includes an M.A. in Executive Development for Public Service, a certificate in College Counseling from UCLA Extension, and a B.S. in Elementary Education with a cognate in science education from Indiana University.

For over 15 years, I’ve worked with students and families as a certified MBTI® Master Practitioner and Strong Interest Inventory® interpreter—guiding young people in discovering their strengths, interests, and possible pathways for the future. Helping students clarify their sense of purpose and direction is one of the most meaningful parts of my work.

Throughout my career, I’ve served as a university instructor, research consultant, and independent education consultant. My research has explored topics such as creative problem-solving, motivation, equity in gifted education, and collaboration between parents and teachers of twice-exceptional students. I’ve presented nationally and published in journals including Thinking Skills and Creativity, Journal for the Education of the Gifted, and Phi Delta Kappan.

I’m also deeply engaged in curriculum development, leadership training, and mentoring—especially in programs that elevate student voice, innovation, and inclusion. Across all of my roles, I aim to improve educational systems and empower young people to pursue their goals with clarity, agency, and confidence.

Dana Partin

Dana graduated from Clemson University with a BA in Psychology and continued her education obtaining a Master of Education in School Counseling. During her 16-year school counseling career, Dana pursued and achieved National Board Certification, qualifying her as “a provider of the highest standards of practice for schools and students” having met stringent education, examination, supervision, experience, and ethical requirements in school counseling. She also furthered her education by completing coursework through Butler University, earning the Licensed Mental Health Certification.

Dana has always had a passion for college and career planning and earned the HEART Award from the South Carolina Department of Higher Education for excellent programming. As Dana enjoys environments that require problem solving and innovation, her school counseling career was chocked full of diverse experiences working with young people and adults in professional capacities of guidance, collaboration, and leadership.

Since transitioning to Independent Education Consulting (IEC), Dana has assisted hundreds of students develop healthy achievement, ensuring a highly individualized approach. Dana’s clients have discovered college majors and career pathways and successfully gained acceptance to a wide range of post secondary institutions spanning technical programs, public and private colleges, military academies, and Ivy League universities. Interested in community involvement, especially as it pertains to our youth, Dana is a Columbus North Bull Dog Booster Club board member and has been a contributor to the Columbus Young Professionals group. Married with 2 daughters and 2 dogs, Dana enjoys playing pickleball, kayaking, and attending sports events, is curious, inquisitive, and values life-long learning, actually enjoys the immense and ongoing professional development associated with her career, and especially loves creating relationships with and spending time with others.