Our Founders

Owner/Director

Kristen Solo

Kristen Solo initially began her career in the field of public relations.  Kristen realized her passion for writing and working with others would be better served within the walls of the classroom.  She returned to college to further her education and received a teaching credential.  Kristen taught at Poway High School demonstrating strong leadership skills through her development and involvement in school programs and curriculum design. 

In 2004 she co-founded College Bound Consulting.  Kristen realized her true passion was helping students and parents navigate through the complex college application process: “I have worked with most of my students since their sophomore year, and I absolutely love helping students discover their individual strengths, talents, and passions.”  This includes supporting students with their high school curriculum, resume components, and college/career interests.

Owner/Director

Debra Surber

Debra has owned and ran College Bound Consulting with Kristen Solo since 2004, assisting students to attain their academic and collegiate aspirations.  She has been a Painted Rock PTA board member for the last five years, and a Painted Rock Foundation member for the last two years.  She heads Finish Chelsea's Run and National Walk to School Day at Painted Rock.  She loves supporting her 10-yr old and 14-yr old children in their extracurricular activities.

Surber’s employment experience includes public relations work for Nissan North America and Volunteer Center for Greater Orange County. Debra worked at Poway High School for five years as an English teacher where she played an integral part in the leadership programs such as serving on the focus team that trained teachers on critical student success skills, co-facilitating Campus Beautification and acting as a writing proficiency table leader. Additionally, she pioneered a cross-curricular instructional model that linked English and world history and co-coordinated the A.V.I.D. (Advancement Via Individual Determination) program for two years. She received the prestigious 2003-2004 PHS Teacher of Year award and achieved the student-selected award as the 2002-2003 Poway High School Tireless Teacher.  Students selected Debra as the 2002 Crystal Apple Award recipient. She was honored for five years with the PTSA’s Recognition Night award where students or teachers acknowledge one’s efforts. Most recently, in 2017, she was presented with the PTA Honorary Service award for donating over 300 hours annually.

Educational Consultants

Niki Boyer

Niki Boyer is a graduate of California State University Long Beach with a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice.  Niki was a member of the ROTC program at Loyola Marymount University during her four years of undergraduate work and then was commissioned as an officer in the United States Air Force.  While on Active Duty, Niki pursued a Masters of Arts in both Human Resources Development and Human Resources Management.  Niki worked as the General’s Aide, planning and managing base wide events hosting 3 Star Generals and above.  Niki knows what a great opportunity the military can offer students going into college and can afford first-hand experience on when that opportunity is the right one for your son or daughter.

Niki serves on the Midland Educational Foundation board where she chairs the school's largest fundraising event, the annual auction.   In this role she furthers her commitment to strong relationships and community support of PUSD students.  

Niki is a mother of three children going through the public schools of PUSD and is an active participant in all three of her children’s extra curricular activities within the community.  Niki has worked for College Bound Consulting since 2010 and enjoys working with and alongside students in the classroom. It is her pleasure to have the opportunity to help students work toward their own goals, seen and unseen, as they move toward a bright and successful future in school and in the world.

Kasey Wingate

Kasey served as president of her local Kappa Delta Pi honor society chapter and coached the junior varsity soccer team and the middle school softball team in upstate New York. Kasey played several sports and now plays on adult leagues, and has taught English at the middle school and high school levels at both public and charter schools.  

Kasey is currently the principal for Compass Charter Schools (CCS) of San Diego whereby she has had the privilege of serving the charter community for 7 school years. She also developed programs to support all students, including the Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) framework for the entire population. 

Kasey is a home-owner in Imperial Beach, California and lives with her husband Kit and her pups Abby and Rupert. They love to go on adventures and go on an extreme hiking trip every summer, as well as to a tropical destination to explore and relax. Kasey has worked for College Bound Consulting since 2013 as a consultant and English tutor for the SAT/ACT. 

Education

Ithaca College
Bachelor of Arts, English

Plattsburgh State College
Master of Science, Adolescence Education

Fun Fact

• Studied abroad in the Dominican Republic in college and has been back to the Caribbean 5 times since

• Can run a mile in 5:09

Stephanie Carroll

Stephanie was inspired to become a school counselor during her own career research as a high school student. She graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in 2008 with B.S. in Psychology. While at Cal Poly, Stephanie did internships in biopsychology and social psychology, worked as a preschool teacher for a local preschool, and played the clarinet for the university’s Wind Ensemble. Her senior project involved research in conflict resolution skills and adolescents.

In 2009, Stephanie moved to San Diego where she graduated from Brandman University with a M.A. in Counseling, specializing in School Counseling. During her internships, Stephanie counseled students, analyzed standardized test scores, and put together counseling curriculum for La Mesa Middle School, La Mesa, CA. At El Capitan High School in Lakeside, she presented and aided students with Career Planning using the school program, Career Cruising.

Stephanie has been a consultant and math tutor with College Bound since November 2012. She lives in San Marcos, CA, and has three children in the San Marcos Unified School District. She serves the community as a board member of the Inland Coastal Aquatics Club, officials for San Diego Imperial Swimming, and volunteers for her daughter’s Girl Scout troop coordinating their Cookie Fundraiser. When she is not busy, Stephanie enjoys swimming, reading, and visiting family on the Central Coast.

Education

Cal Poly San Luis Obispo
Bachelor of Science, Psychology

Brandman University
Master of Arts, Counseling: School Counseling
Pupil Personal Services Credential

Fun Fact

• Member of the California All State Honor Band member playing clarinet in 2005

Jocbethem Tahapary

For nearly three decades, Jocbethem has dedicated his career to helping students find their voice, build confidence, and take the next step toward higher education with clarity and purpose. His professional journey combines three areas of expertise—school counseling, college admissions, and educational consulting, which uniquely positions him to guide students and families through every stage of the college application and admissions process.

He began my career in higher education as an Admissions Counselor at Alliant International University, then advanced to Assistant Director of Admissions at California State University San Marcos, where Jocbethem worked directly with high school students navigating the path to college. Later, as the Founding Director of the TRiO: Upward Bound Program at the University of San Diego, he developed comprehensive support systems for first-generation and underrepresented students, equipping them with the tools to access and thrive in higher education. These roles gave him an inside perspective on how colleges evaluate applicants and what makes students stand out.

Since the early 2000’s, he has served as a school counselor in Poway Unified School District, working in both middle and high schools. In this role, Jocbethem supports students academically, socially, and emotionally while also preparing them for the transition to college and career. He has also served as an external admissions reader for UC San Diego, reviewing applications and staying closely connected to current admissions standards and trends.

As a CBC consultant since 2018, he brings a wealth of experience to students and families who want more personalized guidance in the admissions process. His approach emphasizes authenticity, balance, and strategy: helping students highlight their unique strengths, craft compelling college essays, and make confident decisions about their future. Whether it’s building a strong academic foundation, creating a college list, or developing essays that resonate, Jocbethem provides expert support every step of the way.

At the heart of his work is a simple belief that, “every student deserves the opportunity to discover their path and pursue it with confidence.”

EDUCATION

Point Loma Nazarene University
Administrative Services Credential

University of San Diego
Master of Education, School Counseling
Pupil Personal Services Credential

Bachelor of Arts, International Relations

FUN FACT

• I love going to Disneyland with my wife, Julie

• I was a cheerleader and rugby player in college