Who we are
Gretchen Uhlinger – President / College Planning Specialist
Education
Graduate studies: Education, Oakland University
Undergraduate studies: Education, Central Michigan University
Memberships & Certifications
Independent Educational Consultants Association – Professional Member
Association Montessori Internationale Certification, Midwest Montessori Institute
Biography
Gretchen has been building brighter futures for over 40 years. Education, human development and academic consulting have consistently been at the center of her professional life.
After instructing middle and high school students through her English, speech and drama classes, Gretchen worked in admissions at the prestigious Interlochen Arts Academy. As the Founding Head of School at The Montessori Children's House in Traverse City, Michigan, Gretchen's work led to the development of a campus designed to support the Montessori vision of education. The belief that, when supported, every child's unique capabilities will lead to a fulfilling life and a better world, inspired her to start Pinpoint in 2010 and continues to fuel her work with college-bound students today.
She is committed to helping each of her students through a personalized, focused and well-organized plan. Her optimism is contagious and with successful college placements from Columbia University in New York, to the University of New Brunswick in Canada, to the University of Santa Clara in California, Gretchen's dedication and passion is proven in her results.
Gretchen is also a professional member of Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA), the nation's foremost professional organization for educational placement advisors working in private practice.
Emily Modrall, PhD – Pinpoint Advisor
Education
Doctoral studies: Ph.D., Art and Archaeology of the Mediterranean World, University of Pennsylvania
Graduate studies: M.Phil., Classics, University of Cambridge, Trinity Hall
Undergraduate studies: B.A., Archaeology, University of Michigan
Biography
Emily knows, first-hand, the benefit of prepping for higher education. Her early planning helped carry her beyond the undergraduate level – and across the world and back – to earn her Masters and Doctoral degrees. She holds several academic research fellowships in archaeology and is the recipient of numerous academic honors and awards. Emily has extensive experience working with international students and her prior dealings with several top-ranked university admissions departments have given her invaluable insight into the collegiate admission process. Utilizing her vast knowledge of college-level writing, Emily will help Pinpoint students with the organization and writing skills needed for application essays.
Jessica Modrall, MBA – Pinpoint Consultant
Education
Graduate studies: MBA, Yale School of Management
Undergraduate studies: B.A., Theatre, Emerson College
Biography
Jessica has a diverse background, from theatre school administrator to business/organization consultant. Her post-secondary experience is also expansive, having studied within a smaller, private university's arts department and then a top-ranked business school at an Ivy League university. Jessica's broad academic experience lends her a keen perspective on the options available when researching potential schools.
