Who We Are
ForWord Consulting LLC is a small company of independent college admissions counselors and educational consultants in the DC metro area. We specialize in Northern Virginia, Maryland, Washington, DC, and private schools. Cathy Ganley, MA, Owner and Senior College Counselor, member IECA and NACAC, has a background steeped in higher education. She understands the admissions process and hand holds each client through it, from choosing colleges, creating a working resume, preparing for the SATs/ACTs, completing applications, understanding financial aid, and applying for scholarships. Cathy grew up in Arlington County, attended O'Connell High School, and raised her own three children in Fairfax County (TJ and McLean High Schools), which means she's got some serious insight into what's happening and why. Many call Cathy the "teen whisperer" because she understands how teens think and what they need for motivation. Cathy thinks that it's because she's tired of talking loudly to get her own children to listen but she's grateful for the praise nonetheless. Dr. Jay Bass, Senior College Counselor, brings a wealth of experience, knowledge and success to ForWord Consulting in assisting secondary school families and their students. In addition to a rewarding career in Fairfax County and Montgomery County Schools as a teacher, trainer, counselor and Director of Student Services, Dr. Bass has been assisting students with their college admissions process for over twenty years. Dr. Bass has delivered seminars nationally to eductional staff and parents on topics ranging from risk, violence, and substance abuse prevention; to bullying, effective parenting and school staff collaboration. Dr. Bass resides in Falls Church and is the proud parent of three happily launched adult children. Coach Robert Bean, Senior College Counselor and Executive Function Coach Robert Bean, MA & NACAC, has been working with teenagers for more than 20 years as a teacher, counselor, basketball coach, and executive function coach. He is a certified teacher and holds a master’s degree in School Counseling. During 14 years as a counselor in public high schools, Coach Bean provided comprehensive support to more than 900 students and their families in the process of choosing and applying to colleges. Through contacts with college admissions officers, he’s gained insight into the many variables that colleges consider when choosing incoming first-year students. Coach Bean applies coaching technique to the application process to help students improve their self awareness, time management, and their ability to multi-task. Robert lives in Chevy Chase, MD and he has his hands full with one teenager and pre-teen of his own. |
What We Do
Where We Work
We serve all areas of the Washington, DC metropolitan region using Zoom as well as occasional in-person meetings.
We have worked with students from McLean, Oakton, Langley, Thomas Jefferson, Falls Church, Yorktown, H-B, W-L, Sidwell Friends, Holy Child, Bullis, Landon, Oakcrest, O'Connell, Gonzaga, The Heights, Visitation, Herndon, Annandale, Madison. Essentially, if you attend any school between the Potomac and Sterling, we have experience helping. |
What We Stand For

We proudly support all students without regard to race, religion, sexual orientation, belief, residency status, politics.