Allen Koh
Founder & CEO
Allen is a nationally recognized college admissions consultant and test prep expert who has coached hundreds of students to reach their dream colleges and private schools.
As Seen On
We Don’t Hire Advisors. We Develop Mentors.
Twenty years ago, Cardinal Education was founded on a simple but unconventional belief: that the adults working with a student matter as much as the strategy they bring. Anyone can fill out an application. What changes outcomes is the relationship between a great mentor and a student who’s genuinely known.
That belief shapes every hire we make. Our consultants aren’t generalists with a checklist. They’re specialists who’ve worked inside admissions offices, tutored across subjects, coached students through setbacks, and developed a kind of institutional knowledge you can’t buy or replicate. When you work with Cardinal Education, you work with people who’ve seen thousands of students through this process — and who still bring real attention to yours.
We’re based in the Bay Area, with offices in Burlingame and Woodside, and teams serving families in Los Angeles, New York, Seattle, and beyond. What doesn’t change across any of those locations is the standard we hold each other to.
Our Team
Meet Our Specialists
A cohesive group of experts, advisors, and mentors dedicated to unlocking your child’s full potential.
Youngha Koh
Director
Youngha leads operations and admissions consulting, ensuring that families receive bespoke, high-touch support across all academic and counseling programs.
Wendy Luo
Managing Consultant
Wendy specializes in navigating the competitive private school admissions process, helping families construct strategic plans and standout applications.
Owen Sheard
Educational Consultant
Owen provides expert academic coaching and test preparation guidance, mentoring students to build confidence and academic resilience.
Vanessa Phan
Senior Managing Consultant
Vanessa helps students clarify their personal narratives and values, guiding them through college admissions and application essays.
Daniel Sur
Managing Consultant
Daniel focuses on strategic educational advising, helping students maximize their potential and achieve key admissions outcomes.
Fredy Gutierrez
Senior Educational Consultant
Fredy provides high-impact academic advising, mentoring students to build key intellectual habits and admissions readiness.
Our Standards
What Makes a Cardinal Education Consultant Different?
We maintain the highest hiring and training standards in the industry to ensure your child receives exceptional mentorship.
Unmatched Selectiveness
We hire only 1% of applicants. Our rigorous process filters for academic pedigree, high emotional intelligence, and a natural ability to connect with students.
Rigorous Screening
We conduct extensive multi-tier background checks on all employees. Your family’s safety, trust, and peace of mind are our absolute priorities.
Intensive Training
Our consultants undergo hundreds of hours of proprietary training in child psychology, executive function coaching, and school-specific admissions strategies.
Dedicated Employees
Unlike other agencies that rely on part-time contractors, we hire full-time dedicated employees. This means constant availability and total investment in your child’s success.
Our Coverage
Specialists Across Every Stage
From early childhood to university level, we have specialized consultants who understand the unique milestones of each academic milestone.
Early Childhood & Elementary
Building foundational academic habits, confidence, and cognitive development. We help young learners discover the joy of discovery and build executive function skills early.
Middle School
Navigating transition years, independent study skills, and private school admissions. We focus on developing self-efficacy, accountability, and strong student profiles.
High School & College
College positioning, application strategy, standardized testing, and essay coaching. We support teens in defining their interests, building leadership, and achieving top admissions outcomes.
Questions About Our Team
How are consultants matched with each student?
Matching is a deliberate process based on academic interests, personality alignment, and the student’s specific goals. We ensure your child is paired with a consultant who can connect with them authentically, motivate them effectively, and provide targeted expertise in their areas of interest.
Are all consultants full-time employees?
Yes. Unlike many other educational consulting agencies that rely on part-time contractors, all of our consultants are full-time employees. This ensures they have full availability, dedicate their undivided attention to your family, and undergo ongoing professional development.
Do you offer a team-based consulting model?
Yes. Every family is supported by a dedicated team of specialists led by a managing consultant. This model allows us to combine broad academic strategy, specialized test preparation, and essay coaching, all overseen by the leadership of our Director and CEO.
How often do consultants communicate with parents?
We maintain high-touch communication with parents. You will receive detailed progress updates after session milestones, regular check-in calls, and alignment meetings to ensure the strategy is executed smoothly and transparently.
Ready to Meet Your Consultant?
Schedule a consultation with our team to discuss your child’s academic goals and learn how we can help them succeed.