Wendy Kimpel
Wendy Kimpel is a dedicated College and Career Coordinator with over 20 years of experience guiding students and their families through the complexities of college planning, admissions, and financial aid. She currently serves in this role at St. Mary’s High School in Lancaster, New York, while also teaching as an adjunct graduate-level instructor at Niagara University. Wendy is passionate about tailoring guidance to each student’s unique needs, helping them navigate course selection, college applications, scholarship opportunities, and financial aid with confidence and clarity. In addition to her school-based work, Wendy is the founder of College Planning A to Z, a private educational consulting practice that provides comprehensive college planning services from start to finish. Through this venture, she empowers families to make informed decisions and ensures that students are prepared to pursue higher education opportunities that align with their goals and aspirations. Her approach emphasizes authenticity, advocacy, and maintaining healthy boundaries between professional responsibility and personal well-being. Wendy earned her Master of Science in Educational Counseling from Canisius College and a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Nazareth University. She is an active member of the New York State School Counselor Association, serving on its Marketing and Public Relations Committee, and is a member of the American School Counselor Association. In 2025, she was recognized by the New York State School Counselor Association and, alongside colleagues, received the National Leadership Grant Award for her contributions to the field of school counseling.
In her freetime, Wendy enjoys reading, gardening, spending time with her family, friends, and animals, as well as competing in endurance athletic events (2025 Ironman Triathlon Finisher).
• NYS Permanently Certified Educational Counselor
• Canisius University - MS
• National Leadership Grant Award
• New York State School Counselor Association
• Ride for Roswell, Alden Coalotion for Substance Abuse Prevention Spooktakular Event, Food Link Fitness Challenge, Set Construction; Frozen the Musical
What do you attribute your success to?
Defining success is differnt for everyone. Personal beliefs, goals, and the community you surround yourself with help influence that perception. For me, my success is defined as showing up every day, giving it 100%, and ending the day knowing I did all I could.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I ever received was to continue to ask the question why.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to be authentic and trust yourself. Speak your truth, ask questions, and never stop learning. Prioritize self-care and establish clear boundaries so that you can show up fully and be at your best for the children you serve.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge is the every changing needs of students with resources that aren't necessarily keeping up withthe demands.
The biggest opportunites are found in having the opportunity to have an impact on a student or family, joining counselor organizations to advocate for change, and helping the school as an organization understand the needs of the students in attendance.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Most important to me is balance in work and personal life. I watched a video online of a speaker talking about this and the message hit home. It's not about balaning them per say, more so of beingpresent in each without much interfernce form the other. Basically, 100% at work, leave work at work, then 100% at home. It resonated with me and it has allowed me to reshape my boundaries and really be present in both places at the appropriate and defined times.