Moving from confusion about the future to clarity and confidence about next steps...

Can you imagine a better feeling?

The anxiety about adult life that many young people experience today is not a natural part of growing up!

It is, instead, the result of our failure as a society tooffer young people the tools necessary to discover the point where their interests and aptitudes meet the needs of the world. 

Just like we broke it, we can fix it! 

I created Circles: Group Career & College Counseling to help young people move from confusion to clarity about their professional future. With a vision in place, it becomes finally possible to design the exact next steps to turn this future into reality. 

If you are ready to clarify your direction and get excited about what is next, you are in the right place!

If you are

• a student in grades 7 through 12

  or

• a young adult already at university or working

If you are

• a parent concerned about what is next for your child

  or

• another supportive adult who wants to give a young person the gift of direction

Who is Dr. Júlia Kirst?

• Adolescent development and psychology specialist with a Master's degree (EdM) from Harvard University; applied cultural anthropologist with a PhD from Brandeis University.

• Career Counselor and Independent Educational Counsultant (IEC) with experience in private practice and as an International College Counselor at the Blue Valley School in Costa Rica.

• Extensive experience teaching young people in high schools and universities in the United States, Brazil, and Costa Rica.

• Expert in the delicate work of mentoring youth and their families through a rocky season of life with far-reaching consequences for everybody's future.

• Advisor to international professionals applying for study and work opportunities in the United States for the last decade; author of the book "What the United States Wants: The Essential Roadmap for International Candidates Applying for Study, Work and Visa Opportunities."

• Fully fluent in English, Portuguese and Spanish, working with clients and families in any of these three languages.

"Thank you so much for helping my son identify his skills and abilities to choose a career. I felt very distressed seeing him so confused about his choices. He has had a great change in attitude and confidence after meeting with you, Dr. Julia.

You have a great gift for helping adolescents and young adults find their passion. Your vast knowledge and respect gives them the self-confidence they so desperately need!

Thank you for making my son feel respected, comfortable, and confident. I am so appreciative of your help, patience, and willingness to help others with a sincere heart.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

Gina, mother of 20-year-old son

”Hi Ms Kirst, I just wanted to update you. I’m finally in uni, I’m getting ready for midterms and everything, but once again thank you for everything. It really is special watching the hard work pay off!"

Gabriel Q.

”Dr. Julia's mentoring was fundamental for my acceptance at the University of Massachusetts for my Bachelor's and at Harvard University for my Master's in Bioethics. When I arrived in the U.S., I barely spoke English. Julia believed in me and my vision, and guided me every step of the way."

Ausubel P. 

”I just wanted to let you know that so far I've been accepted into UF, U Calgary and Navarra. Thank you for all your help. :)!"

Maria P. 

”You're THE BEST! I'm incredibly grateful for everything you have done to guide me through this college world and beyond!"

Maximiliano N.

”Thank you, miss, for always helping us when we were lost!"

Agustin N.

"Working with Julia transformed my application process. She helped me not only write beautiful texts but also believe in my own story!" 

João FRVA. 

”I'm happy to report that this last Thursday I was accepted to TEC Monterrey with a 40% scholarship and today I got the KIT acceptance letter. I just wanted to thank you for all your support during this process!"

Alessandro C.