ABOUT DEC:
MISSION, LEADERSHIP, CLIENTS, ASSOCIATIONS

MISSION AND PHILOSOPHY

The DEC NETWORK mission: The Right Fit for Education & Career.

Our goal is to match your strengths and passions today with the right schools, colleges and careers for tomorrow. We believe in a lifetime of learning and our intent is to develop long lasting relationships, no matter where they begin. The foundation of our consulting style: organization, communication, enthusiasm and teamwork. We incorporate these four characteristics within all dimensions of our advisement.        

Keenly aware of the complexities related to the dynamic environment facing clients today, the DEC NETWORK emphasizes the importance of accurate data access and communication excellence. Clients benefit from the use of state of the art management information systems including an online office and wireless conference center.  To help navigate a client’s journey, The DEC NETWORK has copyrighted several carefully designed programs and related planning materials on popular topics drawing upon the leadership team’s professional experience and masters level training.

The DEC NETWORK keeps current on relevant topics by a steadfast commitment to campus visits, admissions communication, continuing education as well as active participation in several professional associations. Materials are updated on an ongoing basis. A positive attitude underscores all client activities and when relevant, a team approach is essential especially in school and college advising. Parents, counselors, teachers, peers, coaches,  and mentors may play a role in the client's journey, some more than others.

Hundreds of clients have benefited directly from the consulting services of the DEC NETWORK team.

LEADERSHIP TEAM

Deborah B. Davis, College, Graduate, Career Advisement

For over 30 years, Debbie Davis has served individuals, families, schools, communities, and corporations in various professional capacities. Debbie's formal education and business experience has led to numerous leadership positions in both profit and non-profit organizations. A life-long proponent of learning, Debbie formed the DEC NETWORK® as a response to what she saw as the best approach to prepare students young and old for future direction. Debbie holds a Bachelors Degree from St. Lawrence University and a Masters in Business Administration/ Concentration in Organizational Behavior from the Lubin School of Business at Pace University. She attended both the Harvard Summer Institute on College Admissions and the IECA Summer Training Institute on Educational Consulting Practices and Principles. She is a Professional Member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA), National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), New England Association for College Admission Counseling (NEACAC), and Higher Education Consultants Association (HECA). Debbie is a frequent invited presenter at local, state and national venues, and has been featured in numerous media outlets. She is a former loan officer with Manufacturers Hanover Trust/JP Morgan in NYC and has served as President, National Charity League (NCL) and Co-President, Ridgefield High School PTSA. As an extensive community volunteer, Debbie has worked with A Better Chance of Ridgefield (RABC), Special Olympics, American Red Cross, New Pond Farm Education Programs, American Cancer Society, and Keeler Tavern Museum. Debbie is a board member of RABC and currently serves on IECA’s Finance Committee. A parent of two college graduates, she has lived in Ridgefield over twenty years with her husband, Grant.

John Gray, Independent Schools/ Boarding Schools Advisement

For over 25 years, John Gray has worked in education as a teacher, administrator, athletic coach and educational consultant. John holds a Bachelors Degree in Education from the University of Vermont and a Masters Degree in Education/Policy, Planning and Administration from Boston University. Early in his career, John taught social studies and geography in a Boston-area independent day and boarding school. John also coached numerous teams and ran a dormitory with his wife and daughters for seven years. As an administrator, John has served as a Director of Admissions and Financial Aid, Dean of Enrollment and Director of Secondary School Placement where he has successfully placed students in more than 100 day and boarding schools locally, nationally and internationally. John is a Member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA), Secondary School Admission Test (SSAT) and Educational Records Bureau (ISEE). John was a founding member of the Junior Boarding Schools Association and former member of the Advisory Board of the International Coalition of Boys Schools. He is often an invited speaker at The Association of Boarding Schools' annual training workshop for new admissions officers, and he works closely with several large Boston based companies to place the children of re-locating employees in area independent schools. Recently, John joined the Corporation of Tenacre Country Day School.

CLIENTS AND FAMILIES

Students searching for education or career guidance come to the DEC NETWORK from both public and private schools. As part of the Millennial Generation, these students are focused, active, technically savvy, innovative, global and diverse. They represent a wide range of academic capabilities and talents. Many are focused on traditional college planning while others look at Gap, post graduate (PG), transfer, internship, summer enrichment and career opportunities.

For both school and college bound students, the DEC NETWORK believes that parents play a critical role on their student's planning team. Parents know their children best. Debbie Davis and colleague, John Gray work closely with parents to keep them informed, to coach them on how to maintain a healthy relationship, and to advise them on how they can best support their students in finding the "right fit".

Adults in transition seeking education or career advisement  benefit from The DEC NETWORK's extensive knowledge on programs, online resources, assessment testing, interview skills, cover letters, resume, dress for success, professional and social media, business plans and more. Debbie Davis is a certified practitioner of the Myers Briggs Type Instrument, Step I and II.  
 

ASSOCIATIONS

Independent Educational Consultants Association	Higher Education Consultants Association	National Association for College Admission Counseling	New England Association for College Admission Counseling