Karen has a certificate in Independent Educational Consulting from UC Irvine. She is a professional member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA), and a member of the Higher Education Consultants Association (HECA) and the National Association of College Admission Counseling (NACAC). She enjoys staying current with the ever-changing college landscape through involvement in these professional associations, engaging with college admissions counselors, and visiting a wide variety of campuses.
See what we're all about
UniVarsity works with students throughout the entire admissions journey to find a college match. We work one-on-one with our clients to develop a list of schools and direct the application process. Our goal is to match students with schools that are a great fit in all areas, including academic, athletic, social, location, size, and financial.
At UniVarsity, we strongly believe that every student and family situation is unique, so we customize our approach to create a positive and productive experience for each client. We help students create a strategy for standardized testing, develop meaningful extracurricular activities, plan their high school curriculum, manage the timeline for college applications, and provide essay brainstorming and guidance. We also help athletes identify colleges that fit their academic and athletic criteria and communicate with coaches. If the whole process seems intimidating and stressful, let us help you make it fun!
Our team
Karen Leonard
President, UniVarsity
Hayley Thompson
Student Liaison & Application Specialist
Hayley proudly calls herself a “Cheerleader for Education” because helping students pursue an education that fits their goals and personalities is incredibly rewarding for her. As an Application Specialist, Hayley works closely with students to help them discover their goals and interests. Her experience and friendly personality help create an environment that is both productive and enjoyable.
Nicole Gracie
Original Founder, Retired
Nicole, a former NCAA Division I gymnast at UC Berkeley, founded UniVarsity in 2010 after a career in consultative sales and marketing. She retired in 2022 and now lives in Long Beach with her husband. Their daughter, an Amherst College graduate and All-American Scholar in women’s golf, has recently completed a PhD in Economics at Harvard.
