Who we are
Headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, Sequoia Advisors is where guidance meets excellence. With over 25 years of experience, we partner with students, families, and schools to provide one-on-one college advising, educational diagnostic testing, and high-impact presentations that strengthen college readiness and outcomes. Our mission is rooted in personalized support, ethical practices, and a steadfast commitment to helping students achieve their academic and personal goals.
At Sequoia Advisors, we believe every student’s path is unique. Our team of seasoned professionals, including former college admissions officers and educational diagnosticians, delivers tailored support to help students build strong academic profiles, clarify goals, and identify best-fit colleges. When learning challenges may be affecting performance, our educational testing helps pinpoint strengths and needs, informing practical recommendations for families and schools.
From early academic planning to essay development and application review, our services are designed to make the process clear, strategic, and manageable. We also collaborate with high schools to deliver workshops and presentations for students and families on key topics such as course planning, application strategy, financial aid basics, and timelines, equipping communities with the knowledge to navigate admissions with confidence.
Explore how we can partner with your family or school to turn aspirations into achievements. At Sequoia Advisors, we are not just preparing students for college; we are preparing them for life.
Why Choose Sequoia?
We are not just another advising company. We are professional, thoughtful, and refreshingly real. Our team includes former university admissions officers who have reviewed thousands of applications, experienced educators, former college counseling directors, and skilled essay specialists who help students find their voice and present their story with clarity and strength. We also offer educational diagnostic testing to help families understand their child’s learning profile, identify strengths and areas of need, and, when appropriate, support the diagnostic process so students can access the right strategies, supports, and accommodations for long term success.
At Sequoia, we pride ourselves on providing a personalized, student-centered approach that goes far beyond the standard advising experience. Our team’s collective expertise ensures that every student receives tailored guidance rooted in deep knowledge of the admissions process and the real challenges students and families face along the way. From building a smart college list and strengthening a student’s academic and extracurricular profile to crafting compelling essays and managing complex application requirements, we support students at every step.
“Sequoia Advisors helped change the trajectory of my child’s future.”
Meet the CEO
Sequoia Advisors is led by Dr. Johnathan Harris, a nationally recognized educator, leader, and scholar with over 25 years of experience across K–12 and higher education in teaching, advising, leadership, and policy work.
Dr. Harris is a seasoned educational diagnostician with expertise in language-based disabilities, specific learning disabilities, and ADHD. He is a licensed educational diagnostician and holds a post-graduate professional license issued through the Board of Education. He has conducted over 500 educational evaluations and provides clear, detailed reports that parents consistently find helpful for making decisions.
In addition, Dr. Harris has supported over 250 families through the college search process and is a regular college admissions presenter in high schools. He currently serves as president of the board of trustees at Lynnhaven School, is a published scholar in the Journal of Transformative Learning, and is an adjunct assistant professor at the University of Richmond. He founded Sequoia Advisors to help families move forward with confidence and clarity.
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Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership and Organizational Innovation from Marymount University
Assistant Professor at the University of Richmond’s School of Professional and Continuing Studies
Published in The Journal of Transformative Education
Post Graduation Professional Teaching License from the Virginia Department of Education
Founder and Board Trustee of The Lynnhaven School
Named Style Weekly Magazine’s Top 40 Under 40 for the Class of 2016
Recognized in the National Association of Independent Schools Magazine (NAIS) for Innovative Leadership
University of Virginia
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Yale University
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The College of William & Mary
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Rochester Institute of Technology
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Georgia Tech University
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Ohio University
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Howard University
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Texas A&M
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University of Georgia
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UCLA
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University of Richmond
University of Virginia ⋆ Yale University ⋆ The College of William & Mary ⋆ Rochester Institute of Technology ⋆ Georgia Tech University ⋆ Ohio University ⋆ Howard University ⋆ Texas A&M ⋆ University of Georgia ⋆ UCLA ⋆ University of Richmond
