Amy Duncan Kirkfield, M.A.
Amy is a passionate advocate for education who believes deeply in the infinite potential of young people. With over two decades of experience in education, counseling, writing, and college admissions, Amy brings a unique blend of academic expertise, real-world insight, and genuine care to guide students toward their brightest futures.
Amy’s educational journey reflects her commitment to understanding how young minds grow and develop. A graduate of a New England prep school, she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Colby College and her Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Boston College, providing her with deep insight into adolescent development and decision-making. Recognizing the specialized nature of college consulting, she further pursued a Certificate in College Counseling from the University of California, Berkeley, ensuring she stays current with the ever-evolving landscape of higher education.
Amy’s diverse professional background gives her a unique perspective on the college admissions process. Her early career spanned marketing research and advertising at Reebok, alumni/ae development at St. Mark’s School in Massachusetts, and educational television production in Los Angeles. During her time as a guidance counselor at an urban high school outside Boston, she discovered her gift for building trust with students through small-group sessions and one-on-one guidance.
Her unique perspective was further enriched by her experience as an Admissions Reader for the University of Colorado, Boulder, where she gained invaluable insight into what admissions officers truly seek in applicants. This insider knowledge, combined with her counseling, writing, and editing background, allows her to help students present their most authentic and compelling selves.
As an Independent Educational Consultant (IEC), Amy runs Elevate College Consulting in partnership with her colleagues at Antonoff Associates. This collaboration, spanning over twenty years with Dr. Antonoff, combines Amy’s personalized approach with access to extensive resources, research, and expertise. She has visited more than fifty colleges in a dozen states (and counting!). Her meticulous attention to detail and passion for accuracy ensure that every student receives thoroughly researched guidance and has the tools to submit strong applications to their “best-fit” colleges.
Amy is an associate member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA), as well as a member of both College Consultants of Colorado (CCC) and Rocky Mountain Association for College Admissions Counseling (RMACAC). These affiliations reflect her commitment to staying current with best practices and maintaining the highest professional standards.
Having raised boy/girl twins in Boulder, Colorado, Amy understands firsthand the hopes, fears, and dreams that families experience during the college search process. Her personal journey as a parent, combined with her professional expertise, creates a foundation of empathy and understanding that resonates with both students and families.
When she’s not helping students reach new heights, Amy can be found cheering for the Colorado Avalanche, capturing moments in time through photography, traveling, playing piano, and researching her family history, all under the direct supervision of her two mischievous cats, Zuzu and Frito.
Amy’s unique combination of professional training in psychology, hands-on experience in both high school counseling and college admissions, and genuine belief in every student’s potential creates an environment of trust and self-discovery. When you work with Amy, you’re not just getting a consultant, you’re gaining a trusted advocate who will celebrate every milestone and help your family navigate this pivotal transition with confidence, clarity, and excitement for what the future holds.