Jill Rickel has been working with clients with learning, social, and psychological difficulties since 1985. Having visited over 500 programs, schools and colleges, Jill’s extensive knowledge helps families find the most appropriate therapeutic and educational settings for their child, adolescent, or young adult. She has proudly assisted thousands of families to uncover the root of their child’s difficulties and discover the many options available to meet his or her needs.

Jill graduated from Nova Southeastern University with a master’s degree in counseling psychology and from the University of Miami, Phi Beta Kappa, summa cum laude, with a Bachelor of Arts in psychology. She began her career as a mental health counselor before becoming a private graduate school tutor, and subsequently spending eight years gaining program experience as the National Director of Admissions for a private-pay residential program. Jill founded Academic Options in 2006 and renamed it AO Therapeutic Consulting in 2020. For the first eleven years of AO, she also served families as an independent college counselor. Today, Jill works exclusively with clients in need of therapeutic placement or specialized school environments. Jill has attained the highest level of competence in her field by meeting the stringent requirements to become a Certified Educational Planner (CEP).

Jill is a professional member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA), National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs (NATSAP), Therapeutic Consulting Association (TCA), Young Adult Transition Association (YATA), and American Institute of Certified Educational Planners (AICEP).