IT Training
$400
Ibrahim Firat, MBA
Founder & Chief Educational Consultant
Ibrahim Firat is the founder and Chief Educational Consultant of Firat Education, a leading Houston-based firm specializing in college counseling, test preparation, and private school admissions. With nearly 20 years of experience as an Independent Educational Consultant (IEC), Ibrahim has helped thousands of families successfully navigate the educational journey—from middle school to college and beyond.
At Firat Education, he has built a personalized, relationship-driven approach that empowers students to achieve academic success, gain admission to best-fit schools, and discover their unique strengths and goals. Under his leadership, Firat Education has become a trusted name in holistic educational support, offering one-on-one college admissions guidance, customized test prep programs, and comprehensive academic coaching.
In addition to his work with families, Ibrahim brings a strong background in education and business. He has served as a Professor of Business Administration at Houston Community College, where he has taught courses in Entrepreneurship, Marketing, and Small Business Management. He also served as Lead Faculty for the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program and an Entrepreneurship Instructor at Babson College, mentoring small business owners and future leaders. He continues to support educators across the country as a Digital Faculty Consultant for McGraw Hill.
Ibrahim holds an MBA and a BA in History from the University of St. Thomas (TX) and a Certificate of Entrepreneurship from Babson College. He is a member of IECA, NACAC, TACAC, and IACAC, and recently completed his term as President of the Board of Directors for the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA), where he led initiatives to strengthen the college counseling profession.
Passionate about student success and educational access, Ibrahim is also the author of The Firat Guide for Private High School Admissions and The Firat Guide for Private School Admissions, and frequently appears on local and national media to share insights on education and college admissions.
Hannah Lichtl, B.A.
Student Success Director, Essay Coach, Associate College Consultant
Hannah is a dedicated writer and educator passionate about empowering students to embrace learning as a lifelong journey. Based in Houston, TX, she serves as a college consultant and essay specialist with Firat Education, where her journey began in 2022 as a tutor and writing specialist. Quickly recognized for her holistic, student-centered approach, Hannah advanced to Student Success Director and Associate College Consultant, opening her consulting practice with Firat in August 2023 after completing IECA’s rigorous Summer Training Institute. Her continuous engagement with professional development, including attending IECA’s annual conferences, exemplifies her commitment to growth and excellence.
Hannah’s work is rooted in a deep understanding of each student’s unique needs, particularly those of students with ADHD who benefit from tailored guidance and hands-on support. She has developed specialized programs at Firat that address ADHD support, passion project development, and holistic wellness, all designed to help students make meaningful strides in their academic work and personal lives. Her empathetic methodology prioritizes executive functioning and social-emotional learning skills, empowering students to thrive inside and outside the classroom.
With a background as a third-grade teacher, Hannah brings a nurturing perspective to her college consulting. She has guided students in crafting compelling essays that authentically reflect their journeys and helped secure admission to their top-choice colleges.
A lifelong learner and storyteller at heart, Hannah brings these qualities to each session, guiding students in developing confidence and self-awareness while equipping them with tools to articulate their stories, discover their interests, and take concrete steps toward college and beyond.
Hannah is your point of contact for all things test prep related, and also works one-on-one with students as a college consultant, essay coach, ADHD coach, and literacy educator. She is certified in the Logic of English curriculum.
Leslie Caruso, B.S., M.A.
College Consultant
Leslie is an educator with more than 25 years of experience teaching students of varying ages and aptitudes across the Maryland, DC, and Delaware region.
She is a passionate advocate for students in their quest to find their best college match. She uncovered this interest while supporting her own sons through high school and into college. Leslie realized the value of an intentional plan that begins in middle and high school, leading to each student’s vision for their college experience.
Having toured over 70 colleges and universities, she uses that firsthand perspective to help Firat Education families find schools where their students will truly thrive.
Leslie lives in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, and can serve clients in person all over the eastern shore, DC, and online. She is eager to assist in your child’s path to college.
Leslie is an Associate College Admissions Consultant who will:
To get started, please register for an Educational Assessment here.
Josephine Firat, MBA, MIB
CEO and co-founder of Firat Education
General Manager and co-founder of Nexus Futbol Academy
In the dynamic world of education and entrepreneurship, Josephine Firat has built a career spanning more than 22 years. Based in Houston, Texas, she is a CEO, educator, and leader known for driving business growth, developing teams, and creating meaningful opportunities for students and families.
Josephine is the CEO of Firat Education, a Houston-based educational consulting firm serving students and families nationwide and internationally for 18+ years. Firat Education is a place where educators and consultants can join a growing, mission-driven business, gain real leadership experience, and build their own practice with mentorship, structure, and support. Josephine is deeply committed to helping independent educational consultants grow professionally while delivering exceptional outcomes for the families they serve.
As a founding board member and current President of the 501(c)(3) Nexus Academy Foundation, Josephine raises funds to provide educational and athletic opportunities to underserved and deserving student-athletes. Under her leadership, the Nexus Academy Foundation, the nonprofit arm of Nexus Futbol Academy, has disbursed $140,000 in scholarships to support students and expand access to life-changing opportunities.
Josephine also serves as the General Manager for Nexus Futbol Academy, an independent school in the Greater Houston Area serving 4th–12th graders. She focuses on leadership, academic excellence, and soccer development, with a vision to expand Nexus and strengthen relationships with professional soccer clubs and NCAA colleges to create diverse pathways for student-athletes.
Josephine Firat’s career reflects her commitment to education, entrepreneurship, and innovation. Through Firat Education and Nexus Futbol Academy, she continues to build programs, teams, and opportunities that empower students and the professionals who support them.
Josephine’s journey begins with her deep-seated passion for both entrepreneurship and the art of teaching it. Her career trajectory reflects this dual enthusiasm, as she has consistently sought opportunities to fuse these passions.
All of our services can be blended to match your student’s needs, goals, and learning style. Most families begin working with us in elementary or middle school and stay through college and beyond.
We offer both Zoom and in-person options.
Let us help you design the perfect educational support plan, built just for your family.
📍 Based in Houston. Serving families nationwide and abroad.
📱 Text 713-725-8199 to get started.
🌐 www.firateducation.com
7521 Westview Dr, Houston, TX 77055
