Faces of Shift with Becky and Michelle of RNG International
Many families feel overwhelmed when it comes to choosing the right college. There are so many factors to consider that it’s hard to know where to start. Luckily, there are organizations such as RNG International that can guide families through this difficult process.
With college admissions in the news recently; it was the perfect time to sit down with Rebecca (Becky) and Michelle and learn about their company, their background and what inspires them.
Tell us a little bit about what RNG does as a company?
(Becky) Sure! We work with students and families in Colorado, throughout the United States, and around the world on finding the right educational options for their children. That includes placements for boarding schools and therapeutic schools and programs as well as college advising through the entire application process.
(Michelle) We work with all kinds of learners, from those with complex learning profiles to students who excel in everything. We strongly believe that every child has a gift. Our job is to find a place where they find support for the areas in which they need help so that they will be able to better use those gifts and thrive.
Give us a little background on the two of you…
(Becky) We both have both lived in various places around the US as well as internationally, and we have chosen to make Denver our home. My background is in education and Michelle’s background is as a school psychologist.
RNG is a woman-owned (as well as a mother/daughter owned company); what do the two of you love most about this, and what are some of the hurdles you encounter?
(Michelle) Definitely what we love the most is being able to touch a student’s life and help them to reach their potential. We also enjoy working together and have a huge amount of respect for one another as professionals – and it’s rewarding to work as a mother-daughter team, especially when we get to do some cool international trips.
(Becky) Being a small business presents challenges, too, and we have to also think about how we balance competing demands on our time and resources. But doesn’t everyone?
How did the two of you get into this field and current career?
(Becky) My undergraduate major was International Studies, and I went back to graduate school to get my master’s in education. My husband was a career diplomat, so I worked in international schools during our lives overseas. When we returned to the US, I did boarding school placements and college counseling for the children of American diplomats while working at the State Department in Washington, DC. After I left the Department of States, I decided that there was a need for this kind of advising families around the world. Thus, I founded RNG International in 2006.
(Michelle) I went back to graduate school and got my master’s in school psychology and education from Teacher’s College at Columbia University. After working in New York City and then for Denver Public Schools, I decided I would like the world of educational consulting. Since joining in the practice 6 years ago, I have used my background as a school psychologist to help guide school and program placements for kids with complex learning and behavioral profiles.
What about your job inspires you?
(Becky) We feel inspired when we help to put a student on the right path. We work with all kinds of students, from those who are struggling to those who are doing everything right but just need guidance with the next right steps.
(Michelle) Our mission statement says our purpose is “to transform lives and provide innovative solutions through expert educational advice for students and families around the world,” and we try to live by that.
Why did you choose Shift? How has Shift helped your motivation/productivity, or how has it helped your business grow?
(Michelle) I found Shift Workspaces 6 years ago when it first opened. We needed a space where we could work together and still see other people during the day, and we loved everything about what Shift had to offer. Our first office was very small, but as we grew, so did our own office space. We utilize the conference rooms from time to time, and when clients come to see us, they always comment on how much they like Shift.
(Becky) Neither of us wants to work at home all day – we need to be around other people who will energize us. That’s why we love Shift so much – it is a very friendly, welcoming community!
RNG has been with Shift for over five years! What about Shift would you recommend to other companies who are looking to break out of their home office and join a coworking community?
(Becky) We attended a professional retreat a few months ago where other consultants came together to discuss the challenges of small business ownership. I stood up and told the others about the advantages of a great coworking space. It almost feels like we work for a bigger company, but we get to avoid everyone else’s office politics!
(Michelle) We are definitely more productive when we come and work from the office at Shift – it’s like studying in the library as a student! We love the friendly people, the aesthetics of our workspace, the community kitchen, access to conference rooms, working on the patio in the summertime, focusing on a project while working in the co-working space, and having someone else take care of building maintenance issues. We love it here and have no plans to move anytime soon!
If you would like to learn more about RNG International or follow their blogs, visit their website. If you think they might be able to help your family, contact them here. You can also connect and follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.
