Michael Porter
My path to school counseling began with a bachelor's degree in Child & Adolescent Psychology, followed by a master's in School Counseling. I've now been a school counselor for 13 years and serve students at Lake Norman Charter High School in Huntersville, where I'm also the head varsity women's basketball coach. Earlier in my career, I coached football and track, so I've seen the student-athlete experience from the sideline for a long time.
Over the years, I've guided students headed to four-year universities, community colleges, and NCAA, NJCAA, and NAIA programs. I still work as a school counselor today, which keeps me close to current admissions trends and the real pressures students and families face. Through additional training in NCAA eligibility and student-athlete advising, I also help student-athletes understand eligibility requirements and the recruiting process.
I founded VantagePoint in 2024 with my fellow counselors because I kept seeing the same gap. Families deserve individualized college guidance from someone who truly knows the process. VantagePoint is our answer to that.
Education
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Master of Arts (MA) in School Counseling, Heidelberg University
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Bachelor of Science (BS) in Child & Adolescent Psychology, Heidelberg University
Licensure
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North Carolina Professional Educator's License (School Counselor), NC Department of Public Instruction
Professional Memberships
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Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA), Associate Member
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National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC)
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Southern Association for College Admission Counseling (SACAC)
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American School Counselor Association (ASCA)
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North Carolina School Counselor Association (NCSCA)
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Association of Professional Athletic Consultants (APAC)
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North Carolina Basketball Coaches Association (NCBCA)
Certificates & Training
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Core Concepts for Independent Educational Consultants, NACAC
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The Counselor's Guide to the Student-Athlete Advising Process, NACAC
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A High School Counselor's Tutorial to the NCAA Eligibility Center, NCAA
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Advising the College-Bound Student-Athlete, The Student-Athlete Advisors