About RCC

Let's rise above the rest.

At Rise College Counseling, we believe that every student’s journey to college should be empowering, personalized, and rooted in confidence. Founded on the idea that no two paths to higher education are the same, Rise was created to provide students and families with expert guidance tailored to their unique goals, strengths, and aspirations.

With a student-centered approach, we offer comprehensive college counseling services designed to reduce stress, uncover opportunities, and ensure that each student feels seen, supported, and inspired. From building a thoughtful college list to crafting standout essays and navigating financial aid, we’re here to elevate the process and help students rise to their full potential.

At Rise, it’s not just about getting into college — it’s about finding the right fit and growing along the way.

Let’s rise, together.

Meet Kate Rinacke, Founder of Rise College Counseling

Kate Rinacke, Founder

Kate Rinacke, M.Ed. is a college access and counseling professional with nearly a decade of experience supporting students and families through the college admissions journey. She brings a strong background in curriculum development, staff training, and strategic program design—paired with a deep passion for equity and student success.

Kate began her career with the Missouri College Advising Corps, where she advised over 400 students and helped them secure millions in scholarship funding. She later served as a College Counselor, Senior Seminar Instructor, and Director of College Counseling at YES Prep Public Schools in Houston. In these roles, she led college access initiatives, managed counseling teams and budgets, and designed student-centered programming that empowered students to confidently pursue their post-secondary goals.

Throughout her career, Kate has developed college readiness curriculum, facilitated professional development, and built systems to support both early awareness and college persistence. Her work reflects a commitment to meeting students where they are and helping them rise to their full potential.

Kate holds a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership and Policy from Texas Tech University and a Bachelor’s in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus on Communications and Psychology from the University of Missouri - Columbia. Her mission is simple: to make the college admissions process more clear, personal, and achievable for every student she serves.

Schedule a Free Consultation with Kate in the Services page!