David Z. Beecher, Founder & Partner

Mr. Beecher has had a storied career as an educator, administrator, coach, consultant and noble volunteer.  As the owner/partner of Sound Consulting David is involved with every client, advising families and non-profits making important decisions in education.  David served as a boarding school Headmaster for 17 years and as an independent school Director of Admission for seven years.  Additionally, he was the varsity hockey coach for men and women at Yale University for eight years while also serving as an athletic administrator at this Ivy League university.  David is an experienced consultant to schools, universities, hospitals and non-profit organizations having served as the Vice President of The Angeletti Group and Managing Director of the Gowan Group.  He has served as a board member for the national foundation of the Independent Education Consultants Association as well as his college and multiple independent schools.  He is a graduate of Choate Rosemary Hall and Lake Forest College.

Christine L. Pape, Founder & Partner

Ms. Pape works closely with families to ensure a smooth and successful search for each student client.  She graduated from Suffield Academy and Syracuse University with a B.S. in Nursing.  She is an outstanding athlete having earned All American honors in swimming.  Christine began her career as an oncology nurse and in mental health for adults and adolescents.  She was a transitional care coordinator for Connecticut’s largest hospital.  She has served as a tennis coach for a prominent independent day school in Connecticut.  She is an expert advocate for families with learning difference children, and is a powerful voice for ‘best-fit’ schools and colleges.  

Teresa Sullivan, Essay Specialist

Teresa Sullivan, an experienced educator and award winning writer, is Sound Consulting’s in-house Essay Specialist.  Teresa will work with Sound Consulting clients who need or desire expert assistance and guidance with essays for prep school or college applications.  Teresa’s experience as a veteran independent school English teacher makes her a wonderful match for those students looking to develop their unique voice in an all-important essay.  Teresa is also available for tutoring as needed. 

 Ms. Sullivan graduated with honors from The Catholic University with a B.A. in English, and holds a Master’s degree from Fairfield University in English Education.  She is the mother of three children, Charlie who attends Providence College and twin girls Lila (Fairfield University) and Meryl (Holly Cross.)  Teresa is married to Paul Sullivan, an attorney.  

 “I help students find their voice.  The most important step in writing a prep school or college essay is finding a topic that speaks to the student; when the writing is meaningful and genuine, everything else falls into place.  I guide my writers to organize their ideas, to choose their words wisely, to craft sentences that flow, to apply conventions of proper English and to present their piece with passion and pride.  I delight in the entire writing process and do my best to impart that same joy to my students.” 

Paul Brown, Athletic Recruiting Specialist

A native of St. John, New Brunswick, Canada, Paul Brown has spent more than 40 years coaching in elite American universities and prep schools including Yale, Quinnipiac, Connecticut College and the Kent School.  At Kent Paul was part their college counseling team specializing SAT and ACT test prep and athletic recruiting with colleges. Paul has assisted hundreds of athletes and their families find the best match to meet their goals and aspirations.  Paul has been connected to Alan Andrews Hockey, the top hockey organization in the Canadian Maritimes.  With Sound Consulting Paul will assist with college advising, athletic recruitment, testing advice and Junior Hockey searches.