Privacy Policy

Stepping Stones College Educational Advisors
Effective Date: January 2024

Stepping Stones College Educational Advisors (“we,” “our,” or “us”) is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website, participate in our programs, or engage with our advising services.

We encourage you to read this Privacy Policy carefully. By using our services, you acknowledge that you have read and understood the information contained herein.

1. Information We Collect

We collect personal and non-personal information in various ways:

A. Personal Information Provided Directly by You

When you fill out forms, register for services, or communicate with us, you may provide:

  • Full name

  • Email address

  • Phone number

  • Home or mailing address (optional)

  • Student academic information (e.g., GPA, transcript details, coursework)

  • Standardized test scores (SAT/ACT/AP/IB)

  • College application materials (essays, activities list, résumé, etc.)

  • Parent/guardian contact information

  • Payment information (processed securely through third-party providers)

  • Any other information voluntarily submitted to support the advising process

B. Information Automatically Collected

When you visit our website, we may automatically collect:

  • IP address

  • Browser type and version

  • Device type

  • Website usage data (pages visited, time spent, etc.)

  • Cookies and tracking technologies

  • Referral sources

C. Information Received From Third Parties

We may receive information from:

  • Schools or counselors (with your permission)

  • Testing agencies

  • Educational platforms

  • Payment processors

  • Authorized partners

2. How We Use Your Information

We use collected information to provide exceptional college advising services, including:

  • Delivering personalized college advising and planning

  • Creating academic plans, college lists, and application strategies

  • Scheduling appointments and consultations

  • Managing your account and delivering program updates

  • Communicating important deadlines and reminders

  • Processing payments and invoicing

  • Improving our website, services, and customer experience

  • Complying with legal and regulatory requirements

We never sell personal information to third parties.

3. Sharing Your Information

We may share your information in limited circumstances:

A. With Your Consent

We may share information with:

  • Teachers or counselors assisting in the college application process

  • Recommenders

  • Programs or institutions you request us to contact on your behalf

B. Service Providers

We may share information with trusted companies that help us operate, including:

  • Payment processors

  • Scheduling platforms

  • Cloud storage services

  • Data management tools

  • Email communication systems

These providers are obligated to protect your data and may only use it to perform services for us.

C. Legal Requirements

We may disclose information when required to:

  • Comply with legal obligations

  • Protect our rights or property

  • Respond to lawful government requests

4. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Our website uses cookies to:

  • Improve website performance

  • Personalize user experience

  • Analyze website traffic

  • Store user preferences

You may disable cookies through your browser settings, though doing so may limit certain website features.

5. Data Security

We use administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect your information, including:

  • Encrypted connections (SSL)

  • Secure payment processing

  • Limited access to internal systems

  • Regular monitoring and updates

While we strive to protect your personal data, no method of transmission or storage is 100% secure.

6. Data Retention

We retain personal information only as long as necessary to:

  • Provide services

  • Comply with legal obligations

  • Resolve disputes

  • Maintain business records

You may request deletion of your information at any time (see Section 10).

7. Children’s Privacy (COPPA Compliance)

Our services are directed toward students and families. We do not knowingly collect information from children under 13 without verifiable parental consent.

If we learn that information was collected without proper authorization, we will promptly delete it.

8. Your Rights and Choices

Depending on your location, you may have rights such as:

A. Access & Correction

You may request:

  • A copy of the information we hold

  • Corrections to inaccurate data

B. Deletion

You may request the deletion of your personal information, subject to legal retention requirements.

C. Opt-Out

You may opt out of:

  • Emails

  • Text messages

  • Marketing communications

Essential service communications may still be sent.

9. California Privacy Rights (CCPA/CPRA)

For California residents:

You have the right to:

  • Know what personal data is collected

  • Request deletion of personal data

  • Opt-out of the sale or sharing of personal data (we do not sell data)

  • Request correction of inaccurate information

  • Limit use of sensitive data

You may submit a request via the contact information below.

10. How to Request Access, Updates, or Deletion

To request access, correction, or deletion of your data, contact us at:

Stepping Stones College Educational Advisors
📧 Email: rfernando@steppingstonesadvisors.com
📞 Phone: (714) 400-2497 📠 (855) 641-6935
🌐 Website: www.steppingstonesadvisors.com

We may need to verify your identity before completing your request.

11. Third-Party Links

Our website or services may contain links to external sites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of third-party websites.

12. Digital Purchase

After purchasing a product, the customer will receive a downloadable link for the purchase. Please download the product within 24 hours. Please check the spam folder if the download link is not in the inbox.

If you have difficulty with a purchased download, please use the form below for customer support.

DISCLAIMER: Due to the digital nature of products downloaded such as eBooks and the exclusive content provided upon purchasing, all sales are final and non-refundable.

13. Services

If services are purchased, please review the purchase/ contract agreement for detail of services rendered and responsibilities of parties.

14. Updates to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. Changes take effect when posted. We encourage you to review this page regularly.

15. Cancelation and Rescheduling Policy

📅 Our Scheduling Policy

Discovery Calls & Consultations We hold each appointment exclusively for your family and prepare in advance for every conversation. We kindly ask that you:

Webinars & Free Events When you register for a Stepping Stones webinar or community seminar, that seat is reserved for you. If you're unable to attend, please cancel your registration in advance so another family can take your spot.

We understand that life with a high schooler is unpredictable — if something comes up, just let us know and we will always do our best to find a time that works for your family.

Questions? Reach us at rfernando@steppingstonesadvisors.com or (714) 400-2497

At Stepping Stones College Educational Advisors, we believe every family deserves our full attention and preparation — which is why we hold each appointment exclusively for you from the moment it's booked.

Discovery Calls & Consultations

We ask that all appointment changes or cancellations be made at least 24 hours in advance. This allows us to offer your time slot to another family who may be waiting.

To reschedule or cancel, you may:

Appointments missed without prior notice will require a new booking. We understand that unexpected things happen — please don't hesitate to reach out and we'll always do our best to accommodate your family.

Webinars & Community Seminars

Our free webinars and seminars are offered as a complimentary resource for families navigating the college admissions process. When you register, your seat is confirmed and held for you.

If you're unable to attend, we kindly ask that you cancel your registration in advance so another family can join. Registered attendees who are unable to attend may request access to a recorded replay where available — simply email us at rfernando@steppingstonesadvisors.com.

Have questions about scheduling? We're happy to help. Reach us at rfernando@steppingstonesadvisors.com or call/text (714) 400-2497 during regular business hours.

16. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact:

Stepping Stones College Educational Advisors
📧 rfernando@steppingstonesadvisors.com
📞 (714) 400-2497 📠 (855) 641-6935
📍 8605 Santa Monica Blvd #968092, West Hollywood, CA 90069-4109