Our Team
Get to know the experts behind the N.E.T. Collective Podcast.
Kay McBrearty
Kay McBrearty is the founder of Waterville Partners, a boutique consulting firm helping clients launch or pivot their careers, for more than two decades.
She leverages her broad experiences, including corporate leadership roles in operation, innovation, strategy, supply chain, and as Director of College Relations. As a graduate from the University of Notre Dame’s Mendoza College of Business, she currently serves as a career coach for the Alumni Association.
As the mother of two college students, she has witnessed firsthand countless transitions. She has a passion for helping clients understand their “internal compass” and discover their “superpowers” to pursue careers with curiosity, intention, and alignment. Having interviewed, hired, managed, mentored, and coached thousands of candidates, Kay is excited to share her insights.
Kay and her husband live in Wilmette, IL.
Vinita Patel
Vinita Patel is a seasoned school psychologist; after working across various school districts, she has spent the last 20 years in private practice, administering comprehensive neuropsychological assessments for learning, attention, and related challenges.
In addition to her assessment expertise, Vinita is an experienced executive functioning coach, helping clients develop practical strategies to improve skills such as organization, time management, working memory. She specializes in learning disabilities, executive functioning, ADHD, anxiety, and motivation, and is known for making complex psychological concepts relatable and empowering.
Vinita brings heart, clarity, and strategy to every conversation — helping clients not just reach their goals but understand how to get there. Vinita believes deeply in the process — that lasting change is built through small wins, trusted relationships, and clear roadmaps.
Vinita lives in Northbrook, IL and is married with twin teen boys.