ABOUT ME
My professional experience and qualifications
I have had the privilege of working with high school students in the college process for over a decade. After a rewarding career as a professional writer, editor, and corporate communications manager, I began to mentor students on their college essays and applications. Several years later, I expanded my scope to include the whole range of college consulting services. My 25+ years of experience in marketing communications, feature/ medical writing, interviewing, and managing people and projects —as well as mentoring high school students in writing for a local newspaper— provided a strong foundation for my current work. One of my favorite parts of college consulting is mentoring students in writing effective college applications in their own authentic voices to showcase their passions, strengths and insights.
My training as an independent college consultant started at the IECA Summer Training Institute, taught by the Independent Educational Consultants Association on the Swarthmore College campus, and my professional development continues every day. Through membership in IECA, I stay current on changing trends in college admissions and higher education. I regularly attend conferences, meet with college admissions officers, inhale professional webinars, read trade publications, and participate in professional list-serv exchanges. I am fortunate to belong to two local groups of independent college consultants with whom I meet regularly, visit colleges, and share information and insights.
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In addition, for many years, I was an alumni interviewer, and I participated in the University of Rochester Real Reader Program in which I provided feedback to biology majors on their writing samples, job-search materials, and interviewing skills. In these roles, and as an ESL tutor in Wellesley, MA, I mentored and motivated students to reach their full potential and transition smoothly to their next life adventures.
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I am strongly committed to making college accessible to students of all backgrounds. I have the privilege of continuing to mentor several of my former first-generation college applicants through their college journeys and in adulthood.
Finally, I am an enthusiastic alumna of the University of Rochester, member of the Phi Beta Kappa Society, and proud parent of two young adults who successfully navigated the college and master’s degree processes.