Empowering families. Reducing stress. Finding the right fit.
In a rapidly changing college landscape, I help families replace confusion with clarity. Through private counseling, I guide students and parents in building thoughtful college lists, planning college visits, making strategic ACT/SAT decisions, and navigating the college application process from start to finish. My approach is personalized, practical, and focused on the right fit for each student. The goal is confident, happy students and families who find a great fit and avoid costly missteps by learning how to play the long-term “chess game” of college and post-secondary options.
Services & Typical Timeline
Note: The first session is normally1.5 hours and includes the student and a parent/guardian. Ongoing meetings are student-focused and scheduled as needed.
8th–10th Grade: Build the Foundation
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Understand how the college process has changed — what matters now and what doesn’t
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Learn how early high school choices impact future options
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Thoughtful course planning to keep doors open without unnecessary stress
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Plan meaningful summer experiences (programs, travel, work, enrichment)
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Begin college exposure and early visits to understand different types of schools
11th Grade: Strategy & Clarity
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Create a balanced, best-fit college list by spring break
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Evaluate schools for academic, personal, and financial fit
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Strategically plan college visits (when and where they matter most)
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Build a clear application timeline with all deadlines
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Finalize SAT/ACT strategy (or confirm test-optional path)
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Design a critical summer plan
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Begin personal statement and essay brainstorming
12th Grade: Execution & Decision-Making
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Finalize college list or post-secondary plan by mid-August
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Complete and refine the personal essay
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Write and polish supplemental essays
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Submit college applications in the fall
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Apply for scholarships and merit opportunities
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Support with financial aid appeals and negotiations
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Guidance in evaluating offers and making the final decision
Approach & Benefits
I help students identify the best next step after high school, whether that is college or university, trade pathways, work, or travel. Each option is evaluated through an academic and personal lens. The goal is for families to feel confident and grounded in their final decisions, not overwhelmed by the options.
I prioritize affordability, merit and need-based aid opportunities/scholarships, and realistic financial planning from the very start—tailoring the process to each family’s goals, values, and financial reality so there are no surprises later.
Low-stress, student-centered process: I reduce anxiety and make the college process clear, manageable, and even enjoyable for students and parents.
I categorize colleges using a ski slope analogy from Green through Triple Black, so families can quickly understand selectivity and build a balanced list. This visual framework makes the process easier to talk about (and less stressful), while keeping decisions grounded in fit and opportunity.
Legend:
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Green: ~80%+ accepted
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Blue: 51–79% accepted
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Black: 30–50% accepted
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Double Black: 10–29% accepted
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Triple Black: < 9% accepted
Pricing & First Session
Sessions are available in-person or virtually.
First session: typically 90 minutes and includes the student and all parents/guardians, so everyone starts aligned.
Rate: $250 per hour
About Me
For 30 years, I’ve worked in education and college counseling, including 25 years as a college counselor at Peak to Peak Charter School (top 100 college prep public charter high school) and five years as a Spanish teacher at The Dawson School (private college prep high school). I often tell students that the college process is like a chess game, once you understand the strategy, the next moves become clear. My role is to teach that strategy, reduce stress and anxiety, and guide families through the process with calm, practical steps.
I’m also a parent of three, two in college and one in high school, and I experience this process alongside the families I support. Through leading college trips nationwide and visiting 10–20 colleges globally each year (literally over 360 worldwide), I help families discover exceptional options many never realize are possible.
What you can expect:
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Passion, love, and compassion with your child, trying to make a stressful process, actually fun for all of you.
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Clear strategy and next steps tailored to your student
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Honest guidance on fit, affordability, and timelines
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A calm, low‑pressure, student‑centered approach
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Sessions available in English or Spanish
Scheduling:
Please call or email to schedule your first session.