My Story Connecting You and Your Story With The Ideal College Fit
My Story
I began my journey as an independent educational consultant because it combines my expertise in personal branding and higher education with my passion for coaching students. I was drawn to this work because I believe in the power of education. As a first-generation college student, I know firsthand how education can change a life.
In my career, I’ve had the privilege of storytelling for some of the world’s most well-known and beloved brands. I have 25 years of experience working in corporate branding strategy as well as digital and social media with companies such as Kraft, KitchenAid and Kellogg’s. Also, I coached and mentored students and alumni during my tenure at the University of Michigan. Feeling a pull toward more purpose-driven work, I left my corporate life to combine my storytelling, coaching and mentoring skills in service to students who are working to define their own stories.
The key to standing out and creating a connection with others is having a powerful, authentic story to tell. And that’s what I bring to you—a keen understanding of how to highlight your strengths as you craft your own story so you can stand out in the competitive college admission landscape.
I earned my undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan and an M.B.A from the University of Notre Dame. I received a Certificate of College Counseling with distinction from UCLA. Being committed to helping students reach their potential, I then went on to earn a Leadership Coaching Certificate from Northwestern University’s School of Education and Social Policy.
I’m also fully committed to professional development as I’ve attended the Harvard Summer Institute on College Admissions where counselors are taught how admissions decisions are made. I’m constantly on the road, learning about colleges and universities first hand, so I can share that knowledge. I work tirelessly helping students find and have the best chance of admission by raising their self-awareness and enabling them to connect with their strengths, values, and interests.
I have presented seminars on navigating the admission process for high school counselors, parents and students and spent countless hours coaching students in the application process. I’m a member of the National Association for College Admissions Counseling (NACAC), the Michigan Association for College Counseling (MACAC), the Higher Education Consultants Association (HECA) as well as an Associate Member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA).
My Core Beliefs
My mission is to help students become more familiar with their own strengths, passions and personal story and match them with the right opportunity so they can flourish. My core beliefs set a foundation for this process and guide how I work with students and families. Here’s what I bring to every relationship:
A Disciplined, Strategic Approach
Too often, I’ve seen college searches that are guided by things such as fear, the opinions of others or the chase of the “hot” college. I believe that a systematic process that finds the best match between a student’s strengths and passions and the strengths and culture of the college itself yields the best outcome. I’m committed to working through a structured process with you to help match you with a list of schools that will meet your wants and needs.
Unleashing the Potential in You
Every student has a unique set of strengths and passions, but too few recognize what those are. I believe that by helping you to discover yours, I will help you to think more fully about what motivates you and what you would like to get out of a college experience. I’m committed to helping you down a path of self-discovery to help make a much more well-informed college choice.
Helping You to Express What is Unique About You to Colleges
Colleges want to know what makes you unique. They are not looking for a campus full of cookie cutter students. I believe that the most powerful tool that applicants have to stand out from the crowd is the ability to clearly state their own passions and strengths. Together, we will brainstorm ideas to you help you feel confident and prepared as you craft your essays and applications. This will help provide you with an advantage versus those who are not yet adept at expressing their unique assets.
The Importance of Fit
College has the potential to offer you some of the best experiences of your life, but if you choose a college that doesn’t fit what you are looking for in terms of size, distance from home, expense or any other important consideration, the experience can be less than ideal. I believe in working tirelessly in helping you to understand what is important to you and your family when it comes to selecting a college. I will then apply that learning to work with you to develop a list of “Reach,” “Match” and “Likely” schools that will give you the best chance of having a rewarding college experience.
Exceptional Personalized Attention
I believe in partnering deeply with the students with whom I work. Together, we will work closely from the moment we begin the process of self-discovery together until the college choice is made and the deposit is sent in. I’m committed to working with you on your schedule to help you find the right match and to help you develop strong, differentiated applications.
Honesty and Transparency
I believe in building a relationship with you built on trust and mutual respect. I’m committed to providing you with my honest professional opinion, to help you to make the best, most informed decisions for you and your future.