bio

I specialize in guiding teens and families through the college admissions process. With my detailed, methodical, and structured working style, students and parents learn the how and why of college admissions as they go, providing a better understanding of the current admissions environment. My style of advising is especially helpful for immigrant families who are unfamiliar with how U.S. admissions work, first generation students who need information from the ground up, and students who need explicit, direct guidance.

Equipped College Consulting, LLC was created after 13 years experience working with high school and college students, both those coming to the USA for high school/college and those going abroad for college along wtih 10 years experience volunteering with first generation students applying to and transitioning into college.

About Me


Just like a high school student, I am not just my academic and professional stats. Rather, they help tell my own narrative as to who I am and what is important to me. If you are considering working with me, I ask you take the time to know me beyond my credentials...


If you met me during my senior year in high school, you would have met the first chair flute player who participated in multiple school and community ensembles, a majorette (baton twirler), a dance student, a lover of gymnastics, and a diligent student eager to leave home for college. I was quiet and focused on my goals, having been accepted into a DPT Freshman Guarantee program, which provided guaranteed acceptance into a Doctorate of Physical Therapy program as a college freshman.


I left Michigan after high school graduation and have enjoyed experiencing life in various locations since then. I sought out living experiences that were outside my comfort zone, allowing me to learn from others with differing views, opinions, and lifestyles. It wasn't always easy, but it was so worth it.


While earning my bachelor’s degree in Sociology with minors in English and Spanish in small town Missouri, I spent a semester in Seville, Spain living with a host family, volunteering at an English language school for kids, and attending classes at a public university. After earning my bachelor’s degree, I moved to Puerto Rico to earn my M.A. in Teaching English as a Second Language. Moving to Puerto Rico to attend a previously unknown-to-me university that also happened to be the best fit for me quickly became the best decision I ever made.


My career in international education took me to Portland, ME, Memphis, TN, and Gainesville, FL. It was my time in Memphis that made the biggest professional impact on me, as I advised students at a university and volunteered with local high school students. These experiences sparked a passion to share my college knowledge with others in order to help them succeed, avoiding the many missteps that I saw all too often while working as a college advisor.


I earned my Independent Educational Consulting Certificate, completed IECA's Summer Training Institute, attended conferences, and began touring colleges in order to best assist students and families as they navigate from high school to college.


Each student has their own unique path; one is not better than another. But the key is to find it as early as possible and follow it!


Today my days are filled with visiting colleges, meeting with students and parents, attending conferences and admissions webinars, and researching colleges. And on my down time, I love traveling, shopping, seeing Broadway shows, and occasionally fostering kittens.

Specialty Areas


General Ed Counseling

Students Enrolled


Brown University, United States Military Academy, The University of Arizona, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University -- Daytona Beach, Florida State University, University of California, Berkeley, University of Michigan -- Ann Arbor, University of Memphis, University of South Florida, Purdue University Northwest, University of Wisconsin -- Madison, Indiana University Bloomington, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, United States Naval Academy, University of Pittsburgh, Villanova University, University of Pennsylvania, University of California -- Los Angeles, Case Western Reserve University, University of Tennessee at Knoxville, Pennsylvania State University -- University Park, Louisiana State University, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, University of Florida, University of Virginia, Washington University in St. Louis, Harvard University, Emory University, The Ohio State University -- Columbus, Samford University, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, University of California, San Diego, University of California, Davis, University of California, Irvine

Meet with

Carissa

Experience: More than 10 years

Campus tours: 11 to 15 / year

Education:

MA Teaching English as a Second Language Inter American University of Puerto Rico, San German Campus

Contact Me
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  Packages offered

  Hourly Services offered

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