About Me

Education
When I attended St. Mary’s College in Notre Dame, IN, I learned first hand the value of a small liberal arts college. The personal attention, small class sizes, and emphasis on instruction gave me a solid foundation in arts and science. The school ignited my love for writing and motivated me to pursue an advanced degree. At the University of MO - Columbia, I earned my MA in English and American Literature, capitalizing on the value of a large public research institution and gathering valuable college level teaching experience as a Freshman Composition instructor and writing lab coach. The contrast between schools gives me a unique perspective on the merits of each and the kind of student who would thrive in those environments.

And in the spirit of continuing education, I earned a CA Teaching Credential from Santa Clara University and University of San Diego Extension. Recently I earned my UC Berkeley Extension College Advising and Career Planning Certificate where I was immersed in the nuances of college admissions including counseling techniques, career planning, college research, application platforms, essay development, financial aid, and working with special populations like students with learning differences, first-generation students, athletes, artists, and LGBTQ+ students.

Experience
Coupled with my current role as a high school English teacher, my multi-faceted career in sales, marketing, classroom instruction, and school administration has given me skills and experience that inform my practice. I build relationships of trust with my students, create communication channels to keep them on track and in-the-know, and help them apply strategic planning, budgeting, and informed decision making to the process. My years spent as a writing instructor give students confidence in their ability to tell their story through my coaching, modeling, and constructive criticism.

Professional Development
I am committed to my profession, continuously visiting college campuses around the country, engaging in online learning, and actively participating in professional organizations. I hold memberships in the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA) and the Western Association for College Admissions Counseling (WACAC) upholding the ethical standards and professional participation required. I am also a graduate of the CounselMore Business Development Academy layering 25 hours of expert training on best practices onto my practical experience.

Specialty Areas

Students Enrolled

University of Vermont, Montana State University -- Bozeman, Gonzaga University, University of Portland, University of Washington, Seattle, Oregon State University, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, University of Notre Dame, University of Colorado Boulder, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, San Jose State University, Santa Clara University, University of Oregon, Southern Oregon University, Portland State University, California State University, Monterey Bay, California State University, Long Beach, The University of Arizona, Seattle University, Boise State University, California State University, Chico, Arizona State University -- Downtown Phoenix Campus, University of California, Santa Barbara, Chapman University, University of California, Irvine, Loyola Marymount University, University of California, Riverside, University of California, Santa Cruz, University of California, Berkeley, University of San Francisco, Whittier College, California State University, Sacramento, Texas Christian University, University of Dayton, Xavier University, University of Wisconsin -- Madison, Marquette University, University of Missouri -- Columbia, Saint Louis University, San Diego State University, Washington State University, Colorado State University, Central Washington University, California State University, Fullerton, University of California, Davis, University of California at Merced, University of California, San Diego, University of California -- Los Angeles, University of Massachusetts Amherst, University of Denver, Loyola University Chicago, Arizona State University -- Tempe Campus, University of Southern California, Fordham University, Drexel University, Northeastern University, American University, Emerson College, University of Puget Sound, Lewis and Clark College, Pacific University Oregon, University of San Diego, Pepperdine University, San Francisco State University, Clemson University, Grand Canyon University, California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt, Michigan State University, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, Boston College, California State University, Northridge.

Member of CounselMore