Strong applications tell a clear story. As a New York Times bestselling novelist and Emerita Professor of English, storytelling is my passion. I love coaching students through a meaningful journey that includes exploring interests and majors, developing academically and financially appropriate college lists, writing stand-out essays, and building compelling applications. I personally work with each of my advisees on their application and scholarship essays, helping them develop strong writing and critical thinking skills necessary for college success.

About Me

My advisees have celebrated admissions to a wide range of colleges and universities including CU Boulder, University of Michigan, University of Chicago, University of Miami, American University, Claremont McKenna College, NYU, UC Berkeley, Florida State University and many other wonderful places (including community colleges and bridge programs!)

They have also been the recipients of multiple scholarships and opportunities, including:

CBYX Scholarship for study abroad/gap year in Germany * Lorraine David Scholarship from the Erie Education Foundation * Denver Excelsior Scholarship * Green and Gold Scholarship (CSU)
Bank of America Student Leaders Program * Coca-Cola Scholarship * Gore Scholarship (Wichita State) * UMKC Trustees’ Scholarship * KU SELF Engineering Leadership Fellowship * Society of Manufacturing Engineers Scholarship * Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange Scholarship (CBYE) * DAAD RISE internship * Key West Literary Seminars * PEN Writing for Justice Fellowship * Vermont Studio Center fellowship

Each year, I visit a wide range of college campuses to explore what they offer first hand. Recent visits include UCLA, UNC-Charlotte, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Georgia Tech, Warren Wilson College, Furman University, Northwestern University, Western Carolina University, Loyola, Hays State, K-State, Colorado College, Clemson University, and the University of Chicago.

I am a member of the College Consultants of Colorado and an Associate Member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association. I have taught at Vanderbilt, Marquette, University of the South and the University of Miami, where I am Professor Emerita. During my 15 years in Miami, I directed the Master of Fine Arts program and served on our program admissions committee, as well as teaching courses in personal essay and fiction, and advising undergraduate and graduate students. My novels include Vinegar Hill, an Oprah Book Club Selection, and Midnight Champagne, a finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award.

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