As an Independent Educational Consultant, I work both in person with students in the Richmond, VA area, and virtually across the country. I use my many years of experience in both public and private schools, as both a college counselor and a high school English teacher, to guide students and families through the college search, application, and decision-making process in a way that lowers stress for everyone and builds confidence for the transition ahead. My inclusive approach is welcoming to students and families of all backgrounds, traditions, and identities. I enjoy working with all kinds of students, regardless of academic profile and college goals.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education:
Duke University, B.A.
George Mason University, M.Ed.
Experience:
Associate Director of College Counseling, The Steward School
Upper School English teacher, The Steward School
English teacher, Oakton High School
Professional Memberships:
Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA)
National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC)
Potomac and Chesapeake Association for College Admission Counseling (PCACAC)
BACKGROUND
My winding path to becoming a college counselor began with my love of the written word. I have always loved books, and an English major and a work-study job at Duke University Press led to an early career in publishing and editing. Next, I earned a master’s degree and spent over 15 years in the classroom as a high school English teacher. My specialty as an English teacher was helping students discover their own voices and express themselves in writing with clarity and confidence. I made the most impact as an advocate for students, centering their experiences, fostering their growth, and supporting their needs. I put both of these skill sets to work in my next chapter as a college counselor. At my small independent school, I was trained in a highly personalized style of college counseling in which I oversaw each step of the process for a small caseload of 20-25 students. At most schools, where counselors have multiple responsibilities and caseloads that number in the hundreds, it is not possible to provide such personalized guidance. Many families are looking for more support in the college application process, and every student deserves this kind of personal attention at such a critical point of transition. This is what inspires me to work independently and offer this personalized approach to a broad range of students outside the school setting.
PHILOSOPHY
I have guided students and their families through the college admission process with a focus on fit. I help students discover their preferences and prioritize their values when exploring colleges. My mission is to help students find schools that fit them academically, socially, and financially, where they can feel comfortable but also challenged to achieve their goals and discover the vast array of opportunities awaiting them. I strive to support all clients fairly and ethically, following the Principles of Good Practice as outlined by the Independent Educational Consultants Association, sharing honest and accurate information, maintaining confidentiality, and avoiding conflicts of interest.
