Hello!

I guide students with an approach that blends strategy, deep research and design thinking.
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My story

Designer

I've spent 20+ years as a design strategist helping clients solve complex problems through research, prototyping, and iteration. Designers are trained to listen deeply, understand constraints, and build solutions that actually work. I bring this approach to college counseling.

Third culture kid

By 18, I had lived in six countries and attended four international schools. I attended, sight unseen, both my undergraduate and graduate degree colleges, each in countries I'd never lived in. I understand both the research process and the leap of faith that college selection requires.

Parent

As a mother of teenagers, I understand the family dynamics at play during this process. I give students ownership of their journey while providing parents the strategic guidance that transforms overwhelming choices into clear next steps.

Practitioner

I volunteer with ScholarMatch helping low-income, first-gen students apply to college. I have interviewed applicants for Tufts University, my alma mater, have a Certificate in College Admissions Counseling through UC Berkeley and am a member of HECA, IECA and WACAC. I live in San Francisco but work with students nationally and internationally.

APPROACH

Working principles

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Self-knowledge comes first

Good decisions require self-awareness. We use exercises to identify patterns in what energizes your student, what they value, and where their strengths lie.
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Deep research drives strategy

Smart decisions are informed by research. We dive into what colleges actually value and deliver, how that manifests, and how your student fits their priorities.
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True alignment resonates

Strong applications show genuine alignment. We craft narratives that emphasize what connects your student's story to each college's values and mission.
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It's 4 years, not just getting in

The four-year experience can be prototyped and evaluated, not just guessed at. We sketch out flexible pathways to align coursework, activities, and goals from day one.