I have a Bachelor's degree from Oberlin College, a Master's from Stanford University's Graduate School of Education, and a Certificate in Teaching English as a Second Language from University of California, Santa Cruz Extension. I also spent a year studying at Peking University and another year teaching at Yunnan University in China. Recently, I served for eight years as Director of Teaching and Learning on the Shorelight Academic Affairs team. In this role I supported campus teams and academic quality assurance committees at more than a dozen partner universities, helping to develop and improve international student pathway programs.

 

A life-long educator who has supported students’ and young adults’ development, I have taught, tutored, and mentored high school and first-year college students, including international students. I have also designed courses to help college students succeed academically and socially, focusing on academic communication, time management, and mental wellness.

 

I was steeped in the importance of education from an early age. I was fortunate to be able to attend high school at George School in the Philadelphia area. I grew up in the Northeast, studied in the Midwest, and have spent 30+ years in California, gaining familiarity with a range of urban and rural environments across the country. Locally, our family has been fortunate to be part of vibrant school communities at Glenview Elementary, St. Paul's Episcopal Middle School, and Bishop O'Dowd High School.  My son recently graduated from Lewis and Clark College and my daughter is currently enrolled at Occidental College.

 

I came to independent educational consulting after helping my children, their friends, and other family members successfully navigate the college application process. I provide the reflection, guidance, planning, and structure to make the process feel more accessible and manageable for students and parents. Having worked extensively with English language learners and international students, I enjoy helping students of all backgrounds articulate their personal stories and strengths and translate them into applications that can help them access colleges where they can thrive.

 

I am based in Oakland, California and work with students in the Bay Area and across the United States. I am a member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA).