In addition to BS and PhD degrees from the University of California, I have an Independent Educational Consultant (IEC) Certificate from UC Irvine – the first online program taught by industry experts and dedicated to training independent educational consultants. As is the case for many IECs, my introduction to the field began as I guided my own children through their college searches, NCAA DI recruiting, a transfer and a law school application process. My many friends and family members in higher education give me a broad perspective on the college landscape, and as a lecturer (after 30 years as an engineer), my husband provides a view into the daily operations of a public university.

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I am a Professional Member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA), an international professional organization promoting the highest quality independent educational consulting to students and families seeking skilled, ethical academic guidance. I continually update my skills and knowledge through conferences, webinars, and college visits. In the past five years, I have visited, in person, more than 100 colleges and participated in interactive webinars with admissions professionals at another 75 colleges.

 

In my nine years of college planning experience, I have helped more than 150 students with everything from figuring out what qualities they want in a college, to what to write about in an essay, to what those financial aid offers really mean, and much more. I find it easy and comfortable talking to teens and young adults – and understanding what is important to each individual.

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In addition to my paid work, I regularly give back to my community, guiding pro bono students through my local high school's AVID program.

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Decades of writing and editing experience give me the ability to quickly assess the strengths and weaknesses of a student’s writing, and to coax them into revealing their personal qualities and character in an engaging way.