I chose the first college I attended, an all-women’s Catholic college in a cornfield, because I thought it was a good idea, a way to “buckle down” and get serious about preparing for a career in law so I could take over my dad’s law firm, as expected.

Except, when I got there, I discovered I was an artist and a teacher. That I wanted greater diversity. That I needed to live in the city. That, I couldn’t live in midwestern cornfields and thrive in the arts. (Believe me, I tried!) I realized I felt out of so out of place, because I wasn’t in the right fit community. The good news is this allowed me to think be beyond what was expected of me, and instead, pursue my gifts and follow my curiosity.

When I called my folks and said, “I gotta get out of here.” They (a) weren’t surprised, and (b) hired a college counselor who helped me to identify and realize that what I loved, could actually be my career. And that I needed a different school in order to prepare for that journey.

My interest in college, career, and gap year counseling began with a desire to give students and emerging artists effective tools to realize their dreams. The anchor of my philosophy is based on building meaningful connections, inspiring self-confidence, and fostering innovative thinking and authenticity.

The process is flexible, yet highly goal-oriented. I listen closely to students and communicate frequently with parents. This ensures deadlines are met, values are aligned, and applications show the most authentic YOU!

I counsel a variety of students from those who don’t know their field of interest, to those who do— from those seeking Ivy League schools, to arts conservatories, to those transferring from community colleges or taking a gap year. I am equally proud of each of them!

As a lifelong educator, with over 25 years of experience with young adults, I have worked with diverse populations, from at-risk teens in the city, to college students at USC, CalArts, and Emerson College, where I’m currently on faculty.

I recently completed the “Transformational Teaching” program, and am a three-time winner of the Emerson College Professional Development faculty grant.

• UCLA I College Counseling Certification | With Distinction

• California Institute of the Arts | MFA, scholarship recipient

• Emerson College | BFA magna cum laude, Harvard/ART Internship, Gold Key Honor Society

• Sackett Street Writer’s Workshop NYC | Non-fiction Creative Writing Workshop

• Named a VOYAGE LA’S “HIDDEN GEM”! Read the interview here.