I went to Reed College as a Classics major, switched to Chinese History and Literature, and graduated after writing my thesis in American history. After working a variety of jobs from skydive instructor to domestic violence prevention counselor, I returned to New York, where I was born and raised, to get my MFA in creative writing from Columbia University. 

After getting married and having children, I ran an elementary school garden program, taught science to K-3 students, served on a community education consortium, was co-president of my district’s PTA, and ran an organization that raises funds for students in financial need. I was a Girl Scout leader for 8 years, coached for Girls on the Run, and on winter weekends, I teach skiing at Stratton Mountain in Vermont. 

All of which is to say, I’m curious about a lot of things! I believe one of the benefits of a liberal arts education is the confidence that you can learn just about anything. 

I became interested in college counseling when my son, a Middlebury College student, was applying to schools. While it was stressful at times, I loved watching his process unfold as he visited schools, refined his list, and wrote and rewrote his essays. The next year, I started volunteering as a college essay and application coach at Yonkers Partners in Education, a non-profit that works with students in under-resourced communities. Each student has a story, and through conversation and questioning, I help them develop theirs. 

Talking with teenagers, teaching, and editing good writing are three of my favorite things! From the first meeting to the last read-through, I work with my students with honesty, creativity, humor, and rigorous expectations.

I am currently working toward my certificate as an Independent Education Consultant. 

I live in Irvington, NY, with my husband and children, three dogs, and two rabbits. When I’m not working with students or teaching skiing, I’m trail running, playing paddle tennis, gardening, or reading the Sunday Times (which usually takes me all week!).