"I am a supervisor and instructional coach for the New York City Department Of Education. I taught elementary school for 10 years, worked as an instructional coach to improve teacher practice for another 10 years, and am currently working as an advisor for International Baccalaureate (IB) schools in the City.

As a weekend hobby, I write essays and short stories and am working on a novel. Writing is my creative outlet of choice!

I attended Brown University as an undergrad and have coached my own two children through the college application and essay writing process, with each having received acceptances and merit aid to many wonderful colleges of their own.

The college essay is the single aspect of the college process over which your child has full control. It is an opportunity for them to tell their true story in a compelling way and to shine. It is a task that can and should be leveraged as a strategic tool to work hard for applicants, bringing them to life for admissions counselors while highlighting their unique qualities.

It is also - unfortunately - a source of great stress and angst for students. But it really can be a fun exercise in the hands of a skillful Coach.

Before I entered Education, I worked in Advertising and Marketing. When I work on college essays with students, I draw upon my skills as a branding strategist and a writer, and I combine those skills with a teacher’s ability to connect with students. I turn a traditionally painful process into an empowering journey of self-awareness.

And best of all, my involvement as a writing coach frees up families to enjoy their children; when we lessen the parent/child college stress loop, we restore the relationship and allow families to enjoy the last couple years of living with their children at home. It’s a precious time. Take it back and enjoy it." less...