One of the most important things I have learned from my own experiences as a student, then later as an admissions professional, and now as an independent educational consultant, is that good education happens at a lot of places. There are a lot of “good schools.” What matters is finding “good for you schools.”
My own college search was a mess. The only child of parents who both had sales careers, I moved around a lot as a kid before landing in Illinois where I graduated from high school. Choosing colleges to apply to, I listened to everyone but myself, which is how I ended up in US History 1865 to the Present with at least 200 other students at a mid-sized research university, feeling lost and unmoored. I liked talking in class, being part of a discussion with peers I knew. But when choosing a college, I didn’t know to think about preferences like these. I eventually found my footing in college, but three years after graduating, when I chose my law school, I discovered how transformative a good-fit school can be.
I am one of those lawyers who did something other than practice law. Now, I draw on the decade I spent doing admissions work after law school to demystify the college search and admissions process for students and their families. I like helping my students think about the people they are now and the people they hope to become. My work encourages self-awareness and independence which I hope inspires students’ confidence in their decisions. Parents and students like that I keep them grounded and, especially, organized. The words they most often use to describe me are calm, warm, thorough, and knowledgeable. They also like my sense of humor!
When I visit colleges, I also like to visit the nearest bookstore. I’m never without my book of the moment. My other longtime grandmacore hobbies are working jigsaw puzzles and word puzzles. My non-grandmacore hobbies are hiking and snowshoeing. I begin every day with a long walk with my dog, Gracie, which is why she thinks I am amazing and is always at my side. (My two teenage children and husband keep me more grounded.) With all of them is my favorite place to be.
Favorite thing about College Connectors
I rely on my colleagues’ experience and knowledge to supplement my own, and I can always count on laughing with them when I need a pick-me-up.
Favorite bookstore visited while touring colleges
Browsers Book Shop in Olympia, Washington
Favorite hike
Superior Hiking Trail, White Sky Rock to Poplar River Overlook near Lutsen on Minnesota’s North Shore
Favorite place to work
In the summer, outside on the deck or the patio at the nearby bakery. In the winter, home sweet home–but inside. In every season, with Gracie next to me.
Credentials
- CEP, Certified Educational Planner
- Certificate, Independent Educational Consulting, University of California – Irvine
- JD, DePaul University College of Law
- BA, American Studies, Northwestern University
- Member of NACAC, IECA, and HECA
- Admissions experience: Mitchell Hamline School of Law, Macalester College
- Former Co-Director of the Northwestern Alumni Admissions Council, Twin Cities Region and former College Possible Mentor
