After more than 13 years of teaching humanities at High Tech High, an internationally recognized project-based learning school in San Diego, CA, I realized that some of the most meaningful work I did happened in conversation with students.

I love helping students reflect on their experiences, shape their ideas, and write with clarity, depth, and authenticity. At a time when so much student writing is beginning to sound polished yet interchangeable, I’m especially interested in helping students say something real.

My background is a little winding: I graduated cum laude from Yale, worked for Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan, earned a law degree at UC Law San Francisco, clerked for a federal judge in Pittsburgh, and practiced labor and employment law before moving into nonprofit leadership and, ultimately, teaching.

That varied background has shaped the way I work with students. I bring experience as a writer, teacher, lawyer, and mentor, but perhaps most importantly, I bring a lot of curiosity about young people. Over the years, I’ve read thousands of student essays and helped hundreds of students think, write, revise, and communicate about themselves on college applications and beyond.

I don’t believe there's a single formula for getting into college, and I don’t try to turn students into the versions of themselves they think colleges want to see. Instead, I help students understand their own strengths and interests, make thoughtful choices about how to present themselves, and develop writing that sounds like them at their best.

Because good coaching requires time, attention, and an ongoing relationship, I deliberately keep my practice small. I work one-on-one with students applying to colleges, honors programs, scholarships, and other academic opportunities, tailoring the process to each student and family.

If you're looking for a thoughtful, individualized approach to the college process, let’s talk and see if we’d be a good fit to work together.