I graduated with distinction from the UCLA certificate program in college counseling, launching Peacock College Counseling in 2018. Since then, I have worked with more than 50 students assisting them in finding, applying, and ultimately accepting offers of admission to such schools as University of Washington, University of Michigan, and Mt. Holyoke College. (*For a full list of schools, click here.) For my comprehensive clients, I begin by spending time with students and parents separately, using carefully-crafted questionnaires to learn as much as I can about them. In nearly every meeting, students answer at least one question, “Huh, I’ve never thought about that,” and that’s my favorite response of all. Part of my job is to ask the questions students don’t even know to ask, helping them learn more about themselves and what factors are most important in their college search. My focus has always been on helping students find best-fit colleges and universities and guiding them step by step through the application and admissions process, hopefully having some fun along the way.   

I was born and raised in Los Angeles, and somehow, my husband and I ended up settling down in the Pacific Northwest to raise our daughters. My journey took me to a number of locations along the way - Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine where I graduated with a degree in psychology; Florence, Italy for study abroad; Boston, Massachusetts, where I met my husband; and back to Los Angeles for a few years before we packed our bags for the Emerald City.  

I have six years of experience in advertising, television production, and employee training. I paused my professional career to raise my daughters and to be involved in their schools with PTSA and other community-based volunteer opportunities. I led fundraising efforts to help provide additional resources for students and families, organized school-wide family events, and was Co-President of the PTSA for three years. I loved my work. As my kids grew and I counseled my oldest daughter as she embarked on her own college journey, I realized my skill set both in professional project management and advocating for schools and families made me uniquely qualified to be an Independent Educational Consultant. 

I’m a detailed planner and a researcher. I love to write, and I consider myself so lucky when I have the privilege of helping others tell their own stories, giving me the opportunity to learn more about their interests, experiences, and dreams. Most of all, I want to make a positive difference in the lives of others. As a college counselor, I get to do just that.  

I am so lucky to get to do what I do.

Peacock College Counseling will guide the Student’s process of self-discovery based on interview, testing, prior academic record, and any other input provided by the Student. Peacock College Counseling will provide the following counseling services:

• Evaluation of Student’s record, including high school transcript, standardized test results, extracurricular activities, athletic activities, and special talents
• In-depth interviews of Student and family in order to develop overall strategy for the application process
• Explanation of and guidance through the college admissions process (discussion of schedule of standardized tests, testing options, application deadlines, etc.)
• Referral to resources for test preparation and academic tutoring, if requested
• Assist the Student in developing an optimal positioning and communication strategy
• Creation of a list of “good match” colleges and universities for the Student to research and visit, and
  helping the Student to conduct the most meaningful visits, including interview preparation
• Assistance in compiling a final list of schools, with varying degrees of admission difficulty, to which
  the Student will apply
• Assist the Student in developing a strategy for applying to potential schools
• Provide direction on researching schools and programs
• Brainstorm with the Student on topics for essays and short form answers, and will help develop the story line of the essays. After the Student prepares drafts of the essays, Peacock College Counseling will help edit grammar, spelling, and elements of style. It is essential that the Student draft and redraft the essays her/himself so that the essays represent the Student’s own “voice.”
• Assist the Student with the preparation of an activities resume based upon the Student’s initial draft
• Discussion of financial aid forms and options
• Assist the Student with selection of recommenders
• Assist the Student in proofing applications before submission
• Assistance with wait-list or appeals process, if necessary
• Assistance in making a final decision concerning which college to attend
• Will be available on call to Student and Responsible Party to answer questions when necessary, either in person, via email, on the phone, via Zoom, or via text message.