Experience
As an educator, business owner, student, and parent, I have learned that success is achieved with dedicated effort and through direct pursuit of one's interest.
Career
Student Success Advising (Ongoing): Personalized mentoring and academic support for students and guidance for parents
Pool of Knowledge Tutoring (2000–2025): For the past 25 years, I’ve tutored and advised students and parents from leading middle and high schools in the Portland metro area, helping many students gain admission to top colleges across the U.S. and in Europe
Harvard University Development Office (1997-1998)
Academic
Master of Arts in Teaching, Union College, Schenectady, NY (2000)
Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Union College (1997)
Phi Beta Kappa, Magna Cum Laude
Minor in Spanish
Psychology Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society
Additional Background and Interests
Current Mother of a High School Student: I have an understanding of, and empathy for, the challenges of parenting in today’s world, including navigating school decisions, managing technology use, and nurturing respectful, kind, and engaged individuals
Evidence-Based Research: My advising approach applies current literature and evidence-based research on adolescent development, academic strategies, and the impacts of technology use
Hobbies and Interests: Spending time with family and friends, sailing, skiing, tennis, music, movies, museums, reading, hiking, backpacking, working hard, and having fun
Philosophy
My philosophy is rooted in the power of education and the belief that thought is creative. I believe that success and fulfillment arise from knowledge, effort, and positive thinking, balanced with caring for oneself and meaningful connections with others. Education is a tool to cultivate growth, resilience, and relationships.
Students
Students can understand their potential and strive to be their best with clear goals, a belief in their abilities, and a commitment to effort.
Every student has innate interests and talents that deserve to be honored. Success results from valuing what you enjoy and developing the skills to pursue your interests with confidence.
Success is not only about working hard and excelling in school. It also comes from building healthy habits and enriching connections with others. Students thrive when they combine effort with rest, movement, and activities that bring joy. Connecting with peers, mentors, and communities fosters a sense of belonging and purpose.
The ability to think independently and critically, combined with the skill to research and evaluate reliable sources, is essential for learning and to make informed decisions. In today’s world, social media, AI, and the internet can easily distort information and self-perception. By developing trust in their own thinking and values, students strengthen their sense of identity and confidence in their choices. This empowers them to become discerning individuals who can separate truth from misinformation and stay resilient when confronted with negative influences.
Challenges and setbacks also become important learning opportunities. Students develop problem-solving skills through these experiences, which prepares them to approach future obstacles with perseverance and tenacity.
I support students to develop these beliefs and skills through personalized guidance and mentoring. Applying my years of experience, I provide thoughtful, effective guidance that helps students learn to empower themselves. I also work closely with parents to reinforce habits, autonomy, and meaningful engagement at home. Together, this work cultivates self-actualization, confidence, resilience, and fulfillment in both school and life.
Parents
Parenting is both a profound responsibility and a rewarding journey. Effective parenting balances structure with healthy boundaries and encouragement, allowing students to explore their interests and try new experiences. By modeling and teaching respect and kindness, parents enable their students to understand the importance of relationships and positive interactions with others.
Through personalized guidance and mentoring, I help parents navigate the challenges of school and provide strategies to support their student’s academic and personal growth. Parents learn how to guide their student while empowering them to develop skills to thrive on their own.