I began exploring the college advising industry when my son was a high school junior. It was such an exciting time, but nerve-wracking nonetheless. There was so much information available, but few people around to help me sort it out. I remember taping several pages of spreadsheets together, trying to determine my son's best options and acceptance probability. Other moms were going through the same experience, so we met often to share ideas, discuss what we'd learned and ask questions. That was 2005, and I haven't stopped researching, learning and sharing knowledge since. Today, I have the privilege of working with students from all sorts of ethnic, financial and educational backgrounds. What do they all have in common? They all want to successfully apply to colleges for which they are qualified academically, socially and financially. It's that simple. I work hard to help students and families understand the process and move through the steps with confidence. My approach is detailed, and administered in small, steady bites so no one feels overwhelmed. The result is peace of mind throughout the entire application process. I hold a Bachelor of Science degree from Kansas State University and taught high school English and German as a substitute for eight years. I am a member of the Higher Education Consultants Association and the Western Association for College Admission Counseling, and am a graduate of UC Berkeley's College and Career Planning program. The dog? My girl Val.