With 27 years of professional experience writing and editing memoirs, essays, and other narratives, I can help you get to the heart of your essay quickly and easily. And it’s a process I love. As a matter of fact, I help other college counselors with student essays when I’m not busy with my own students.

I was a high school educator, college composition instructor, and tutor for 12 years, and I’ve always been able to connect with young people. They sense that I care. I actively listen.

I’m an award-wining creative non-fiction writer. Having freelanced on a wide range of subjects, my feature articles—including personal essays—have appeared in the San Francisco Chronicle, American Heritage of Invention and Technology, and California Magazine. I wrote over 200 stories for the Library of Congress’ website for kids and families, Americaslibrary.gov. And I’m revising a YA novel.

I grew up in Contra Costa County, California, studied at UC Davis, University of London, and received my MA in literature and creative writing from CSU East Bay. I now live in Oakland, California.

In my first year as The College Essay Guru, I’m working on a Specialized Certificate in College Counseling and becoming a HECA affiliate, advancing ethical standards of conduct and promoting equity and access to higher education for all students.

Fun facts about me:

• I have four outdoor adventure books on the market (Falcon Guides).

• I have helped over 50 individuals, families and organizations save and share their stories in page-turning books.

• We have two teenage sons, one just starting college!

• I perform in two cover bands and have an original song on a children’s album.

• I love a new adventure!

• I have a dog named Donut.