Let’s help your kid get into college!
Personalized college counseling guidance that streamlines the admissions process.
Recent Student Acceptances
SOUND FAMILIAR?
The Overwhelm Is Real
There are so many things that come up during the application process with overlapping deadlines, ever-changing rules, and dozens of moving pieces. I help to manage the details and alleviate the stress.
Feeling Lost?
The admissions landscape continues to change and looks different every year. There are so many questions:
What makes a college list “balanced”?
What is the difference between Early Decision and Early Action?
Should my child take the SAT or ACT (or neither)?
I can help you and your family answer questions and solve problems so you don’t have to navigate the college admissions process on your own.
ABOUT
MEET JOANNA
I’m an experienced English teacher and college counselor with over 20 years in education. I work from the heart, which means I get to know your student as a person first, their hopes, interests, challenges, and what makes them tick.
I understand where your kid is coming from. I’m raising two high schoolers of my own and I know what this season feels like for the whole family. Families come to me because I meet kids where they are, I communicate openly with parents, and I help students find their right-fit schools.
I’m an avid hiker, grew up in the Midwest, was a collegiate swimmer and rower, and a 2x Ironman Finisher. I watch The Great British Bake Off, but I improvise every recipe I make. I have the cilantro gene (IYKYK), but I love Mexican food. If I weren’t a teacher, I’d be in sports medicine. My first job out of college was resettling immigrants outside of Boston. I am in love with the English Language, and you can find me listening to audiobooks when I’m on the trails walking my dog, Rocky.
CREDENTIALS:
20+ Years in Education
IEC, UC Irvine
BA Psychology, Clark University
JD, Northeastern University School of Law
PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS:
HOW IT WORKS
Three Steps to Get Started
Working with me is simple. Let’s start with a conversation about what your family needs.
STEP 01
Book a Free Consult
Schedule a free 30-minute call. Tell me about your student and where they are in the process. I’ll tell you how I can help.
STEP 02
Choose Your Path
Together, we’ll figure out the right level of support and customize a plan.
STEP 03
Let’s Get Started
I meet your student one-on-one and build a plan tailored to their (and your) timeline. You’ll receive updates from me regularly so we can collaborate on your student’s success.
WHAT I OFFER
Support That Fits Your Family
Comprehensive Support
This package is for the full journey, from building your student’s college list through the moment they commit to a school. I’m with your student every step of the way.
-
Personalized, balanced college list of schools
Transcript, testing & extracurricular review
Personal statement & supplement essays, including University of California’s Personal Insight Questions (PIQs)
Application management & submission strategy
Financial aid & scholarship guidance
Decision support through May 1
Essay Support
I help students find their authentic voice and craft essays they’re genuinely proud of. This is my favorite part of the process.
-
Personal statement brainstorming & drafting
UC essay packages
Common App supplement essays
Multiple rounds of close editing & revision
Targeted Guidance
I will customize a package aligned with your needs, whether you need an experienced set of eyes on a couple of key things or if you just need a gut check.
-
Balanced college list creation
Financial aid application walkthrough
Interview preparation
Hourly consultations
YOUR JOURNEY
What the Timeline Looks Like
Whether your student is a sophomore, junior, or senior, here’s how it works:
Explore & Prepare
We focus on keeping grades strong (10th and 11th grade matter most), exploring extracurriculars, course selection, test strategy, and planning meaningful summer experiences, whether that’s volunteering, working, and/or an internship.
Build the List & Lay the Groundwork
This is where the real work begins. We review transcripts and testing, discuss your student’s college criteria, and build a personalized, balanced list of schools. We plan campus visits, start preliminary application work, and narrow the list as we go.
Sophomore Year · 2–5 Meetings
Junior Year · Monthly Meetings
Senior Year Summer – Fall · Weekly Meetings
Senior Year Spring · As Needed
Essays, Applications & Strategy
The summer between junior and senior year is when we hit the ground running. I manage the details and deadlines until all applications are submitted. Together, we finalize the application list and develop an application strategy. We dive into essay brainstorming and writing for the Common App and UCs, including the Personal Statement, Personal Insight Questions (PIQs), and supplemental essays. We refine the Activities and Awards lists, manage every detail of the process, and get your child set up for success
Decisions & Celebrations
I’m with your family through acceptances, deferrals, waitlists, and the final choice. We can schedule family decision meetings to talk through options together.
Then we celebrate!
FROM FAMILIES LIKE YOURS
What Parents & Students Say
“I am someone who procrastinates every assignment, and my college applications were no different. Joanna created a planner, helped me pick out schools, and created a timeline for all my essays. Now, I feel my essays are the strongest part of my application, and all the credit goes to Joanna.”
— Vaughn, Student
“Joanna will save your sanity and preserve your relationship so that you can go back to preparing for them to leave and never wanting them to leave. She will help your child figure out what they want and write down all the reasons why they are brilliant.”
— Susan, Parent
“Despite our slightly late start, Joanna jumped right in and quickly helped my son narrow down his college list. He got into all four of his top school choices and had plenty of time to enjoy his senior year. The essays maintained his voice beautifully.”
— Jenny, Parent, Class of ’25
“Her super-friendly and easygoing personality made it easy to open up about my essays. With her guidance, I went from feeling completely behind to being proud of the essays I submitted. Working with Joanna was an amazing experience.”
— Milo, Student
FAQ
WHAT PARENTS ASK ME
-
I can start with your child, freshman, sophomore, or junior year of high school. No matter when we begin.
-
The majority of meetings are one-on-one with your student over Zoom. There will be scheduled family meetings built into the process. I also reach out for additional parent check-ins as needed. Between sessions, I’m available by email and text.
-
Pricing depends on when your student starts and the scope of support they need. I’m happy to walk through the details on our consultation call. Flexible payment plans are available for comprehensive packages.
-
I help them discover what they want to say and then coach them. We brainstorm, draft, and edit closely together. By the end, the essay sounds like them at their best. I don’t write essays for students. Admissions officers can spot a ghost-written essay immediately, and that’s the opposite of my approach.
-
My practice is fully virtual, so I work with families everywhere. I’ve had clients across California, Washington state, Michigan, and beyond.
Let’s Talk About Your Student
Every family’s situation is different, and I’d love to hear about yours. Schedule a free 30-minute consultation, and we’ll discuss where your student is, what’s ahead, and how I can support your family throughout the process.
Or call directly: 510.761.7987