Recent Testimonials

Meeting Lena and having her to help me with my college application is my great luck. She is so supportive and super helpful and I may use the word magical, because she made the overwhelming process a very sweet memory. Whenever I needed help, she was always there with her wonderful mind and heart.

Beyond the trivial process, she also guided me to meet a better version of myself through our one-on-one meetings of essay brainstorming, as I recalled details of my life, gaining self-acknowledgement and confidence. THANK YOU LENA!!!! I am so appreciative for your help!
- Alice C.
I can’t thank you enough for guiding my son through his college search and getting him onto the path to success at […..] College!

At every step, you’ve shown skills, patience, and a deep talent for balancing guidance and mentorship with independence-building and ownership of outcomes.

And most of all, you allowed me to enjoy this process – rather than setting up a year-long battle of wills.

Thank you!
- Jessica G.
When I first met Lena, off the bat I was comfortable. I felt like I could share my story with her and not be judged in any way.

Every step of the way I was shown how to get into my inner writer, something I was never able to do before.

I will always cherish my writing process with Lena because it has stuck with me. Although I met her due to writing my common application essay I now constantly write everything down from my feelings to memories and I am able to capture it all with how Lena taught me how to write.

Breathe in, be patient, and trust the process because at the end it is beautiful!

- Sofia V.
Your feedback on essays is the best! And you were so kind and patient with me throughout this stressful process.
- Aisha
Navigating the Common App seemed like a daunting task. I was also concerned about the stress of the essay compromising the relationship with our child. You answered all of our questions, helped us understand what to expect, provided us with outstanding resources, and gave us prompt feedback.

I was able to be completely hands-off and also reassured that it was all being well taken care of. I loved the parent updates you provided and the ability for me to check in when I wanted to. I would also mention that you’re professional and both my child and I felt that you were not only easy to work with, but also enjoyable!
- Rachel B.
Thorough, responsive, and collaborative involvement with the process. Must hire!

We didn’t know what questions to ask our son to get started. Lena took out a lot of the guesswork with regards to specific types of colleges that would be a good fit for him. She made the process easy.
- Rob M.

You go to college once. Make your applications sing!

My mission is to help high school students bring meaning and purpose to their college applications journey.

College is a big life transition. And that in itself can feel overwhelming. Not to mention all the essays and deadlines. And the pressure to “get in.”

I break the process into small, manageable pieces so that students can feel more organized and confident. Working at a steady pace supports their mental health and also gives them the space to self-reflect: what’s actually important to them in a college? And what stories do they want to tell about themselves in their essays and application?

I want my students to be proud of what they already bring to the table and savvy about their college options. I help them define their strengths and goals, and teach them how to look beyond the marketing to find the colleges where they’re most likely to thrive. We also explore “return on investment” factors, as well as ways they can set themselves up for success at college and beyond.

About Me

College advising is my calling. My background is in writing, research, and career path planning, so I get to do all my favorite things in this profession! Before becoming a college advisor, I was a freelance editor and proofreader for seven years. And prior to that, I worked for many years in the non-profit sector writing grants, researching public policy issues, and helping underserved communities. I’ve also been an alumni interviewer and coordinated study abroad programs.

My own educational background includes a bachelor’s degree from Bryn Mawr College, a master’s from Columbia University, and plenty of world travel. I earned my certificate in college counseling from UCLA Extension, where I completed my practicum and graduated with distinction.

Last but not least, I am a proud alumna of Lowell High School in San Francisco – where my lifelong love of learning all started.
Thank you, Lowell!