I’m the college admissions consultant who’ll help your teen find the joy in this process.

Woman in a light-colored blazer holding up blue pom-poms, smiling against a plain white background.
A light blue pennant flag with the word "Pep + Prep" written in dark blue cursive letters.

Because we can take it seriously and still have fun. Say it with me: “cheer, not fear!”

A colorful pattern of diamond shapes in black, beige, pink, red, and light blue arranged in rows.

Most college consulting is about checking boxes. I do it differently.

I don’t tell students they have to quit the sport they love, pour every waking hour of their summer into a passion project, or copy what everyone else is doing to fit into the mold.  


The truth is that most of the advice out there is written for some “perfect student” who doesn't exist—not your teen. That’s why so much of it either falls flat or clashes with who they are at their core. 


My approach is different because I’m not just thinking about college when I work with your student. I’m thinking about what comes after. My goal is to help your student become the best version of themselves, making choices that matter now and set them up to thrive long after graduation. And yes—we even have some fun along the way.

Here’s what I bring to your college admissions experience:

  • Applying to college is a milestone to celebrate and enjoy! Sure, there’s work to be done, but fear and anxiety don’t get to call the shots. 

    I’ll help you and your student stay focused, think intentionally about their choices, and build a strong application with energy, excitement, and confidence.

  • I live and breathe college admissions. Rules and standards change all the time, and I stay on top of it all so you don’t have to.

    You can count on every bit of guidance I give you to be up to date and helpful.

  • When I say I’ll do something, consider it done. You and your teen can trust that I’ll always follow through, so you’ll never feel pressured to turn to Reddit or classmates & parents for advice.

    I’m always in your corner to keep you on track, answer questions, and make sure nothing falls through the cracks.

  • Everything we do together is about helping your teen take the reins and getting them ready for what comes next.

    By the time we’re done, they’ll be more confident making decisions on their own, managing the process, and handling challenges without constant reminders from you.

Where my career aspirations started

A red and navy stripe design.
A red and navy stripe design.

Before becoming a college admissions consultant, I had to figure it out the hard way.

A woman with long brown hair, wearing a yellow sweater, smiling and working on a white laptop at a wooden desk, with a white coffee mug and a notebook nearby, next to a green plant, against a plain gray wall.

I remember how it felt applying to college back in 2002. As a first-generation college student, I wished there were someone who could have helped me through the process, because while I was capable, I was completely unprepared. I didn’t know what I didn’t know, and I was trying to piece everything together as I went.

That experience really stuck with me. Even though it pushed me to take risks and eventually led me all the way to France before grad school, I never forgot how overwhelming it felt to go through it alone.

Years later, as a high school counselor, I saw those patterns play out again and again. Smart, driven kids were constantly second-guessing themselves, forcing themselves into molds that didn’t make sense for them. I kept thinking, this could be so much clearer. But with a caseload of 450+ students, I couldn’t offer the individualized support they needed. 

Now, I can. 

I’ve been exactly where you are, and I’ve seen this process from both sides. That’s why I built my approach around the kind of guidance I wish I had back then, with clear direction, thoughtful choices, and support every step of the way.

Get to know me

I’m a sucker for a good: beverage! Icy-cold water & crispy diet Cokes are my go-to workday drinks, but if I really need a pick-me-up, I’m ordering an iced latte with caramel drizzle or a fruity refresher from my favorite iced-tea shop!

I handle stress by: putting my head down and getting to work. I’m not great at sitting (just ask my family), so keeping my mind active with tasks + research helps me feel grounded when I’m overwhelmed.

I’ll never argue about: whether California or Texas has better tacos. I’ve lived in both states (I’m originally from CA but moved to TX with my family), and I’ve happily claimed both. Team guac, always! 

My most memorable client experiences: are the students whose confidence completely took off after working together! Many students come to me questioning whether they’re doing enough. By digging into their passions and connecting them with what they’d already accomplished, I helped them build applications that were true to who they are (and got them into top universities and programs!). 

How I show up for my students and parents:

"She was so caring, compassionate, and consistent with my daughter, who felt nervous about this next season of life."

"What sets Katie apart is her ability to work effectively with both students and parents. She established a wonderful rapport with my teen, earning their trust and respect while encouraging independence. At the same time, she kept us parents informed and involved without letting our anxiety affect the process."

"She was always in contact with me, the parent, answering all my questions and concerns. My daughter, the applicant, was comfortable and never stressed about the procedure."

Two women sitting in chairs having a conversation; one taking notes with a notepad and pen, the other with hands clasped, wearing a pink shirt and white skirt; small round table with potted plant, notebooks, and coffee cups between them.

Feel like we’re the right fit?

Book a call to talk college with me.

Let’s Get Started