Hi! I am a Graduate Coach with InGenius Prep currently based in Lewiston, ME. I completed my B.A. in Psychology at Dartmouth College and my M.A. and Ph.D. in Higher Education at UCLA. I have spent over 10 years in undergraduate academic advising at large public research, large private research, and small liberal arts institutions across the country. Within the context of academic advising, I have worked closely with undergraduate students from a variety of backgrounds pursuing diverse interests, ranging from highly pre-professional (health, business, law) pathways to completely open exploration of the liberal arts curriculum, including interdisciplinary studies and independent majors. I have spent the last few years working in graduate student affairs, providing guidance and support to graduate students navigating the highs and lows of graduate student life.
I believe strongly in the importance and value of self-reflection in undergraduate and graduate education, especially in terms of helping students become more aware of their identities, beliefs, values, and goals as they pursue advanced degrees and postgraduate opportunities. Through this self-reflection, students can develop greater agency and empowerment with their choices, and assume greater accountability and responsibility for their decisions. Additionally, I am focused on helping students engage in help-seeking behaviors and connect with campus resources in order to make the most out of their institutional experiences. I am open with students about the challenges they will potentially face so that they can be thoughtful about building the community of resources and supports they need to be successful.
In general, I love stories – reading them, hearing them, absorbing them – in any form. I am especially enamored with stories in film, so you will often find me in the theater with popcorn and layers of extra butter. I also love spending time near the ocean, staring out at the water, and reflecting on life, so I spend much of my free time on the coast of Maine. I appreciate simplicity in all things, so I try to avoid clutter and focus on the essentials.