ABOUT ME

For 34 years as a school counselor, I helped high school students grow emotionally and academically and I fully understand the complex process of exploring life after high school. As an independent college admissions counselor for over 5 years now, my goal is to understand the unique needs of each of my clients and their families as they explore and prepare for college and/or a gap year.

I am also passionate about Restorative Practices, an approach that helps heal communities and strengthens relationships when harm has occurred. I provide training on the restorative practices framework of building community (using circles) and conferencing when harm occurs. I also provide restorative conferencing to families or communities (however big or small) who might need it.

What sets me apart?

I only take a small number of students to work with so that I can give them the individualized attention they deserve. I work like a private school counselor by providing individual attention and encouragement. My flexible schedule allows me to meet for personal appointments at almost any time of the day, including after school, in the evenings, on weekends, and during the summer. In addition to attending workshops, conferences and webinars, I have visited over 150 colleges and universities both within and outside of the USA.

~ Over thirty-five years as a Secondary School Counselor at State College Area School District

~ Seven years as Head Counselor, State College High School, State College Area School District

~ Two years as K-12 Family & Community Engagement Counselor, State College Area School District

~ International Institute of Restorative Practices: Trainer & Practitioner since 2013

~ Frequent workshop presenter at PASAP (Pennsylvania Association of Student Assistance Professionals)

~ Author of “The (Death) Life of the School Counselor: & the Call for Change in Public Education” (2024)

Education

~ M.Ed in Counselor Education, The Pennsylvania State University

~ B.S. in Rehabilitation Education, The Pennsylvania State University

Professional Affiliations

~ Member - National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC)

~ Member - Pennsylvania Association of College Admissions Counselors (PACAC)

~ Member - American School Counselor Association (ASCA)

~ Certification - ASCA Grief & Loss Specialist

~ Certification - IIRP Trainer

~ Guest Speaker - The Pennsylvania State University

~ Former Coach - State College High School Track & Field and Cross Country

Community Affiliations

~ Centre County Community Conferencing: Steering committee and volunteer Restorative Conferencing Facilitator

~ Centre LGBT+ Support Network: Founder and past board member

~ Centre Helps Crisis Hotline: current board member and trainer on LGBTQ+ issues

~ Restorative Practices Facilitator & Trainer