(she/her/hers)Hi, I’m kristen!
I find great joy in helping students navigate the college process. College is an incredible time of growth, and I am passionate about helping students find the right place to grow.
I don’t have a favorite list of schools, I don’t push Ivies (though they’re great for some students). Instead, I work to find the right balance of all the aspects of college that students and their families are hoping for. I believe in clarity of communication, access to information, and knowledgeable and empathetic support for everyone involved.
An excellent college experience can be transformative. As an educator, I believe in this transformation, in the magic that happens with the myriad forms of learning in higher education, and in the opportunities that result. It is my honor and delight to walk this path with students and their families.
Professional Awards
Yale University Educator Award 2019
Maine Teacher of the Year Waldo County 2016
Education
Vassar College, BA English 1993
University of Glasgow, study abroad 1991
University of Hawai‘i, MA English and Writing, 1999
COLLEGE ACCEPTANCES STUDENTS I’VE WORKED WITH HAVE earned:
Amherst, Bard, Barnard, Beloit, Bentley, Bowdoin, Brown, Bryn Mawr, Champlain, Clark, Colby, Connecticut, Dartmouth, DePaul, Dickinson, Earlham, Eckherd, Fashion Institute of Technology, Hampshire, Harvard, Hobart and William Smith, Husson, Ithaca, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, McGill, Middlebury, Mount Holyoke, Oberlin, Olin College of Engineering, Penn State, Princeton, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Rochester Institute of Technology, Roger Williams, Smith, St. Andrews (Scotland), St. John’s College (Annapolis), St. Lawrence, Swarthmore, Thomas, Trinity (Dublin), Tufts, Union, Unity, The University of British Columbia, The University at Buffalo, The University of Chicago, The University of Hawai‘i, The University of Maine, The University of Maine College of Engineering, The University of New Hampshire, The University of South Carolina, Columbia, The University of Southern California, The University of Southern Maine, The University of Victoria, Vassar, Villanova, Wesleyan, Wheaton, Whitman, William & Mary, Williams, Yale
“Without Kristen’s support I would have been lost as I navigated the college application process; her extensive knowledge of the admissions process, and the emotional support she provided throughout, was instrumental as I created the application that earned me a place at my dream school.” (PMG)
My Approach
I love working with students and families throughout the college process. When you work with me, you get my personalized attention and support. You will not be assigned to another counselor; everything I do is focused on you—the student—and your family and unique situation. We collaborate to help you attain the best outcome possible: a great fit that’s just right for you.
Let’s chat and see how we can begin!
DREAM IT
I listen to and focus on the hopes and dreams of each student. I also see the realities of competitive admissions and family finances.
Sometimes it’s helpful to understand how these elements might come together so that hopes and dreams can turn into reality.
working toward the dream
I can be there with you every step of the way, providing experience, resources, and support. Applications often require significant work, which can be stressful for seniors who are managing school, extracurricular activities, jobs, volunteer work, family life, friends. It’s a lot; I’m here to help.