My Story
Pictured above: With my dad at my college graduation from Rice University.
As the first person in my family to attend a four-year college in the U.S., my parents could not tell me how to get there.
My parents had always raised me to believe that going to a four-year college was part of my future. But as the first person in my family to do so, my parents could not tell me exactly how to get there. So, I did it on my own. I researched universities at the library and in U.S. News & World Report. I wrote and edited my own essays. I remember the excitement of exploring all my options, but I also remember the intense fear of applying—worrying that I would miss a deadline or get it wrong somehow. I remember how worried my parents were because they truly did not know how to help.
Through sheer determination and no small amount of luck, I applied to and was accepted to four amazing universities, but Rice made the best offer! My education at Rice University became one of the most meaningful and transformative experiences of my life and has fueled a lifelong curiosity and drive to learn more.
As a mom of four sons, I have experienced, first-hand, the angst of wondering where they should go to college, whether they could be accepted and how to finance their education. I have seen my sons struggling with organization, fear, and self-doubt. And I have seen the joy when a student finally finds the right “home.” I know EXACTLY how it feels to walk through this process as a parent, and also as a student doing it alone!
I have built Camino on the foundation of my own love of learning, my love of students, and my belief that having a skilled guide can make the process much less painful.
Though I started Camino as a solo practice, I quickly discovered the work could be even more fun with partners, so I asked Kim Pyle and Tricia Horne to join the Camino adventure in 2023.
A Few Fun Facts About Me
I married my college sweetheart, Nils, right after graduation. I grew up speaking Spanish while he grew up making music. Together, we have raised four bilingual and musical sons.
I am obsessed with castles, cathedrals, museums, national parks, and archeological ruins. Recent journeys include Yosemite, Oaxaca, Mérida, Mexico City, Montreal, Prague, Berlin and Namibia.
Prior to being a coach, I was a Spanish instructor, an ESL teacher, and ESL program director.
The sound of ocean waves pulling rocks back into the sea is the most relaxing sound on the planet for me.
I missed the opportunity to take Art History 101/102 in college because I didn’t see the value at the time. I still plan to audit that course someday!
My sons keep me from becoming hopelessly out-of-date in my music tastes :)
I LOVE COFFEE! I don’t drink it for the energizing effect primarily, but for the relaxed feeling I get when I hold the hot cup.
What is a college admissions coach?
As an ICF-certified coach, I am trained to deliver a particular kind of help to students during the admissions process. Through a collaborative and creative approach of asking questions, setting goals and creating accountability, I partner with students to help them get the results they want and need in the most important search of their lives: admission to the right college! I’ll bring to you my best learning from following experience and credentials:
RICE UNIVERSITY, Houston, TX. B.A. English Literature, B.A. Spanish Literature, magna cum laude.
RICE UNIVERSITY, Houston, TX. M.A. Spanish Literature.
INTERNATIONAL COACHING FEDERATION (ICF). Associate Certified Coach (ACC).
RICE UNIVERSITY, Doerr Institute for New Leaders. COACHRice Leadership Coaching Certification.
IECA Summer Training Institute
Multi-Health Systems Inc. (MHS). EQ-i 2.0 (Emotional Intelligence Assessment) Certification.
Professional Memberships
International Coaching Federation (ICF) ACC Associate Member
Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA) Associate Membership
Ready to get started? here’s how:
Step 1: Fill out this contact form.
Step 2: I will email you to set up a complimentary 20-minute call.
Step 3: After our call, I will propose some next steps, possible resources, and a package that matches your needs!
