About me

I never thought I would attend college.

As an average B/C high school student with little motivation, school just wasn’t for me. Topics weren’t interesting, and it all just seemed boring. And although I loved to read and write, math was a tremendous struggle.

When it was time to apply to college, there was no counselor to guide me. If there was, I would have learned that my dream of being a physical therapist needed serious science classes. I’m pretty sure I dozed off during the reading sessions of the SAT, and my scores weren’t something I was proud of.

 Just one college saw potential in me, but with a big caveat: I could only attend in the Fall if I completed their summer S.T.E.P. program of college math and writing courses and earned a C grade or better. I was on academic probation before I even started my freshman year! Yet the lifelong friends I made during that summer in what we called the “Stupid Teenagers Entering Pitt” program all worked hard to pass those classes. I learned study and organizational skills. 

 Most importantly, I felt successful. I give a huge thank you to the University of Pittsburgh for that opportunity and jumpstart. Because at 18, I couldn’t imagine I’d earn a bachelor’s degree, let alone a master’s degree in Special Education and another master’s in School Counseling.

 Today, with more than 20 years as a special education and school counselor in the public schools, my practice primarily focuses on students with learning differences. However, my goal is always the same: helping young people find their educational and personal path in life. 

 Most of my clients initially come to me on the verge of tears, with low confidence in their ability to succeed in the classroom or more bleakly, in life. 

I know there is a way through.  And my role is to understand who they are as unique learners and then ignite their love of learning. Through patient discovery, these kids teach me about how their brains work and learn, and then together we script a post-high school academic plan to help them discover their path in life.

 It is so deeply satisfying to see the transformation.

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