What is coaching?

Coaching is partnership between the coach and the client to help the client maximize their strengths and move towards their ideal future. A client has all of the resources within them to be the best version of themselves; a coach uses probing questions, exercises (tools) and a trusting relationship to help a client learn about themselves and set new goals. In coaching, a client is not broken, or needing to be fixed. Coaching is not...

• Therapy, in which a counselor or psychologist works with you to unearth patterns in the past that might be causing problems in the present. This person can diagnose mental health illness and (in the case of a psychiatrist) prescribe medication.
• Mentoring, in which a more experienced person helps you to learn in a company or school setting by leading the way
• Consulting, in which a person gives you advice about what you should do
• School counseling, in which you work within your school to get support for achieving your academic and post-high school goals

Do you provide help with college applications?

Yes! I work as an independent college counselor with first-year and transfer applicants through targeted support, including working on essays together, expanding your list, and reviewing your applications. You can book a package of 3, 6, 10 or 12 sessions and use them in the time that works best for you and your deadlines. I'm an Associate Member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association, which means I must follow ethical guidelines and practices in college admissions counseling. My philosophy is grounded in maximizing your success in college/university by assuring you are thoroughly reaching colleges that are the right fit for you, and where you can transition smoothly.

Why is it important to hire a certified coach?

Certification means that a coach has been trained on how to be a life coach, including mentor coaching and passing an assessment. If you hire a certified coach, you know they are following responsible ethical guidelines and practices. I am currently an Associate Certified Academic Life Coach through Coach Training EDU. Have a look at more Hiring Tips from the International Coaching Federation here.

What do you do, exactly?

I help students go to college and be successful once they get there.

Most students and families I work with are moving across cultures for their education -- crossing country borders, moving away from their home country, or attending university in an entirely different region of a country.

What's it like to work with you?

We will meet on Zoom, in a confidential setting, in your time zone (I work with students all over the world). We can set meetings around your schedule and keep in contact between sessions via WhatsApp, email and shared Google Drive folder. You can expect me to be warm and authentic -- working with international students and their families is the core of my career and what I love to do!

Do you work with adults?

Yes! In my career as a high school counselor, educating parents was one of the bonuses of my work with students. I offer group workshops and individual coaching for parents who are experiencing their own transition as their children move away to school. I also work individually with international educators considering or completing a transnational move. Contact me for more info on these tailored programs for international school teachers.

Where can I find out more about the Academic Life Coaching program?

Access Coach Training EDU's Parent Guide here, to read all about it.

What's the general age range of students you work with?

Most of my clients are aged 16 to 24 -- entering their final two years of high school, starting college or university, and then figuring out what to do after they have earned their undergraduate degree.