Description of Services : FutureWise approaches the task of preparing students for college admissions with an integrated process. We guide students as they create a meaningful spectrum of achievements, encourage them to become involved both in and out of the classroom, support them in achieving academic and personal success, and challenge them to reach their unique goals. FutureWise consultants are relatable and approachable. Our personalized approach allows us to cater directly to our students' needs. We empower students to find their unique voice and guide them as we collaboratively identify the colleges that are the best fit for them and arm them with the skills for success. We focus on facilitating students' self-discovery at what can be an incredibly stressful time in their lives. Operating from the philosophy that if rapport is not built, growth cannot happen, FutureWise believes in the value of establishing a trusting relationship to then empower students to reach their potential.
Description of Experience : In graduate school, I worked with a diverse population of at-risk youth in the Orange County Deparment of Education (OCDE) ACCESS Program to provide case management services including educational and career planning and referrals to and coordination with community agencies. I also monitored student progress toward educational and behavioral goals and collaborated with IEP teams and Student Consultation Teams (SCT); OCDE management, administration, and staff; and community agencies to coordinate student advancement. In 2009, I began taking clients in my private practice, which I own and at which I am currently Director of College Counseling. In 2011, I created a school-based program for first generation students and have taught the approximately 10-week program for two years. The college readiness program is aimed at low-income first generation students at a local public elementary school and covers college and career awareness, developing self-esteem and healthy life habits that affect academic performance, and setting personal and academic goals; my curriculum is still taught in that school. In 2012, I completed the UCLA College Counseling Certificate Program and as part of that, provided college counseling services to 8 first-generation college-bound students. In addition, I've tutored graduate and doctoral students in effective writing.
In September 2020, my book The Parent Compass: Navigating Your Teen's Wellness and Academic Journey in Today's Competitive World was released [Familius/Workman Publishing]. It became a best seller and was featured on Katie Couric's list of 11 Books Every Parent Should Read This Fall (2021). Book Authority named it the #1 Best New Parenting Audiobook to Read in 2021, #5 of the Best New Parenting Books to Read in 2021, and one of the Top 100 Best Parenting Books of All Time. The Parent Compass explores our hypercompetitive academic environment and offers parenting strategies to help parents raise thriving teens.
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I've been interviewed about education, college admission, and parenting on multiple television news programs as well as a wide variety of radio shows and podcasts. I was also interviewed by Good Housekeeping for an article on teaching kids how to self-advocate; the article will appear both in the print and online version of Good Housekeeping's June 2022 issue.
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I speak professionally to parent organizations and schools about education, college admission, and parenting.
Lastly, I attend college counseling conferences, travel to college campuses, and am also a member of IECA and WACAC.