Credentials & Mission

Kristen received her Independent Educational Consultant Certificate from UC Irvine and is a member of NACAC (National Association for College Admissions Counseling), a Professional IECA Member (Independent Educational Consultants Association), and PACCC (Portland Area College Counselors Consortium).

She works with public high school students of all backgrounds and interests, including students with specific academic interests as well as those who have no idea what they want to study. She has also completed the Student-Athlete Advisor training and regularly assists prospective student-athletes in marketing themselves to college coaches. She expertly guides students through the college exploration, selection, and application process, including essay brainstorming and editing.

Kristen visits 25-30 colleges a year, co-served for two years as the Portland-area Community Rep for HECA, and she continues to connect with college representatives as they travel through Portland, keeping up-to-date on college offerings and programs. Choosing to go and where to go to college is likely one of the biggest decisions and investments parents and their students will make. Kristen recognizes that not only do colleges need to be a good academic, social, and emotional fit, but families also need to consider the cost of the entire college experience and how that cost will be paid. Once good-fit colleges are found, Kristen helps students market themselves to those colleges, increasing the odds of a great and reciprocal match. 

Kristen loves working with young adults, guiding them to discover priorities and deepen their interests as well as helping them enjoy the college exploration process. She is most proud when she hears that her work allowed a student to remain true to themselves yet achieve their goals, while also helping parents enjoy the relationship with their students throughout the college process. In her free time, Kristen volunteers at Ida B. Wells High School and enjoys yoga, traveling and spending time with her family.