Hi there! Thanks for perusing my site and learning about how I can help you achieve your academic goals.

I hold a Ph.D. in Higher Education from the University of Massachusetts Boston and a M.S. in Counseling Psychology from Chaminade University of Honolulu. I completed both of these programs while working full-time. It was not easy and I was tired all the time, but I did it. 

Both of my graduate experiences were different. I did my master’s degree in my twenties, right out of college. I had just moved to Hawaii and started working full-time at a wholesale company. New place, new job, graduate school, no social network, far from family. . . I experienced burnout for the first time. I took some time off of school to assess whether I was ready for graduate school. After six months, I returned to school part-time and resumed full-time studies two semesters later. 

I started my doctoral studies in my late thirties. I had a job I liked and wanted to keep, so I continued working full-time while attending school. While I faced many academic challenges — which were to be expected — I also faced challenges related to perceptions about my personal and professional identities. I was fortunate to have friends and colleagues who served as informal coaches and cheerleaders. I found a doctoral student community where I felt like I belonged and where I could ask for help, seek advice, vent, and celebrate successes. I completed my degree in less than five years.

The support I received during my doctoral studies inspired me to help other graduate students. The challenges that graduate students face are often more than just academics. I understand these challenges, from my own experience as well as from working with graduate students as a coach, an adjunct faculty, a program advisor, and an administrator.

In addition to academic and dissertation coaching, I am a lecturer at Northeastern University, a Pilates instructor, and a wellness coach. (I have always worked multiple jobs throughout my career.) I have held many roles in higher education. Most recently, I was an administrator at an academic and personal development center at Harvard University. I have also worked as a mental health therapist, social service coordinator, and a business manager. Check out my LinkedIn page for more information about my professional background.

I look forward to working with you and hearing your academic story! 🎓