How I Work

I will meet with your child and get to know him or her a bit—interests, activities, personality—and provide a list of probing brainstorming questions. We’ll then meet again to discuss the responses and decide on one that will allow your child to tell a genuine story about his or her life that exemplifies his/her personality, traits, or experiences. Then the writing process begins. I never write essays for students. Some students, however, may need more advice and input to draw out their voice and inject more personality into the essays. 

The essays are written in stages. One of my most important “rules” is to let me work with your child independently. You are certainly welcome to discuss progress with your child, and of course you can check in with me from time to time if you would like. But kids need the freedom to find their voice and the chance to form an independent relationship with me. I find that kids are often inhibited when parents are over-involved. If you are working with me, it’s because someone referred you to me, so you can trust in my ability and guidance. By the end of the process, your child will have essays he/she is proud to send to schools.