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Imagine a coach who transforms the writing process into a journey of self-discovery and creative expression.
I turn the daunting college application process into a journey of self-discovery.
We showcase the whole student, intellect and personality.
With insider knowledge and a personal touch, I guide your child to their dream college,
blending strategy with compassion and humor.
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What if your child felt more confident and more empowered
in their ability to present their academic story
that application readers immediately
see their value and intellectual curiosity?
What if instead of feeling stressed during the application process,
there was ease?
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​​​​​​​My research-based instruction works in just this way.
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With a rich educational background,
including degrees from Smith College and Harvard University, and experience as a Fulbright Exchange teacher to England,
I bring a wealth of knowledge and
empathy to my coaching.
I help students gr. 9-12
design a cohesive application narrative,
from art school to the Ivy League,
incorporating academic goals,
personal values, and character traits.
Mentored by the former
director of admissions for Cornell,
my research-based process
empowers students,
and teaches how to craft life experiences
into a compelling application
while reducing stress.
I know what admissions readers look for.
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No more procrastinating.
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No more frustration.
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No more pain.
For those who prefer more independence
or have an impending deadline,
I offer editing packages without face to face
or Zoom time.
These are intended to
polish essays before submission.
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Fresh eyes.​​
Harvard, Princeton, Yale
Columbia, UPenn, MIT
Dartmouth, Brown
UK: Cambridge, Trinity
CalTech
Johns Hopkins, Rice
University of Michigan
Georgetown, Swarthmore
Smith, Wellesley
Carleton, Middlebury
Wesleyan, Emory
Tufts, USC, UVA
Macalester, Bucknell
UCONN, Colorado College
University of Florida
Georgia Tech, NYU
UMASS, Brandeis
Boston College, Clark
Boston University
Emerson, Fordham
George Washington, WPI
SUNY Stonybrook
SUNY New Paltz, Tulane
Northeastern, Penn State
Michigan State
Indiana University: Kelley School of Business,
Wheaton, Ole Miss, LSU
U Illinois Chicago
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It's not just about getting the application done.
It's about empowerment.
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It’s not just about getting the application done.
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It's about setting them up for the future they want.
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It's about empowering them throughout the college and
graduate school years and career beyond.
Having strong writing skills and an ease in communicating ideas
will give a competitive advantage.
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And who doesn't want that?
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To hear the rest of my 10 minute talk, go here:
Kristie approaches her students with a wonderful combination of respect, empathy, humor, and honesty. She sets a high bar which her students meet with great enthusiasm.
Truly the mark of a gifted educator.
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I was so fortunate to have Kristie guide both of my daughters as they worked to create narratives that allowed them to get noticed. She took the time to learn each one's strengths not only as a student but as an individual. It was such a proud moment when their essays received compliments during
college interviews.
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Verna O'Donnell, parent
The Ten Thousand Doors of January
by Alix E. Harrow.
"A gorgeous, aching love letter to stories, storytellers and the doors they lead us through . . ."
If you need to escape, this is the book.
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In a sprawling mansion filled with peculiar treasures, January Scaller is a curiosity herself. As the ward of the wealthy Mr. Locke, she feels little different from the artifacts that decorate the halls: carefully maintained, largely ignored, and utterly out of place.
Then she finds a strange book. A book that carries the scent of other worlds, and tells a tale of secret doors, of love, adventure and danger.
We're mostly virtual on Zoom (introvert friendly!) so we can gather from anywhere!
You can attend from the comfort of your own home, in your pajamas if you so choose. Plus, no need to worry about the cost of travel or accommodations.
And let's not forget the added bonus of not having to leave your beloved pet behind.
Let's get writing.
This is where to find all spring and summer offerings as they are added
Are you the kind of person who gets up at 4 am to watch a meteor shower on a darkened playing field?
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Do you want to create surrounded by open-minded individuals who honor your work?
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Would you like to be with boundary keepers who value collaboration and keep the page confidential?
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Can you carve out a nook or cranny in which to write for an hour and a half every week?
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Do you long for those with a great sense of humor and wonder?
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Are you the type who wants to believe in Bigfoot and the Loch Ness Monster but aren't a crazy conspiracy theorist?
Gateless Writing is a neuroscience- based method combined with elements of Eastern non-dualities that helps quiet the inner critic. Because of that quieting, in a Gateless salon you create with ease, whatever your genre, format, or project. You leave affirmed and energized.
Gateless salons are designed to help you generate content, not criticize or it. We meet each week and begin with a bit of play, then a meditation followed by a prompt and quiet writing time. After, using the Gateless methodology, writers read aloud their work. The positive feedback you receive can then be accessed later to expand and deepen the work in revision.
In salon, you learn to listen differently. You listen for strength and beauty. You spend time with writers who stay on the page with you. And you write week after week.
In salon, given camaraderie, not competition, you learn craft through example, grow in confidence, and experience greater productivity.
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Gateless helps writers of all backgrounds and skill levels. It helps you break through blocks and expand your creative brilliance.
What if
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you could get unstuck?
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you could be heard?
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you could dedicate time to your writing?
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you were encouraged and fueled by creatives just like you?
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Try the Gateless experience and see if it's a fit for you.
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Escape. Generate. Create.
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No criticism.
No judgment.
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Simply ideal conditions for writing
and for doing the work.
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Show up with a blank page, an open mind, and we’ll guide you through the Gateless rules of engagement, provide a prompt and time limit, and offer positive feedback only.
Gateless is unlike any other methodology out there.
Experience a taste of it for yourself!
These 90 minute sessions will have you writing more often, more fluidly,
and with more confidence.
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What we’ll do together
From brainstorming to outlining, from choosing the right structure to multiple drafts that refine, I provide support, expertise, resources, and scheduled accountability.
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Clients will:
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Complete a series of brainstorming exercises designed to reveal
values, traits, and essential self. This prewriting makes choosing topics far easier and results in more engaging and compelling topics that stand out.
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Identify the story to tell that showcases best and highlights authenticity
and genius.​​
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Essay Coaching
1:1 ​
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I offer 1:1 consulting tailored to each student's needs in order to ensure that the Common App personal statement, list of activities, additional information, and all supplementals convey the unique attributes, skills, and insights a student offers a campus. We also can address resumes, scholarship, and continued interest or wait-list letters.​
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How It Works
Packages vary depending upon need and at what stage in the process a client is (what they have drafted or need developed).
Pacing is often determined by a combination of deadlines and student effort.
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I offer a range of services from one-off reviews of written work to my most comprehensive service, a developmental, strategic, and longer term partnership.
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