ABOUT JACKIE

As a high school humanities teacher, I fell in love with teaching students to write their personal statements for college applications. I am passionate about providing one-on-one guidance to teens as they plan the next step in selecting their path in this world. My guidance assists young people in becoming more clear on who they are, what their dreams and goals are, and what paths might be the right fit for achieving those goals. 

 

Based in Austin, Texas, our private college counseling services aim to simplify the college application process for parents and high school students in the central Texas area and beyond. We serve families in all U.S. time zones and have some international students in Europe and South America. I grew up in an unconventional school setting (Montessori and Waldorf schools), which was formative in my creative thinking and love for education and lifelong learning. I always knew working with young people would be in my future, and after graduating from Kalamazoo College, I passionately jumped into teaching, educational leadership, and now helping families navigate the college application process.  

 

I spent 17 years directly in the education field as a teacher (elementary-aged through high school) as well as an instructional coach, where I mentored teachers in low-income schools. Part Colombian, and a Spanish-English bilingual educator, I received my Master’s Degree in Spanish Language from Universidad de Salamanca, Spain, and later, my Principal’s certificate from Lamar University, Texas.

 

I continue to serve my community by coaching teachers at a low-income school in the Austin area part time.

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My expertise in project management and inspiring high schoolers to lean into their passions and express themselves through their personal narrative writing successfully empowers students with the confidence to embark on their next chapter beyond high school!

 

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On a Personal Note

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In 2018–2019, I took a gap year from my teaching career to thru-hike both the Appalachian Trail (a 5-month endeavor) and the Colorado Trail, as well as manage an athlete’s 75-day Transcontinental run. I have continued exploring my limits and learning about myself through ultra-running and ultra-adventuring and have set 3 Fastest Known Time records on various trails. My passions outside of the education realm are: running long distances (like really long sometimes!), rock climbing, cycling, dancing, vegan cooking, creative projects, and connecting with my community.