Writer. Mentor. College Advisor.

My path to college advising has been shaped by years of writing, mentorship, community involvement, and raising three children of my own.

As a writer of fiction and personal essays, I’ve always been drawn to the stories people tell about themselves and the experiences that shape who they become. Over time, that background drew me toward college advising, where I discovered a genuine passion for helping students navigate one of the most important transitions of their lives.

One of the most rewarding parts of my work is helping students uncover the experiences, values, and moments that make their stories uniquely their own. I especially enjoy guiding students through the essay process, helping them move beyond what they think colleges want to hear and toward writing that feels authentic, thoughtful, and personal.

In addition to my advising work, I serve as a mentor with Minds Matter Boston, supporting high-achieving students from low-income backgrounds as they prepare for college and future opportunities.

I believe deeply in expanding access, building confidence, and helping students recognize their own potential.

After nearly twenty years in Santa Barbara, California, I recently returned to the Boston area with my family, where I now work virtually with students both locally and throughout the United States.

Education, Affiliations & Community Involvement

  • Associate Member, Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA)

  • Graduate, IECA Summer Training Institute (STI)

  • Certificate in Independent Educational Consulting, University of California, Irvine

  • Certificate in Fiction Writing, UCLA Extension

  • B.A. in English, University of Connecticut

  • Current mentor, Minds Matter Boston

  • Former President and Trustee, Friends of VADA (Visual Arts & Design Academy), Santa Barbara High School

“Kelly is a thoughtful and deeply committed mentor and advisor who brings both creativity and insight to her work with students. She has a remarkable ability to understand each student’s individual strengths, goals, and motivations, which allows her to approach college advising with a nuanced, adaptable perspective that makes students feel both supported and motivated. Her warmth, strategic thinking, and genuine investment in her students consistently make her an invaluable resource throughout the college application process.”

Kathy Q., Attorney at Law, Mintz (Boston) and MMB Co-Mentor