About Me
Since starting Parry College Counseling in 2015, I have advised more than 600 students and families, primarily supporting students in the junior and senior year of high school. Most of my students attend Seattle Public Schools, though I do counsel students from other Seattle area schools (and a handful of students from outside of the Pacific Northwest).
Prior to starting Parry College Counseling, I worked in admissions and recruiting for a range of colleges, including Claremont McKenna College, Western University of Health Sciences, and the University of Washington. I am the only independent college counselor in Seattle who has worked at both a private liberal arts college and public research university, so I understand the nuances of these vastly different application processes.
Over the years, I’ve read thousands of freshman, transfer and international applications; interviewed hundreds of students for admission; and networked with admissions counselors and professionals across the country. I also love visiting college campuses to experience the cultures of various institutions; to date, I have visited over 120 colleges and universities.
I have also worked with students who are already enrolled in college, so I know what employers and graduate programs look for in recent graduates. As a Technical Recruiter on Amazon’s college team, I reviewed thousands of resumes for software developer roles and helped students through the interview process. And at Western University of Health Sciences, I counseled undergraduates from across the country on admissions for highly competitive dental, veterinary medicine, nursing, physician assistant, and other graduate health sciences programs. I will make sure you’re on the right track for college and beyond.
On the personal side of things, I live in South Seattle with my husband and our two wonderfully energetic young children. When I’m not working with students, you can find me on the sidelines of a youth soccer game, playing chauffeur for preschool playdates, powerlifting, sprinting, or doing some other high intensity fitness activities, cooking (and eating), and traveling!
Education
I’m originally from a small town outside of Toledo, Ohio where college is not a given. I was lucky to receive a scholarship for a private high school where supportive and encouraging teachers made all the difference. I went on to receive a B.A. in Economics and Spanish from Claremont McKenna College and have taken graduate courses in the College of Education and Evans School of Public Affairs at the University of Washington.
Philosophy
I decided to start Parry College Counseling after years of visiting excellent high schools around the country that didn’t have the college advising support that students and parents need. I have a strong desire to advise and empower each student as they navigate the college search process. I want to help you present your best self to admissions counselors while easing your stress and anxiety.
My process centers on the student and requires a fair amount of independence and follow through to be a successful partnership. I expect students to own their admission journey and be ready for that next step - I can’t want this more than you do! Because I only work with students on an hourly basis, I may not be the best match for students who require more intensive support or families who anticipate having the parent/guardian as the primary driver and point of contact, but I am happy to refer you to other counselors if that is your style.
I truly believe that education can completely shape your personal and professional trajectory. Your college years are transformative – it is your first opportunity to step out on your own and discover what you are capable of accomplishing. It’s not about getting in to the “best” college; it is about getting into the best college for YOU. My goal is to help you find one where you will thrive.