Hi, I'm Jessica.

I have a confession: for years, I wasn't convinced private college counselors were necessary.

"You don't need one to get into college," I used to tell people.

And honestly... I still believe that. You don't need someone to magically get you accepted.

After nearly two decades working in admissions, academic advising, and financial aid, I realized the hardest part usually isn't getting into college. It's understanding your options. It's knowing what questions to ask. It's sorting through conflicting advice and endless opinions online. It's navigating one of the biggest financial decisions your family will ever make, without letting the pressure take over.

That's why I created Dear College Counselor.

Not because I think every student needs a counselor. Because I think every family deserves a trusted guide.

My love for college started long before my career. I grew up in Tucson, Arizona, where University of Arizona basketball wasn't just something people watched. It was part of the culture. I kept a scrapbook of the Wildcats, celebrated their 1997 national championship like we'd all won together, and thought visiting my older sister at college was just about the coolest thing imaginable.

Looking back, I don't think I was fascinated by a particular campus. I was fascinated by what college represented.

School spirit. Friendships. Independence. The excitement of discovering who you are.

My own college journey wasn't perfect. I hoped to continue playing volleyball, but I wasn't recruited by the schools that had the atmosphere I'd always imagined. Instead, I found myself at a Division III school in California.

And honestly? It ended up being one of the best decisions of my life.

Was it perfect? Not even close. I changed majors. Questioned myself. I felt behind, more than once, compared to friends who seemed to have it all figured out.

Then, almost by accident, I walked into a counseling class I wasn't even supposed to be taking. Something clicked. I switched my major to psychology and decided I'd figure the rest out later.

That unexpected class ended up changing the direction of my career.

Nearly two decades later, working with thousands of students and families has taught me something I wish more people knew: the college process has become far more stressful than it needs to be.

I don't believe it has to be that way.

I believe there are many paths to an incredible college experience. Students don't need a perfect GPA, or a fully figured-out plan at 17, to build a meaningful life. And families make their best decisions when they have good information, thoughtful guidance, and someone asking the questions they didn't even know to ask.

That's the role I hope to play. Not to tell you where your student should go, but to help your family make decisions you'll feel confident about long after the acceptance letters arrive.

A little more about me.

When I'm not talking about colleges, you'll usually find me with a book in one hand and an almond milk latte in the other, or attempting to learn mahjong with two of my high school best friends.

I'm still a huge sports fan and somehow managed to marry another basketball fanatic. I love cooking for friends and family, driving along the Pacific Coast Highway, and I'll never say no to watching Father of the Bride one more time.

Arizona will always be home, but California captured my heart years ago. It's where I built my career, met my husband, and eventually found the inspiration to create Dear College Counselor.

I'd love the opportunity to help your family begin the next chapter of your story.

Let's See if We're a Good Fit

To give every family the attention they deserve, I only take on a limited number of families each year.

If you're curious whether we'd be a good fit, I'd love to talk. Schedule a quick call or reach out through my contact page, and we'll figure it out together.

And if it turns out I'm not the right person for your family, I'm happy to point you toward someone who might be.

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