EMPOWERING STUDENTS FOR A LIFETIME OF SUCCESS
I’m an educator and a mom—and I’ve been where you are!
As an educator for over 10 years and a mom to three sons—two in college and one a high schooler with extra needs—I understand how students learn and what tools they need to succeed long-term, in college and beyond.
I’m also intimately aware of how stressful the college application process can be, not only for students but for families as well—especially when it comes to the most challenging part: writing the college essay.
I get it. I’ve been through it. And I’m here to help transform that process for your student and restore peace and harmony in your home!
what i do
Coaching Students Through the College Process—and Empowering Them for Life
Though the initial goal is college acceptance, my ultimate goal is to be an ally for your student in shaping this next step of their lives. Using a student-centered approach, I work one-on-one with your student to learn their distinctive challenges, abilities, and aspirations. I help make deadlines less scary and more manageable by breaking down tasks. I’m invested in fostering your student’s independence, helping them write thoughtful, authentic essays that effectively tell their story, and empowering them to experience success well beyond the acceptance letter.
For Students
Small Steps, Big Outcomes
As a WOW-Certified Writing Coach, I’m trained in the 10-step WOW process of college essay writing. Using empathy and humor, I customize the writing process to meet the needs of both neurotypical and neurodivergent students, which minimizes stress—and maximizes success.
I help your student:
Navigate the path to college
Overcome procrastination and manage time effectively
Stay on task
Brainstorm topics
Write a memorable essay in their authentic voice
Edit and revise
Prepare final drafts for submission
Complete their college applications
Believe they are the experts on their own story
Discover who they are and what’s important to them
Embrace confidence in their value and identity
Reduce the Nagging, Relieve the Stress,
Enjoy Peace of Mind
The college application process can be stressful for everyone in the family. Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be this way! There is power in collaboration, and I work with both students and families as a team member from the start.
In partnership with families and students, I foster confidence by helping students set goals, manage deadlines, and most importantly: take ownership of the process—increasing peace of mind and reducing conflict for everyone.
for families
PACKAGES
Essay Coaching
Common App Essay
6 Supplemental Essays
Letter(s) of Continued Interest
Full Service
Common App Essay
6 Supplemental Essays
College List of Likely, Possible & Reach Schools
Common Application
Activities List
Letter(s) of Continued Interest
Individual Services
Common App Essay
Supplemental Essays
Common Application
Activities List
Letter of Continued Interest
Hourly Writing Coaching
Editing Services
about steph
Steph is a seasoned educator with extensive experience guiding students through the application essay writing process and all things college. Steph’s superpower is connecting authentically with her students, and providing in-person coaching is just one of the ways she achieves that.
Steph earned her B.A. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and her M.Ed. from DePaul University, Chicago, and spent nearly ten years teaching K-8 students of all abilities. She is proud to work closely with national powerhouse The Aspire Group, a highly respected organization that provides a network of educational and therapeutic services for children and teens worldwide.
Steph lives in a North Shore suburb of Chicago. She is the mom of three sons and one Labradoodle.