About Kirsten
My mission is to empower students to discover their strengths and interests, develop confidence, and approach the future with clarity and purpose.
I’m a certified career coach with 20 years of experience interviewing prospective Dartmouth students. A former business teacher at East High School, she leverages her expertise in education and leadership to guide individuals through high-stakes transitions. Her career includes leading cross-functional teams and strategic initiatives in the tech and startup sectors.
After guiding high school students through the college admissions process—from essays and scholarships to interviews and career exploration—I saw firsthand how transformative a personalized, hands-on approach can be. That experience inspired me to fully commit to college advising and launch my practice with intention and purpose.
My success is built on authentic connection. With over ten years of experience teaching and mentoring high school students, I excel at building trust and getting to know each client on an individual basis. Having recently navigated the college application process with my own two East High School graduates (Whitman College ‘25 and Colorado College ‘27), I understand firsthand how an independent counselor can help minimize stress and foster healthy family dynamics.
I continue to partner with—and be mentored by—Johanna Baum of Objective Insight, a Princeton, NJ-based counselor with twenty years of experience. As an Associate Member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA), I am committed to delivering high-quality, ethical guidance while continually developing my admissions expertise.
I work one-on-one with each student, providing a high-touch, personalized experience throughout the entire process. When you work with me, I’m involved at every stage—nothing is outsourced, including essays and other key components.
I bring a combination of expertise, intuition, and a deep belief in each student’s potential to every family I work with. I don’t believe in cookie-cutter approaches—because no two students (or families) are the same. My role is to help students uncover and articulate their unique stories, so their college applications reflect not just where they’ve been, but who they’re becoming.
Why clients chose me
I bring structure and calm to a complex process.
I guide students and families through the college application process with structure and clarity, managing each step using project management skills developed over years of leading high-impact tech initiatives. I keep students organized and on track and parents informed, reducing stress and ensuring a strategic, well-managed experience from start to finish.
I understand high school from the inside.
As a former East High School teacher, I draw on firsthand experience to guide students through course selection, extracurricular development, and key school processes. I coach them on building strong relationships with teachers, advocating for themselves, and securing impactful recommendations—ensuring they stay on track and approach the journey with confidence.
I know what colleges are looking for.
With nearly 20 years of experience interviewing applicants for my alma mater, Dartmouth College, I understand how to help students present themselves authentically and strategically. I work with students to build compelling, well-rounded profiles grounded in their unique strengths and interests and tap into my teaching skills to help them craft compelling personal statements and essays.
I focus on fit - academic, social and financial.
Using the latest tools and research, I guide students through a thoughtful college list building process that reflects their goals and values. As a parent who’s been through this process myself, I know how to balance dreams with practicality—and how to find the right college at the right price.
I develop future-ready students.
As a certified career coach and former DECA advisor, I’ve helped students sharpen their presentation and interview skills, develop leadership, and create meaningful impact. I guide students in exploring potential career paths early, so they enter college with greater clarity and direction. I also use this background to prepare students for interviews and help them craft strong, focused resumes.
I believe in each student’s potential.
While coaching East’s DECA team—one of the top programs in Colorado—my motto was “You Kahn Do It!” I bring that same energy and belief to my college advising practice, helping students build clarity and confidence about their futures..
Let’s connect about your student’s future.
If you're looking for more than just a project manager or essay coach, and want someone who can guide your student through a thoughtful, student-centered college process and help them discover their best-fit path, let’s talk.