A unique Approach
My mission is to empower teens to OWN their authentic path.
I encourage students to step back and reflect on their individual journey, and take the time to understand what inspires them and why. I help identify personal priorities, family values and other considerations which influence educational goals, and work one-on-one with each student as little or as much as needed. It’s important to me that the student is truly heard and I provide a confidential space to develop their voice and the confidence to use it.
It’s about working smarter not harder. I look for ways to streamline the process, taking advantage of opportunities to creative efficiencies between assessments, and essay development with other high school assignments or requirements. We make time to explore bigger questions about education, career and life goals and how they connect to your core values and personal interests. I enjoy offering options to help lower the stress level and hope to be an inspiration along the way.
“Kristina has been a mainstay in our community bringing schools, teens, and their parents programs to support social and emotional wellness of our students from middle school throughout the high school experience. ”
about kristina
I am guided by strong personal integrity and a desire to demystify the college application process. My unique approach blends lessons learned during the past 13 years as a Parent Educator and Youth Wellness Advocate in private and public schools in the San Francisco Bay Area, with my professional experience with global corporate clients in branding and project management.
A parent-in-training, life-long learner, and engaged community member, I seek to open lines of communication on issues which can profoundly affect families during this time. I’ve seen first hand how achievement-oriented environments and unnecessary competitive hype can contribute to anxiety, depression, and low self esteem in our youth.
To get involved, I returned to the classroom at Cal Berkeley and completed the College & Career Counseling Certificate Program in 2013 under the leadership of (then current) President’s of NACAC and WACAC. With a strong emphasis on ethics in Higher Education combined with a passion for student wellness, my approach emphasizes social and emotional growth for teens, and their parents as they pursue their education and life goals.
I am an active member of the Higher Education Consultants Association (HECA), the National (and Western Chapters) for College Admission Counseling Counseling (NACAC / WACAC), and abide by the Principles of Good Practice as outlined by each of these organizations.
In my free time you can find me in a hot yoga studio or out on the trails with my dog, Dylan.
Annual Professional Development
In an industry changing so quickly, it is critical to stay abreast of new programs, majors, and admissions statistics that shift every admissions cycle. In addition to on-going professional development, I regularly attend Counselor-related events and enjoy touring schools and meeting with college representatives. Some of the key conferences I attend each year are outlined below.
University of California - a full day workshop specifically for counselors. The program is run by admissions directors from all 9 campuses who provide specific information on new initiatives, majors admissions policies and transfer practices. I gain invaluable insight into new opportunities for students working on personal insight questions and the UC Application.
California State University - 23 Cal State University Campuses come together annually to share specific admissions policies related to local area access, major impaction and California Community College transfer details. It’s helpful to the opportunity to meet with Admission Representatives directly, discuss resources, special grants and scholarships which students may be eligible for.
RACC - Regional Admissions Counselors of California - Organization representing 114 institutions outside California who specifically promote out-of-state education opportunities for California students.