Top Tier AdmissionsA graduate of Stanford University, Kate brings nearly three decades of independent school experience to her work with students and families navigating the college admission process.
She began her career at Kent School as an English teacher, coach, dormitory faculty member, and assistant athletic director, developing a deep understanding of students both inside and outside the classroom. After earning her master’s degree from Northwestern University, she joined Westminster School, where she ultimately served as Director of College Counseling, guiding students and families through academic planning and highly selective admissions.
Kate later held senior leadership roles at Pomfret School and for 12 years at The Winsor School, where she oversaw grades 5–12 academics, supervised college counseling, conducted mock interviews, and helped shape institutional strategy.
Having worked as a teacher, advisor, college counselor, academic dean, and associate head of school, Kate understands how admissions decisions are made — and how to position students thoughtfully and authentically. Today, she focuses on what she values most: partnering one-on-one with young people to help them tell their stories with confidence and purpose.
A question that often comes up, sometimes a bit quietly: “Are we already behind?” In almost every case, the answer is no. But it’s easy to feel that way, especially given the tendency most of us have to compare ourselves to others. Should my child be at batting practice every evening? Should we be insisting […]
There is perhaps no deeper exhale than the one that comes at the end of junior year in high school. Students have just completed the last full year of academic classes before college; AP exams are over; summer plans are set; college visits are scheduled, and recommendation requests have been made. I use the passive […]
When my daughter was in first grade, her teacher called me in February and left a message: “Your daughter is significantly behind in reading; I recommend that she attend summer school for eight weeks this summer to improve her skills.” As a longtime educator, and a parent of two older children, I was stunned. Why […]
Ask any middle school student if more is better than less, and most will conclude that more is better. More ice cream. More recess. More presents. Ask this same question to high school students, and they will often say “less.” Less homework. Less pressure. Less parental nagging. So which is better, more or less? When […]
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