About Elaine

After a successful career designing and managing customer research projects to improve product and services for high-tech firms, government agencies, and educational institutions, Elaine now applies her research and customer-focused skills to help students access and succeed throughout college.

The experience of guiding her two children (graduates of UC Santa Barbara/UC Berkeley and the University of Southern California) inspired Elaine to help other students through the complex college admissions process. Since completing a rigorous certificate program in College Admissions and Career Planning from UC Berkeley, Elaine has guided many families through what can be a stressful process.

As the first in her family to attend college, Elaine is also committed to serving under-resourced students, and has worked with students at the Acalanes Union High School District, Children’s Hospital Oakland Research Institute, UCSF, Oakland Promise, and YMCA's Y-Scholars Program in Berkeley, In 2018, Elaine was awarded an Imagine Grant by the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) to develop and implement career and affordable college options workshops.

Elaine is a firm believer in remaining current in the ever-changing landscape of college admissions. She actively participates in professional organizations, attends conferences, tours colleges, collaborates with industry peers, engages in continuing education, and follows industry trends. Elaine is a member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA), and is involved with smaller college advising groups that serve the San Francisco Bay area. Elaine adheres to the Guide to Ethical Practice in College Admission as outlined by the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC). 

Elaine holds a MBA degree from San Jose State University, and her professional work has been recognized by Dun and Bradstreet for providing excellent customer service. Her educational journey is featured in a UC Berkeley Extension’s Voices Blog. Professional references are available on LinkedIn. Client references are available at the “Client Testimonials” section of this website.