WHAT STUDENTS & CLIENTS SAY

Susan’s feedback was always constructive and empowering. She was open to discussing suggestions and made me feel as if she genuinely believed that I was capable of what I set my mind to.

—Eril, 12th grader at Lick Wilmerding High School, now 1st year student at Johns Hopkins



Faced with an array of independent and parochial schools to choose from, Susan’s insider scoop on the nuanced differences between each guided me to make the most efficient choices in the application process. Further, her tips on a creative approach to answering the essay questions opened up my thinking about it. I’m certain that her brainstorming with me made a difference. Meanwhile, her gentle confidence that my child would find the right landing place reassured me at a crucial time when I felt overwhelmed by the scope of this process. And sure enough, she was right! We found, just as I hoped, that my son is accepted at the high school most suited to his personality and academic needs.

—Jennie Rose, mother of two Bay Area kids



I sought Susan’s help with a creative non-fiction project (I’m a professional academic) and was delighted with her input. Susan brings an acute sensitivity to the tone, structure, and poetics of writing. I believe her experience and perspective would prove invaluable to writers of all ages and levels of experience.        

—Dr. Maria McVarish


"I would like to thank you for the lessons you taught my daughter. She is learning a lot from each session you have. Essay writing that she will treasure on her future essay writings. I am very impressed with the almost completed essays and look forward to more of your coaching.”

—Mother of Lincoln High School senior 

Susan, you rock. This class has seriously been the best writing class I have ever taken. The topic was interesting and not a stereotypical writing class for sure. You are such a kind person, and I love your quiet sarcastic remarks, they make me laugh inside. I can’t say enough about this class or you, because it was just great. I would have never thought a writing class would be such a good freakin' class. That being said, you have a good heart and a great class. Overall, this was a great class with great people. Keep up the good work. I appreciated so much your clarity of expression and avoidance of trite phrases.

—Sophomore, California College of the Arts; course evaluation for “Locked Up: Writing About and By Prisons and Prisoners,” 2015



I was very intimidated when I realized you were a poet, but you made me feel completely at ease. I found you to be warm, approachable, helpful, humorous, efficient, concise and precise. You gave me considerable confidence that my CV and cover letter were professional and persuasive. You helped me to focus on getting the work done, rather than spinning out into the hysteria of joblessness. I really enjoyed working with you!

—Susan, Research Nurse




Students I’ve worked with have been accepted to Drew High School; Lick Wilmerding High School; Columbia University; California Institute of Integral Studies; Johns Hopkins University, among others.