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 students identify personal priorities, family values, and other considerations that influence educational goals. I 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.
I believe in working smarter, not harder. I help high school students streamline the college admissions process by finding efficiencies in research, essays, and planning—so students have more time and energy for meaningful exploration. Together, we'll connect goals and values to the right college fit, while keeping stress manageable. I understand what high school students are going through, and I'm here to offer practical guidance and genuine support.
“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 bring 13 years of experience as a Parent Educator and Youth Wellness Advocate in Bay Area schools, combined with a background in branding and project management for global corporate clients. This unique blend allows me to approach college counseling with both organizational efficiency and a deep understanding of student well-being.
After witnessing how achievement pressure and competitive environments contribute to anxiety and low self-esteem in teens, I earned my College & Career Counseling Certification from the University of California, Berkeley in 2013.
My practice centers on ethics, accountability, and social-emotional growth—supporting both students and parents through a process that can feel overwhelming.
I'm an active member of the Higher Education Consultants Association (HECA) and the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), and I adhere to their ethical standards and principles of good practice.
When I'm not working with students, you'll find me in a hot yoga studio or hiking the trails with my dog, Dylan.
Annual Professional Development
In an industry that is changing so quickly, it is critical to stay abreast of new programs, majors, and admissions statistics that shift with every admissions cycle. In addition to ongoing professional development, I regularly attend college counselor-related events, enjoy touring college campuses, and meeting with admissions representatives. Some of the key conferences I attend each year are outlined below.
University of California - A full-day workshop specifically for High School Counselors, this program is led by the Office of the President and Admissions Directors from all 9 campuses who provide specific information on new initiatives, majors, admissions policies, and transfer practices. Each year, I gain invaluable insight into emerging opportunities for students, including the Personal Insight Questions and other critical components of 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 have the opportunity to receive updates and to meet with Admission Representatives directly to discuss resources, special grants, and scholarships that students may be eligible for.
RACC - Regional Admissions Counselors of California - RACC is an organization representing 172 colleges outside of California that specifically promote their institutions and out-of-state education opportunities available to California students. Admissions representatives from each college travel the state each spring to provide an admissions update and overview of their school, including out-of-state financial aid opportunities for California-based students.