About Me:
I love all things related to the college application process. Driven by my desire to support my students, and my own intellectual curiosity, I follow college admissions closely which allows me to use my knowledge to make individualized recommendations for my students.
My professional timeline:
2010
Graduated from Clemson University with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a minor in Global Politics
2011
Started teaching Algebra I and Algebra II as a Teach For America corps member in Charlotte, North Carolina
2013
Joined Search Solution Group as an executive recruiter where I coached c-suite executives throughout the interview and hiring process
Simultaneously developed my own college advising program to support six former students as they navigated the complexities of the college application process
2015
My first group of students graduated high school and enrolled in college, which led me to realize that I enjoy working with teenagers far more than executives
With this in mind, I decided to shift gears: I moved to New York City and accepted the position as the founding college counselor with Democracy Prep Harlem High School
2017
Moved to Nashville, Tennessee to pursue my master’s degree at my dream institution: Vanderbilt
Experienced the “other side of the desk” through working in the Office of Undergraduate Admissions
2019 - present
Earned my master’s degree in Higher Education Administration from Vanderbilt University
Moved to my hometown, Jacksonville, Florida to be an Assistant Director of College Counseling at an independent school
Started working with a small group of students as an independent college counselor
In my spare time, I enjoy: Spending time with my Australian Labradoodle - George; riding my Peloton bike (daniellepleach); listening to podcasts or audiobooks; playing tennis; decorating my first townhome; learning French with Duolingo.