Laine

I am an experienced writing and personal coach, speech-language pathologist, certified teacher of English as a Second Language (ESL), published author, and former university faculty member. I bring more than 20 years of experience helping students create powerful, authentic college admissions materials and other written work. With two years of experience evaluating college admissions essays, I have valuable insight into what admissions committees value most. I also have specialized expertise in working with students who have learning disabilities, mental health challenges, past trauma, and processing differences, tailoring my approach to help each student succeed.

Tutoring Style

I am known for my warm, supportive coaching style and sharp editorial eye. I empower students to find and express their authentic voice through idea development, narrative structure, revision, and interview preparation. I enjoy collaborating with each student to create a personalized plan that reflects their unique strengths and goals, while finding opportunities for humor, connection, and authentic storytelling. Above all, I help students navigate the college admissions process with greater confidence, providing support through the uncertainty and stress that often comes with this important milestone.

Success Story

One of my most meaningful college admissions success stories involved working with a brilliant student with autism who faced significant sensory challenges. During his senior year, a traumatic family event caused him to withdraw from school and lose confidence in both himself and his future. Rather than focusing solely on applications, we first focused on helping him reconnect with his own voice.

Through patience, trust, and thoughtful conversation, he began sharing the rich fantasy world he had created through his drawings and stories. Together, we transformed that passion into a fully realized creative project—an animated short featuring original characters, a compelling narrative, and a soundtrack he composed himself. More importantly, the project helped him recognize that what he once viewed as "different" was actually one of his greatest strengths.

That renewed confidence shaped not only his creative portfolio but also the way he presented himself throughout the college admissions process. He graduated with honors and was accepted into a college program in graphic and media arts. Experiences like this remind me that the strongest applications don't come from trying to fit a mold—they come from helping students discover, embrace, and authentically communicate the stories that make them unique.

Hobbies & Interests

I love life! Simple pleasures like walking in the forest, wading in a stream, playing with my dog, trying new recipes, reading great books, connected with interesting people - all bring me joy. I also train and work with horses, write poetry and creative non-fiction, travel, listen to music, meditate, get excited learning about other cultures, and love creating and experiencing spontaneous adventures close to home.