With almost 20 years of experience in college and graduate admissions counseling, Stephanie is known for her thoughtful strategy, steady guidance, and deeply personalized approach. As a College Counselor with ESM Prep—and a longtime leader at Metro Academic Prep—she has guided hundreds of students through highly competitive admissions processes, including selective universities, transfer pathways, and graduate programs. She believes that strong outcomes are built over time through early positioning, intentional academic and extracurricular planning, and essay development that allows each student’s authentic voice to come through in a cohesive and compelling way.
Born and raised in New York City, Stephanie attended the Horace Mann School before earning her B.A. with Honors from Columbia University, majoring in Psychology with a minor in Eastern Religion. After college, her passion for yoga and rock climbing led her to travel to more than 40 countries, ultimately spending a decade founding and directing yoga centers in New York and India. That experience shaped the focused and calm presence she brings to the admissions process—particularly during moments that can feel overwhelming for students and families.
Stephanie works with students across the academic spectrum—from those targeting the most selective institutions to those seeking stronger-fit transfer options or advanced degrees. Her expertise spans long-term positioning strategy, course selection, extracurricular development, test planning, essay architecture, interview coaching, and early-career advising. She holds a Certificate in Independent Educational Consulting from UC Irvine and is a member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA). Families value her ability to anticipate challenges, identify opportunities, and guide the process with clarity and confidence.
Outside of advising, Stephanie can be found in a hot yoga class, hiking with her lhasapoo, or experimenting with her latest culinary creation.
"Working with you was a game changer for our family. From day one, you took the time to understand Jake and helped him build a compelling, authentic story that reflected who he is and what he cares about—not just his grades and scores. Even when there were bumps along the way, you were steady, strategic, and always several steps ahead. Your guidance brought clarity to every decision and made a stressful process feel manageable. Thanks to your expertise, Jake was admitted to Columbia, a school that is a true fit. We recommend you without hesitation—your insight and care made all the difference."
"I’ve had the pleasure of working with Stephanie through every major academic transition. From my initial college applications, transferring schools, and most recently graduate application, her level of commitment and knowledge creates an encouraging atmosphere that turns the typical stress of applications into a learning experience. I have gained a clearer understanding of what I want, and Stephanie provides the support that allows me to express it with confidence. When I decided to transfer, you helped me turn a nerve-wracking moment into an opportunity. In the end, I found myself at a university where I genuinely feel at home. Years later, when I applied to graduate school, you were just as invested as the first time we collaborated together. The way you remembered my interests, passions, and strengths as a student demonstrated a genuine commitment to supporting each client. I was guided through the process of articulating my intellectual direction with clarity and purpose. You’ve left a lasting impact on my academic journey, and I would recommend you without hesitation to anyone seeking not only expert guidance, but someone who truly believes in them. I cannot thank you enough for being a pillar of my academic growth. It is rare to encounter someone who is so understanding and patient throughout every stage of the application process. You’ve motivated me to pursue my goals to their fullest extent and instilled a sense of confidence in each of your clients that makes you a role model to many, not just an advisor."
"Thank you for all that you've done to prepare, guide, and assist Sophia and Alex in getting into the two schools that are perfect fits for them. You were there from the beginning and, especially with Alex, were always there to help and advise us during the process, which was not always a direct path. We are grateful for having found and worked with you, and we consistently recommend you to our friends and colleagues who are beginning the college testing and application process."
