About – Garden Shed College Coaching

Meet Abby!

Advocating for students …

Hi, thanks so much for stopping by! Based in Portland, OR with capacity to support kids and families from all over the US, I bring twenty plus years of experience to the table and draw from this expertise in every interaction. I am committed to keeping up-to-date with information so I can pass it to you, freeing you to focus on all the other important things you’re doing. If I’m not with students, I am more than likely reading, watching, attending, or talking about something related to higher ed. As a scholar of colleges, I aim to make a minimum of 20 campus visits each year, and constantly seek opportunities for webinars, conferences, readings, and regular conversations with college representatives and other professionals in the Portland area, across the US, and abroad. I am a dedicated member of Higher Education Consultants Association (HECA) and the Portland Area College Counselors’ Consortium (PACCC), adhering to the highest level of ethical standards and practices. I have deep roots in the Oregon coast, love to travel and learn from different perspectives, and spend time with my 20-something daughter and hubby of 25+ years. My goal is to create a warm, comfortable space to get real work done. Come visit me at the Garden Shed and let’s chat about how I can support you!

Our meeting was great. You are very supportive and enthusiastic and that helps so much with a young adult facing so many decisions and new paths.
Karissa, Isaac’s mom

Education, Experience, Expertise…

I earned my Certificate in College Counseling from the intensive program through UCLA Extension in 2014, completing seven courses solely focused on different aspects of college counseling, and a 65-hour practicum.

Before that, I was a school counselor in the David Douglas School District for 15 years, and worked with kids and families in private practice mental health. I have also spent time volunteering at The Dougy Center for Grieving Children and Families, the ASPIRE program, and Franklin High School College and Career Center.

Master’s Degree: Counseling with a specialization in schools and school-aged kids. Portland State

Bachelor’s Degree: Sociology. Psychology minor. Oregon State

Everyone is welcome in my office…

I really mean that. No matter where you’re coming from, it is my true belief that there is a a great path for everyone, so let’s have a cup of tea and a chat! As a former school counselor, mental health professional, and mom of a college graduate, I have a unique perspective and skill set in supporting my students. While I am not your mental health counselor, I do understand anxiety, depression, stressors, and teenage brains. I have worked with all kinds of learners from high achievers, to learning challenges, to average Joes–students of color, students with anxiety, LBGTQIA2S+, athletes, artists, engineers, doctors, scientists, writers, social workers, undecided majors, and even a student who wanted to take her horse with her to college! Some students walk into the Garden Shed thinking they know exactly where they want to go and what they want to do, and others have absolutely no idea where to even start. No matter your story, I have your back, and more than likely some perspective you may not have considered! Let me help you find your place, your people, and support you in making your own true unique self shine through applications.

I’m so organized it’s scary…

Okay, not scary, but I am very hard to surprise because I plan things waaaaaay in advance. This personality trait and skill set come in very handy as a college coach. Let’s face it – there are a lot of moving parts to this process. What should you be paying attention to, or working on when? Is now the time to be thinking about essays? Is it too early to start research? Should you re-take the SAT? When should you ask teachers for letters of recommendation? Does it really matter what classes a sophomore takes? And the list goes on. My motto is, “I’ve got a checklist for that!” It’s my job to know the timeline and help you manage it so that you hit the agreed-upon deadlines, ideally without making yourself (Or your parents. Or me.) crazy by doing everything at the last minute. Each student is unique, and their plan should be too. Let’s find yours!

Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh! I got into NYU Shanghai. I can’t believe it! Thank you so much for your help along the way!
Kinsey, Class of 2019

Results that matter…

At Garden Shed College Coaching it’s more about fit, options, and the process of self-discovery, and less about rankings, name-brand recognition, and national reputation. I guarantee that if you follow through with my suggestions, tips, and To-Do’s in a timely manner, you are going to have choices on decision day. I will work with you to identify strengths in your applicant profile and how to highlight these, as well as considering areas you could further develop. In the world of higher education, GPA is still king, followed closely by rigor–taking advanced classes when offered and going above and beyond minimum graduation requirements. However, colleges are also looking at how you choose to spend your time outside of academics, and appreciate both breadth and depth of involvement and taking initiative. It is my belief that there is more than one “best” school for everyone, and this can include highly selective, easily recognizable universities, public state colleges, and the myriad of great schools in between. We will work to build you a list of colleges that you like, are balanced for acceptance likelihood, and make sense financially.

Thank you! This feels really right and good, and I was so struck by how relieved my son seemed after talking to you.
Christina, Luc’s mom

Less stress, more fun…

Making decisions around all things college related is really important and can be surrounded by a lot of pressure. But, the good news is, it doesn’t have to be. One of my most important jobs is to help keep some of the stress out of the family during the last few years a student is still at home, and help you break things into manageable pieces so it doesn’t feel overwhelming. I feel very strongly about building good communication between coach, student, and parent(s), and I’m really good at holding students accountable. If we work together, I vow to do my part to help keep everyone on the same page and keep the ball rolling as we move through the process, which ultimately could and should be less stressful and more fun!

This has been such an amazing experience for her. And it truly saved our relationship around it. Thank you again!
Jennifer, Zoë’s mom