Andi has over three years of experience working in a college admissions office. She graduated from the University of Chicago with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Linguistics.

Ellen Boyette holds an MFA from the Iowa Writers’ Workshop and currently studies at Yale. Her expertise in essay coaching comes from seven years of experience teaching writing at major universities and prestigious summer programs.

Liana Zhen-ai Kleinman is a dancer, movement director, and writer based between New York City and London. Her background as an application mentor for international students makes her a passionate Essay Coach dedicated to unveiling and articulating students’ passions.

Michelle is an editor, coach, and writing instructor with an MA in Education from Columbia University and a BA in English from Villanova. She’s an academic editor and holds certifications in TESOL, SAT, and TOEFL.

Zoe Van Lare is a writer, educator, and college admissions professional with a global upbringing. Passionate about storytelling and education, she is currently pursuing her Master’s in English Education at the University at Buffalo.

Lauren Kay Johnson is an Afghanistan veteran, writing coach, and author of an award-winning memoir. She holds an MFA in Creative Writing and has written for The Atlantic, The Washington Post, and Boston Globe Magazine.

Nik is a Korean adoptee, memoirist and poet based in Minneapolis. His creative nonfiction won the 2024 Annie Dillard Prize, and he was a finalist for the 2024 Iowa Review Award in Nonfiction.

Allison Hadley brings her background in academia and her love of storytelling to helping college applicants hone their essays. She earned her PhD in Italian Language and Literature from Yale University in 2018, focusing on the intersection of literature, theater, and the urban form.

Poet, teacher and editor Josh Kalscheur is the author of Tidal (Four Way Books). His work has appeared in The Nation, Boston Review, and Slate, among others. He currently serves as a Lecturer at UW-Madison.

Max holds a BA in English Literature from Bowdoin College. A former Fulbright English Teaching Assistant, he has helped students from around the world strengthen their writing and develop their personal voice.

Elizabeth Wiet is a writer and editor from the western reaches of Chicagoland who now lives in New York. A lifelong pop culture nerd, she holds a PhD in English from Yale University and currently edits for two art magazines.

Adam holds an MA in English from the University of Central Florida. As a former instructor at both the high school and university levels, Adam enjoys helping students make the transition to college.

Brenna Ehrlich is a journalist and author with more than 15 years of experience writing and editing for the likes of Rolling Stone, CNN, MTV, and more. She brings this expertise to HelloCollege students, as well as a BA in theater and english from Northwestern University and a master’s in journalism from Medill.

Hee-Eun is an experienced Essay Coach with seven years of experience. She holds a BA in Political Science from Columbia University and an MSt in American History from the University of Oxford. She is passionate about helping students discover their unique voice.

David Baez is a lover of language who has helped students sharpen more than 1,000 college application essays for highly selective schools. His writing has been featured in The Eugene Weekly, The New York Times Magazine, The Delacorte Review, and Best American Travel Writing, among other venues.