FAQ
Where did you get your degrees?
I graduated from Occidental College in 2005 with a bachelor's degree in Cognitive Science with an emphasis in neurosciences specializing in mild to moderate learning disabilities.
I graduated from Pacific Oaks College in in 2008 with a master's degree in Human Development with a specialization of Leadership in Education and Human Services. Again, I emphasized my work on helping students with mild to moderate learning disabilities.
What did you write your M.A. thesis on?
My M.A. thesis is entitled, "Making the Leap: A Guide for Students With Learning Disabilities Who Are Navigating the Transition From High School to College." In essence, it is exactly what this site is designed to do. It is written as both a thesis and as a guide for what students with learning disabilities, parents, teachers and others should expect when transitioning from high school to college.
Ultimately, the information provided can be used by anybody, not just people effected by learning disabilities.
Finding a college can be very difficult. So can moving from the structured world of high school into the wide open world of college. My aim in both this website and my thesis is to ensure the transition goes as smoothly as possible for students and their parents!
Can I read your thesis anywhere online?
Unfortunately, I will not allow everybody to read my thesis without contacting me first. Please feel free to email me anytime to discuss this.
Once we’ve started working together, you can check out my thesis here.
Can I use my school's college counselor too?
Sure! In fact, by working together, your school's college counselor and I can both help you find the perfect college to fit your individual learning needs.
If you give me the name, phone number and/or email address of your school's college counselor, I would be happy to work with you and them to help make finding the right college easier.
What ages can you help?
For the most part any age from young to old can benefit from my services.
While I can help students of all ages from elementary up to higher education. It is never too early to begin learning about how to use regular and assistive technology for academics.
There might even be a few parents out there who want to learn more about technology in general so they can be more equipped to help their students at home.
What kinds of learning disabilities can you work with?
I can work with students with a wide range of learning disabilities. ADHD is the most common learning disability students tend to exhibit during their middle and high school years. Using a computer to help with their work can really make a difference.
Additionally, I can work with students with mild to moderate learning disabilities like dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, Asperger's Syndrome, and many others.
As I mentioned throughout the site, my goal is to help all students during the college transition period regardless of whether they have learning disabilities or not. I want to see every student I work with attend and graduate!
Do I come to you or do you come to me?
I would prefer working with students and their families in my home office. If you absolutely cannot schedule a time to meet with me here, then we can discuss meeting elsewhere. Please email me to discuss this (additional fees may be applied in this circumstance).
Where is your home office?
My home office is in Palm Desert, California. Right now it’s in the process of being remodeled.
What parts of California will you work with?
I will work with all students from the Coachella Valley.
In certain circumstances, I will meet with students from the Los Angeles area and surrounding cities such as Claremont, Ventura, Malibu, Thousand Oaks, and so forth. Additional charges will apply due to driving distance if I come to you.
Do I need to fill out Release of Information Forms?
Yes.
I respect personal confidentiality and abide by the HIPPA laws and thus will never give out your personal information without a Release of Information.
You can find these Release of Information form here.
Please bring the form to our first session and we complete it together. Thanks!
How much do you charge for services?
Please email me for a quote. The starting cost begins at $50 per hour and additional fees may be applied due to driving distance, research required, and so forth.
Special consideration will be made on a case by case basis.
Blocks of time may be negotiated.
Do I need documentation to work with you?
No; but, it would be helpful if you do have documentation.
Colleges will want documentation of educational, psychological or neurological testing to prove you should be receiving their accommodations.
Having a full battery of tests can also can help me in determining what the appropriate college transitioning program we should use. However, they are not necessary in order work with me.
Can you come to my school and talk with my teachers?
Absolutely!
Once we begin working with each other, I will be more than happy to meet with your teachers and explain your learning needs.
Is there anything else I should know before working with you?
If you think of anything, please don't hesitate to email me!
What software did you use to make your webpage?
I use Rapid Weaver, a great WYSIWYG site authoring piece of software of Mac OS X
Why is your email @me.com instead of @collegetransitioning.com?
It’s a lot easier to remember and to type!