Contact me to learn more:
marybethlybrand@gmail.com
Marybeth Lybrand M.A.
I take a creative and purposeful approach to helping students explore their interests, clarify goals, and design pathways that align with their strengths and aspirations—while maintaining balance and reducing stress.
Grounded in a holistic, student-centered philosophy, my work encourages exploration, curiosity, and growth. I guide students to build resilience, develop confidence, and embrace challenges as opportunities for learning and self-discovery.
Passion projects, including original research, community-based initiatives, and career path exploration, are central to my approach. These experiences inspire curiosity and empower students to tell authentic stories that reflect their individuality and purpose.
With over 25 years of combined experience as a college professor, University of California admissions specialist, and college access counselor, I bring a holistic perspective on higher education and the pathways that connect students to meaningful academic and personal growth. I hold a B.A. in Communication Studies from Westmont College, an M.A. in Education from California State University, and a Certificate in College Counseling from the University of California, San Diego.
My goal is to transform the college process into a journey of clarity, confidence, and authentic self-discovery—helping each student find their own bright pathway forward.
Customized guidance plans are available to support each student’s unique goals, needs, and college journey.
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Contact me to learn more:
mpatzia22@gmail.com
Frankie Winter
I help students bring their creative work to life through thoughtfully designed digital portfolios that support their college applications and tell their unique story.
With experience partnering with prep schools, I understand the college admissions landscape and what makes a portfolio resonate with admissions committees. I work closely with students to curate, organize, and present their work in ways that reflect their artistic growth, creative vision, and individual voice.
My approach is collaborative and student-centered. Whether a student is applying to art schools, design programs, architecture programs, or liberal arts colleges with creative supplements, I help them identify their strongest work, find cohesive themes, and create portfolios that feel authentic and purposeful.
Drawing on my background in brand and creative work, I bring a refined eye for design, storytelling, and presentation. I’ve worked across fashion, wellness, education, and non-profits, and I apply that cross-industry perspective to help students showcase their creativity with confidence and clarity.
I believe every student’s portfolio should be as unique as their creative journey. My goal is to help students feel proud of what they’ve created and empowered to share it with the schools that align with their aspirations. I’m passionate about helping young creatives take the next step in their academic journey.
Michael Patzia
I began helping students prepare for the SAT and ACT nearly 30 years ago, while I was in graduate school. After receiving my PhD from Vanderbilt University, I became a full-time professor, but I have continued to work with select students to help them through the process of gaining admission to the colleges and universities of their choice.
My methodology for test preparation is to focus on strategies that help to demystify the exams. As I tell my students, these tests are not so much intended to determine how good one is at math, reading, English, science, and so on. Rather, they are designed to determine how good one is at taking the test. Through practice with the various strategies I stress, I have seen universal improvement in my students' scores.
I truly enjoy the connections I have formed and the one-on-one interactions I have had with a wide variety of students over the years. Although these exams can be a daunting part of the college admissions journey, I remain gratified to help make this process a little more manageable.
If you are interested in connecting, please reach out.