About
About Gail Nichols
I enjoy everything about college! From collecting sweatshirts to college sports to taking classes that continue to challenge me, I am always eager to learn all I can about the college world. Helping students find their university is not just a job, it’s a dream job for me.
My college experience began at Vanderbilt University, where I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Pediatric nursing has always been a love of mine, and it’s where I cultivated my passion for working with teenagers and their families. Even after I left nursing to spend more time with my family, my desire to work with and help teens was always present. When the time was right to head back into the working world, I decided to pursue my other passion in education. I had just experienced the college search with my daughters, and I found that I couldn’t get enough of anything college. After chatting with several professionals in the field, I decided to pursue a career in higher education and became an Independent College Consultant.
I attended UCI’s certificate program for Independent Educational Consultants, and never looked back. I have helped students and their families with the college process since 2010. I’m always excited about helping students to find their college fit in all aspects. Guiding students through this journey and helping them find their colleges makes me smile. And seeing their excitement when they find opportunities that they never imagined were possible are the moments that make this the best job in the world.
Gail Nichols
INDEPENDENT EDUCATIONAL CONSULTANT
Credentials
Graduate of Vanderbilt University
University of California Irvine Extension Program for Independent Educational Consultant
Professional Memberships in IECA, WACAC, PNACAC, SACAC & NACAC
About the Essay Coaches
-
Leah Senatro
ESSAY COACH
Leah Senatro is an English PhD student at UC Irvine where she gets to do her favorite things every day – reading, writing, and talking about reading and writing. She holds a BA from Santa Clara University where she majored in English and philosophy. When she isn’t reading or writing, Leah loves endurance sports, painting, and cheering on her hometown’s football team—the Arizona Cardinals.
Leah enjoys helping students give narrative to their own unique stories to create memorable and compelling essays. She is thrilled to be part of such an exciting and pivotal time in young students’ lives and hopes to help them find confidence in their writing while also having some fun along the way.
-
Sarah Joanne Goeppner-Kallungi
ESSAY COACH
Sarah holds a M.A. in English Literature from UC Irvine where she is currently pursuing her love for Shakespeare as a PhD student focusing on Renaissance and Medieval literature. She enjoys discovering new stories, new music, and new places to get a good burrito.
Sarah has learned from her background in teaching writing composition that she is doing her job best when students are writing from the heart. She looks forward to hearing the stories young people have to tell and loves nothing more than helping students craft something sincere, heartfelt, and meaningful out of their everyday experiences.
-
Rebecca Nichols
ESSAY COACH
Rebecca graduated from Vanderbilt University with a double major in History and American Studies and a minor in African American and Diaspora Studies. These interdisciplinary courses allowed an opportunity to diversify her studies and helped to deepen her love of learning, reading, and writing. Since graduating, Rebecca settled in Nashville and prides herself on being a rookie composter. In her down time, she can often be found cheering on the Nashville Predators and University of Michigan Football.
Rebecca loves coaching students through the process of finding their stories and their voices. She believes everyone can be a great writer given the right tools and strives to keep the process a fun and positive experience for the students.
-
Aubrey Renaker
ESSAY COACH
Aubrey graduated from the University of Arizona where she received her degree in Communication. Today, she leads a small team of Brand Marketing and Corporate Communications professionals, enjoys guest lecturing at UC Irvine, and is an active member of the International Association of Business Communicators.
Equal parts strategic and creative, Aubrey’s passion lies in finding and telling great stories. During her “day job,” her writing helps inform and inspire executives, the media, and customers. At College Trek Consulting, Aubrey is excited to utilize her professional background in writing and editing to help students tap into their unique voice and maybe even discover a passion—or at least an appreciation—for storytelling.
A born and raised Arizonan, Aubrey recently relocated to Orange County and is already enjoying the cooler California weather and days at the beach. She loves interior design, cooking and baking her way through Ina Garten's repository of recipes, gardening, practicing yoga, and spoiling her cat Henri and new puppy Phoebe.
-
Isabella Bender
ESSAY COACH
Isabella Bender was born and raised in Scottsdale, Arizona. She graduated from Santa Clara University with a BA in Communications. She returned to Scottsdale where she works as a Marketing Specialist. In her free time, Bella loves walking her dog and reading anything from Reese Witherspoon's book club! She is so excited to spend more time brainstorming, writing, and getting to know students and to help them find their stories to share. Bella is thrilled to be a part of a team that encourages and celebrates creativity, and she cannot wait to guide the students through the process.
Who We Work With
Students with learning differences: Every student is unique and we appreciate where each student is in their academics. We work with students who may have learning differences as well as students who have excelled in their studies.
Student athletes: We also help athletic students who want to find a college where they can be a recruited athlete or play their sport for enjoyment.
Student artists: Students who want to pursue their art or performance passions also find a place within our services.
Transfer students: Transfer students are always welcome.