Melissa M.

Melissa M.

5.0

Thought-provoking professional discernment, branding & goal setting support

DePaul University Logo

Studied at DePaul University

Schuler Scholar Program Logo

Works at Schuler Scholar Program

Not currently taking new clients

I'm once again taking on new clients! I can typically set up initial coaching calls within 3 business days, and I can provide essay reviews and edits within 24-48 hours. Regardless of your timeline, please reach out if you need support as I can often expedite my services.

Melissa’s Career Development Qualifications

Coaches professionally

Experience level: Director

20+ people coached for Career Development

Open to working with clients outside the U.S.

I've helped 1000s of high school, undergraduate and graduate students with career exploration. Additionally, I have helped various students and young professionals on my teams create professional development plans, gain leadership skills, foster writing skills, and more.

Melissa can help with:

Interview Prep

Skill Building

Career Planning

Resume Review

Personal Branding

Freelancing

Salary Negotiation

Job Search Strategies

Melissa also coaches for Master’s Programs, Medical School, and College. View all.

About Melissa

I'm Melissa, M.Ed., non-profit leader, writer, and coach. I hold a fierce passion for helping people become the best versions of themselves. I live by the belief that strong coaching requires connection, dedication, honesty, and respect. Connection between coach and client. Dedication to your journey. Honesty in communication. Respect for your unique goals and experiences. An educator by training, I have coached, taught, and advised individuals representing more than 50 countries, ranging between the ages of 13-80. I utilize a strengths-based approach that prioritizes your goals and needs, while also balancing leadership development, vision and mission exploration, skill cultivation, and meaningful, personalized self-expression. With my experience in writing, college access, and academic success, I have a successful track record of helping students gain admission to selective undergraduate, graduate, and medical programs, including Cornell, University of California San Diego, University of California Irvine, Case Western, University of Virginia, University of Pittsburgh, Boston University, Indiana University, DePaul University, Loyola University Chicago, and more. Fun fact! I was admitted to Marquette University under a prestigious scholarship to complete a PhD, but I decided that full-time teaching in academia wasn't for me. Beyond my work with clients and students, I enjoy being a mom and wife, traveling to a new country, and hosting themed dinners with friends and family!

Why do I coach?

I coach because I have seen and experienced how coaching can change an individual's entire trajectory by giving them the space to think about all that's possible - even things that were formerly inconceivable. I was adopted as a young child, and for years I struggled with my self-esteem. I was a good kid and performed well enough in school, but I never thought I was anything stellar. When I got to college, I became a mentee in a mentoring program, and I was then selected to serve as a mentor in the same program. I was pushed beyond my "comfort zone" and into my "stretch zone." I learned how to navigate the challenges of school and life. I learned to embrace my strengths and own my struggles. And I began to see that I could support others. I realized that I had a lot to offer the world, and as a result, my passion for supporting others with their own life journeys - and helping them realize what they have to offer - was born.

Work Experience

Crimson Education Logo

US University Essay Mentor

Crimson Education

April 2024 - Present

Support clients with brainstorming and editing for all written work and supplementary essays; prepare students for interviews

Schuler Scholar Program Logo

School Director

Schuler Scholar Program

January 2022 - Present

Direct a college access program that supports students in attaining selective college admissions with robust financial aid opportunities

MedSchoolCoach Logo

Director Writing Advisor

MedSchoolCoach

January 2021 - Present

Top writing advisor with an organization that supports prospective medical school students with the application process

Melissa was also given offers to work at

  • The University of Chicago Logo

    The University of Chicago

Education

DePaul University Logo

DePaul University

Master's , Educational Leadership

2017 - 2019

Melissa was also personally admitted to

  • Marquette University Logo

    Marquette University

  • University of Illinois at Chicago Logo

    University of Illinois at Chicago

  • Saint Louis University Logo

    Saint Louis University

10 Reviews

Overall Rating

5.0


Knowledge

4.8

Value

5.0

Responsiveness

5.0

Supportiveness

5.0


Melissa has helped clients get into these schools:


Melissa has helped Leland clients get into Thai Union Group PCL

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Melissa M.

Melissa M.

5.0

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