Meet Carly
M.Ed., M.S.
Helping families navigate the college admissions process with clarity and a plan so your kid finds their place
Based in Arizona,
serving the Nation
I've dedicated my career to working with teenagers and their families. I started as a student worker in the Office of Admissions at the University of Arizona, then after graduation, moved into a clinical treatment center here in Tucson working with adolescents navigating some of the hardest seasons of their lives. From there, I returned to the University of Arizona in college admissions and enrollment management, giving me a view of the college experience from nearly every angle.
I hold a bachelor's degree in Family Studies and Human Development from the University of Arizona, a master's degree in Higher Education from Northern Arizona University, and a master's degree in Family and Human Development from Arizona State University. I completed my certificate in College Counseling from the University of California San Diego, and in March 2025, I earned the designation of Certified Educational Planner (CEP) — the highest designation in my profession.
That combination — a deep understanding of family dynamics and adolescent development, paired with real experience inside college admissions — is what Rooted College Planning is built on, and it’s what gets me excited to show up for every single family I work with.
When I'm not working, you'll find me traveling — which, lucky for me, is also a big part of this job. Visiting college campuses across the country is one of my favorite things about what I do. Closer to home, I love spending time with my family and two kids; exploring Arizona wineries; and never, ever saying no to a sweet treat.
Why work with
Rooted College Planning?
I started Rooted College Planning because I kept seeing the same thing: smart, involved parents who felt completely lost, even when they were doing everything right.
The college admissions process is complicated, but what makes it really hard for most families is navigating it together.
At Rooted, my approach is built around the whole family, not just the applicant. I work closely with your kid to explore their interests, build their college list, and develop their application, but I also pay close attention to the parent-child dynamic that runs underneath all of it. When that dynamic is supported, the process goes better for everyone.
Every kid I work with is different, and every family brings their own set of strengths, concerns, and communication styles. My job is to meet you where you are, keep everyone on the same page, and make sure your kid arrives at the right college feeling confident.
I’ve visited nearly 100 college campuses across the country, and I work with a maximum of 15 kids per graduating class so I know each of my students well.
And, as a professional member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association and a Certified Educational Planner, I am held to high moral and ethical standards, so you can trust the guidance you're getting is grounded in integrity.
Let’s figure this out together
If anything you've read here resonates, let’s connect. Book a College Clarity Call and let's talk through where your kid is and what your family needs.