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Crucial Tips You Need To Know When Applying For Financial Aid

If you plan on applying for financial aid to help reduce the cost of college, then check out this video. Financial aid expert, Jenna Greenwood, provides advice on how to maximize your opportunities to get more financial aid.

Learn more — https://thebestu.net/

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Today I would like to explain to you the benefits of using a face exfoliation / face scrub.

There are so many benefits and reasons as to why you should incorporate exfoliating into your beauty routine. When you exfoliate regularly you help remove ingrained dirt, old dead skin, and improve the over all look of your face.

When you scrub away the old flakey skin, you reveal a more soft and smooth looking skin. One that looks revived! Not only will the texture of your skin improve but you will also help slow down the rate at which your skin ages. Once your skin deeply cleansed, it helps the product deeply penetrate into your skin so it can work and your skin condition will start to improve.

If you are not exfoliating your face, your skin may appear very dull and dry, make up does not sit well and looks very flakey. These are the signs of not looking after your skin & also not exfoliating your skin but using a moisturiser is not going to help either, because its not absorbing or penetrating into your skin, but staying on the top skin which will result in clogged pores, having acne prone skin and can also cause break outs.

One of the most common questions we have about exfoliating is, how often you should you exfoliate your face? The amount you should exfoliate all depends on your skin type. You definitely should not be exfoliating every day. We recommend scrubbing 2-3 times a week or as your skin specialists advises. If you have been over scrubbing stop right away and let your skin heal!

To properly exfoliate make sure you always wash your face first, then apply the scrub in a circular motion. Focus on areas around the nose and your forehead. Follow up with a nice smooth and hydrating moisturiser to hydrate your skin.

Learn more- Benefits of Face Scrub - Face Body Day Spa & Beauty Salon

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Things You Should Talk About in Therapy

If you’re new to therapy, you probably have some questions about how it works. One of the most common questions we get at QLC is “what should I talk about in therapy?” Here are 5 helpful ideas to get you started.

1. Talk about how you decided to begin therapy.

Did something happen recently that led you to seek counseling? What have you been struggling with? Have you been thinking about doing this for a long time? Did a friend or family member encourage you to begin therapy?)

2. Share your feelings about beginning therapy.

Are you excited, nervous, ambivalent, angry, distracted? How does your body feel? Are you thirsty, hungry, tense?

3. Share how you feel now that you’ve arrived to your counseling session.

Were you stressed out trying to find the office? Did you arrive on time? Where you rushed? Is the appointment how you thought it would be? Are you feeling more nervous or less nervous now that you’re there? Are you physically comfortable in the office? Do you feel nervous, relieved, curious?

4. Talk about your goals for therapy.

Tell your therapist what you’d like to work on. What changes do you want to make in your life? What problems do you want to resolve?

5. Talk about whatever comes to your mind.

Talk about anything that crosses your mind. Sigmund Freud called this “free association,” which is the process of sharing whatever pops into your head in the moment.

About the Quarterlife Center (QLC):

Our QLC Counselors specialize in working with individuals and couples in their 20s and 30s in a supportive, caring, confidential setting. We will work with you to help you identify your passions, achieve your goals and thrive in your life.

Quarterlife Center offers the following services:

Individual Counseling

Couples Counseling

Premarital Counseling

Career Coaching

Perinatal/Postpartum Counseling

If you’d like more information or you’re interested in scheduling an appointment, please contact.

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This is a tough question to answer because it all depends on the type of schools you want to apply to. A strong score for one school may be a noncompetitive score for another school. Instead of getting fixated on a particular test score being a “good score”, I recommend two things.

Take practice tests so you can start to determine your testing abilities, strengths/weakness, and you can start to see what range you are testing within. Or work with a testing expert to help you to determine your testing goals, the scores you will most likely achieve, and determine testing abilities and limitations.

Start identifying schools you are interested in and check out the average test scores. Typically colleges will either post the middle 50th percentile test score of their accepted or enrolled freshmen students.

A great resource to use to check the average ACT and SAT scores for accepted students is by going to Collegedata.com. Collegedata has wonderful admissions information, so you can determine if you are a competitive applicant for admission based on the GPA, test scores, and more. When you go to Collegedata type in the name of a school and click on the school link. When you are on the school profile page, you will want to click on “Admission” and scroll down to see the “SAT Scores of Enrolled Freshmen” and “ACT Scores of Enrolled Freshmen.” I appreciate that Collegedata posts the score breakdown into details as you can see in this example below…

SAT Ranges

Watch the video to learn What Is A Good ACT and SAT Score?

Learn more — https://thebestu.net/

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Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Washington, D.C.

Meet Christine Greer O’Connor, Ph.D., LICSW!

Christine, Founder and Director of the Quarterlife Center, is a licensed clinical social worker with extensive experience working with quarterlife clients. At age 24, she experienced her own quarterlife crisis. It motivated her to closely examine who she was and how she could create a fulfilling life for herself and be a positive influence on her loved ones and community.

This journey inspired her to help others successfully navigate the changes, challenges, and exciting experiences of young adulthood. She enjoys helping quarterlifers thrive and live more intentionally as they make important choices about relationships, careers, and their place in the world. In addition to helping her clients, Christine enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, playing tennis, and taking a good power nap.

Education

PhD in Clinical Social Work, New York University

MS in Social Work, Columbia University

Spanish studies, Universitat de Barcelona

BA in Psychology, Haverford College

Advanced Training

The Washington School of Psychiatry

American Institute for Psychoanalysis

Licenses

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Washington, D.C., LICSW

New York, LCSW

South Carolina, LISW-CP

Languages

Spanish

English

Publications

Rosenthal Gelman, C., & Greer, C. (2011). Young children in early-onset Alzheimer’s disease families: Research gaps and emerging service needs. American Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Dementias.

Rosenthal Gelman, C., Sheets, D., & Greer, C. (2010). Increasing capacity for caregiving through partnerships. November 20, New Orleans, LA: Gerontological Society of America Annual Meeting.

Greer, C. (2009). An intervention for Latino family caregivers of Alzheimer’s patients: Unique needs and research gaps. November 18, Atlanta, GA: Gerontological Society of America Annual Meeting.

Greer, C. & Fermin, M. (2008). Young children of parents with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease: An emerging population. October 31, Philadelphia, PA: Council on Social Work Education Conference.

Rosenthal Gelman, C. & Greer, C. (2008). Children of persons with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease: Research gaps and emerging service needs. November 23, National Harbor, MD: Gerontological Society of America Annual Meeting.

Personally Speaking — “Changes that result from life transitions are an inevitable part of life, and much of our happiness depends on how we navigate these times of transition. We at QLC are here to help you create the life you want. All lifestyles are welcome.”

Schedule an appointment

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Parramatta's Best Day Spa

So you’re probably wondering what’s different about our Day Spa and why you should give come and visit us for some well deserved pampering?

Well good question!

Your experience at our Day Spa is so important to us. We take so much pride in creating one of the best experiences you will ever have. Being established for more then 28 years, we pride ourselves on creating an exceptional experience that allows you to feel, nurtured, cared for and not like you’re just another number.

Every day it’s our mission to make you feel comfortable and welcome at our Spa. We want you to feel like we’ve known you for years, even though it might be your first time visiting us.

There’s no better feeling than receiving the absolute best customer service, value for money and being pampered from top to toe in a tranquil, cosy environment. The atmosphere is warm, calming and welcoming, we want you to feel at home. From our dim lighting, to our aromatic scents, we want you to feel like you’re on a journey when you walk through our doors.

Our team are friendly and want the absolute best for you. We like to make our experiences that little extra luxurious and pampering. From the additional scalp massage, hand massage, steam session, hydrotherapy spa or lunch in our gorgeous and peaceful courtyard. We aim to really relax you, so that you don’t feel rushed, you can really soak in the time out you’re giving yourself and leave feeling completely restored. We even have clients that come regularly for threading and say they still feel relaxed and refreshed after even these treatments.

Taking time out for self care is something we value highly ourselves and we know that when you come to us, you’re also doing the same.

We also love catering to small and intimate groups, couples packages and all day pampers. You will feel like you have the entire spa to yourself and there’s no better feeling then feeling undisturbed while you relax.

So if you’ve been wanting to come and experience our spa, but have been unsure about us, feel free to check out our lovely reviews and recommendations on both google and Facebook. And if you haven’t been to us before, ask us about how you can receive a welcome gift from us on your first visit too!

Learn more - https://facebodydayspa.com/

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We help families learn how to navigate the financial aid and scholarship process.

Topics

Financial aid process — overview of the process, eligibility criteria, application timeline, deadlines, and strategies, how to read financial aid award packages, what to look out for, direction on how to fill out applications, and navigate special circumstances/financial aid appeals

We bill in 15-minute increments for meetings, post-meeting notes, research, any type of correspondence, reviewing of essays and applications, and more.

Overall understanding of cost of college and creating a college finance plan

Services & Pricing

Either hourly meetings or college affordability package offered for all ages groups.

We do charge for any time spent over 15 minutes for meetings, research, any type of correspondence, and more.

1ST CLIENT MEETING RATE WITH JENNA

$175 per hour

This meeting can be applied to and used as the first meeting of the package below and the price will be the package rate only.

HOURLY RATE WITH JENNA

$175 per hour (1st meeting)

4-Hour Punch Card — $600

8-Hour Punch Card — $1,000

See package descriptions below

The package or punch card can only be used with Jenna and not cross over with other counselors.

Hourly College Affordability Meetings ($175 per hour) Follow-up meetings:

• Completing financial aid applications • Finding and applying for scholarships • Navigating special circumstances/financial aid appeals • Comparing award offers and creating a college finance plan

College Affordability Package ($600)

Introductory Meeting: Jenna starts with an introductory college affordability meeting. The purpose of this meeting is to provide a free 15- to 20-minute initial phone call or online video meeting to learn more about the financial needs of the family.

College Affordability Meeting #1 — Discuss an overview of the financial aid and scholarship process as well as the overall cost of college and what to be looking for. Talk through the different types of aid options and eligibility criteria. Discuss barriers to accessing financial aid and how to navigate them and common errors and how to avoid them.

College Affordability Meeting #2 — Walk through the financial aid process, how to apply for financial aid, forms to fill out, common deadlines. Talk about strategies for finding and applying for scholarships. Create a timeline for applying for aid based on individual school deadlines. Discuss how to read financial aid award packages, and what to look out for.

In this package, you will learn:

Sources of College Money: You’ll discover the four sources of college money and which you should aim for.

More on College Money Source: You’ll discover a tool that will allow you to sort schools by price in individual states in seconds. You’ll explore how college rankings impact the price you’ll pay.

Best College Research Tools: This is one of the most valuable modules since it explores four different resources, with detailed instructions on how to use them, to evaluate the generosity of any college.

Deep Dive Into Aid Formulas: Includes detailed advice about the FAFSA and CSS Profile, as well as strategies to maximize financial aid.

Families from the USA and All Over The World — Schedule your free introductory parent phone call or online video meeting now!

Schedule Here

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Skin Treatments in Parramatta

Are you wanting to treat a skin concern? We can help! With our Skin Treatments @ Face Body Day Spa

Are you struggling to find a solution to your skin problem? Dreaming of beautiful, glowing skin, that you can feel confident showing off every day? Well, here at Face Body Day Spa, we’re not just all about pampering (even though we’re good at that too!). We’re also here to help you achieve the skin of your dreams. We want you to fall in love with your skin and here are our top skin treatments, to help you do just that!

Skin Needling (Collagen Induction Therapy)

Collagen Induction Therapy is a must for anyone looking to treat uneven skin, pigmentation, acne scarring or fine lines and wrinkles. It’s one of the most popular treatments available, because of the ability it has to change your skin and quickly.

Your skin is transformed by stimulating the tissue and collagen, by stamping tiny needles into the upper layer of your skin. New Collagen is produced therefore speeding up the renewal process, allowing your skin to become smoother, softer and clearer.

iBeauty Skin Treatment

Are you looking for something more than just a facial, but don’t want the downtime? Then our Thalgo iBeauty treatment is just for you. You’ll be left with soft, smooth, decongested skin. There’s no trauma to the skin, so it’s perfect for anyone who wants to freshen their skin for a special occasion.

So what is it and how does it work?

The Thalgo IBEAUTY device is a beauty device combining three innovative, proven, non-invasive, non-aggressive and completely safe technologies for instant facial results.

These are:

Sound Vibrations to exfoliate and purify

Sequential Ultrasound which drains, infuses and stimulates

Tripolar Radio-frequency which regenerates and plumps

There’s 3 specific facials to choose from, each tailored to your needs.

IBEAUTY Purity Reviver – This highly effective treatment is the perfect solution to achieve a deep rebalancing facial cleanse. It is the ideal combination of zinc and salicylic acid, developed specifically to work in synergy with IBEAUTY’s sound vibrations and sequential ultrasound technologies. The skin is healthier, brighter and cleansed of impurities from the first session. (This can be added on to any Thalgo facial for a healthier and brighter complexion.)

IBEAUTY Hydration Corrector – Treat your dehydrated or tired skin to this amazing Hydration facial! After cleansing, the skin is exfoliated with IBEAUTY’s sound vibrations technology. Hydrating Sève Bleue from the ocean is pushed deep into the skin using draining, infusing and stimulating motions with IBEAUTY’s sequential ultrasound technology. The skin is fresh, bright and intensely hydrated from the first session.

IBEAUTY Youth Activator – This anti-aging facial is perfect for anyone looking to defy time and restore a rejuvenated appearance to their skin. Following a cleansing, the skin is exfoliated with IBEAUTY’s sound vibrations technology. The application of Hyaluronic acid while using IBEAUTY’s tripolar radio-frequency technology restores the skin’s plumpness and firmness. The complexion is glowing, the skin is “lifted” and the face looks younger from the first session. (This can be added on to any Thalgo facial for a healthier and brighter complexion.)

IBeauty skin treatment is also a very affordable option. You can also purchase a series of 6 treatments and receive one of those 6 for FREE.

30 minute Purity Reviver $89

60 minutes hydrating solution $119

60 minutes anti ageing solution $129

LED Light Therapy

LED is one of the most advanced and non invasive treatments for your skin. Using Light Emitting Diode, we can help heal your skin, stop and kill acne bacteria in it’s tracks and plump and strengthen your skin. LED does not hurt, it does not require any down time and can also be done up to 3 x a week. It’s one of the best ways to manage acne and wound healing. Available as a 30minute treatment or can be added in to any other facial.

Learn more at Skin Treatments - Face Body Day Spa & Beauty Salon

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Couples Counseling near Dupont Circle

Life transitions that occur in your twenties and thirties can be exciting for couples, but they are also stressful. Building a life together is a wonderful thing, but it also can create significant tension and anxiety. As couples consider taking their relationships to the next level, whether it’s moving in together, planning for marriage or having a baby, they often experience increased conflict and miscommunication, decreased sexual intimacy, and even doubts about their compatibility.

At QLC, we understand how these transitions affect couples, and we are here to help you work together as a couple to navigate these challenging times.

These are some of the areas our couples counselors can help you with:

Communication skills

Empathy and understanding

Effective conflict resolution

Anger and resentment

Decision-making as a couple

Emotional connection

Sexual intimacy

Infidelity

Trust

Conflict about finances

About the Quarter-Life Center (QLC):

Our QLC Counselors specialize in working with individuals and couples in their 20s and 30s in a supportive, caring, confidential setting. We will work with you to help you identify your passions, achieve your goals and thrive in your life.

Quarter-Life Center offers the following services:

Individual Counseling

Couples Counseling

Premarital Counseling

Career Coaching

Perinatal/Postpartum Counseling

If you’re interested in scheduling an appointment or you’d like more information, please contact.

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Finding it hard to resolve inflammation, muscle and joint pain, cramps, headaches or even restless legs?

Magnesium Salts may just be what you’re looking for!

So what is magnesium salt and why is everyone raving about it? Is it just another health fad?

Magnesium salt is also known as magnesium chloride. It is a chemical compound with the formula MgCl2 which is usually derived from sea water. Magnesium salts are highly soluble in water and can help to overcome many health concerns.

Magnesium can be used both orally and topically. Taking magnesium as a supplement in your diet can aid in your body recovery and heath, however applying or soaking in magnesium salts can also make a large impact on your overall health.

Here are some of the amazing outcomes having regular magnesium baths can have:

STRESS RELIEF Magnesium salt bath acts as a good stress reliever. When we add magnesium flakes to our bath, it releases serotonin in our bodies which lifts our mood and helps to keep us stress-free. Having a regular bath, will also soothe aches and pains. It’s important however to soak in a warm to cool bath, as a hot magnesium bath will trigger the detoxification process (unless you wish to detox)

GOOD FOR YOUR HEART Magnesium is a fantastic way to increase our blood flow and protect the elasticity of arteries and blood clots. It has been known, for many doctors to recommend bathing with magnesium salts to reduce the risk of unpredictable heart attack. You’ll find your circulation will improve and in turn your heart will be healthier.

RESTLESS LEGS Restless legs are a terrible concern for many people. Often hard to find a solution to ease the pain and uncomfortable nights sleep, magnesium oil or salts can help in reducing if not preventing restless leg syndrome. A great way to help relieve sore and tired legs is to soak your feet each night for a minimum of 20mins in a bucket with magnesium salts. Then apply a spray of magnesium oil before heading to bed. This will also help alleviate cramps.

HEADACHE RELIEF Magnesium Bath Salts and oils have been used to reduce the side effects and pain of headaches for some time. It helps to relax any tension in and around the head and neck, allowing the muscles to relax.

These are just a couple of the long list of benefits of magnesium. We love using it and recommending it to our clients to help after a massage to assist in reducing tension or in our hydrotherapy bath. We’d love to help you with your concerns in the spa one day soon.

Feel free to ask any question you may have and we will see you all very soon

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Importance of taking breaks for students

Check out this video about the importance of taking breaks especially when students are under stress.

The start of the school year can be a challenging time for high school students. The rigor of classes increase and students are balancing more classwork along with their activities and other responsibilities. I notice high school sophomores and juniors feel more stress and academic pressure this time of year as they adjust to a new level of rigor and expectations in classes. Additionally, for high school seniors applying to college, September and October are the most stressful months due to application deadlines. As a result, it is common to see high school students feel stressed out and even have an emotional meltdown/release, especially in October. We tend to get many requests for calls this time of year because students are stressed and parents are just unsure of how to help their kiddos. Taking breaks can help students recalibrate and re-energize so they can continue on to get work done.

Learn more — https://thebestu.net/

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Ways You Can Improve Your Relationship

Creating a successful romantic relationship requires focus, creativity, and flexibility.

Quarterlife couples often have additional stressors on their relationships typical of young adulthood, such as geographic moves, navigating a long-distance relationship, financial instability, career insecurity, and shifts in social life. With so many transitions, it is common for couples to lose sight of the fact that relationships require nurturing, Here are 3 ways you can improve your relationship.

1. Prioritize self-care.

Taking care of yourself emotionally and physically is ultimately your own responsibility. If you find yourself frustrated with your partner for not attending to you and your relationship enough, first check in and make sure that YOU are taking care of yourself enough. When we aren’t adequately nurturing ourselves, we often look to our partner, to fill in those gaps that are ultimately our own responsibility. Before talking to your partner about what he/she is not doing to care for you, make sure YOU are caring for yourself.

Some ideas for self-care include eating regular meals, exercising, having time to unwind, socializing, and getting enough sleep.

2. Choose the more loving way.

When tensions rise and conflict is heightened, partners tend to feel irritated and angry with each other, and they end up in a cycle of criticism. This can make it difficult to give your partner the benefit of the doubt. When you find yourself in this position, try opting for the more loving approach towards your partner. If you are picking at your partner too much, try to focus on aspects of your relationship for which you are grateful. After you identify things you’re grateful for, communicate your appreciation to your partner. This is a helpful step in breaking the cycle of criticism.

3. Have fun together!

Life can be hectic, and couples often find themselves bogged down by daily routines, career schedules, childrearing, and household chores. Because these things tend to demand the most attention, couples may find it difficult to make time for fun and spontaneity. Having fun together is one of the best ways for couples to connect with each other and to feel happier in their relationship.

A helpful activity for couples is to spend time remembering what it was like when you began dating and you were falling in love. What did you enjoy doing together? What types of things did you talk about? What were your dreams for your life together? After reminiscing together about that period of your relationship, each partner can write a list of 10 activities that you’d enjoy doing together. Once you have the combined list of 20 activities, schedule time to do an activity from the list at least once a month.

About the Quarterlife Center (QLC):

Our QLC Counselors specialize in working with individuals and couples in their 20s and 30s in a supportive, caring, confidential setting. We will work with you to help you identify your passions, achieve your goals and thrive in your life.

Quarterlife Center offers the following services:

Individual Counseling

Couples Counseling

Premarital Counseling

Career Coaching

Perinatal/Postpartum Counseling

If you’d like more information or you’re interested in scheduling an appointment, please contact.

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Hire a DJ In 4 Easy Steps

4 steps to help you source and hire a DJ for your next event.

Check out my free Workbook: How To Hire Your Next DJ Like A Pro Here: www.djshannonc.com

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Why a Spring Clean for your Skin is just what it needs after Winter. Let us tell you all about our Spring Glow Facial and the benefits of cleaning out your skin’s system seasonally.

After Winter our skin can feel a little under the weather. The sudden change in the environment, can be hard for our cells to adjust to. As the season begins to warm up, our skin can start to process additional oil and turn over it’s cells more quickly. For this reason, we find it’s the perfect time to invest in a facial.

Having a facial done, allows your skin to be flooded with nutrients, clear away any build up on the skin and allow the new cells to flourish.

This spring, we have custom designed our Spring Glow Facial to give your skin everything it needs to prepare itself for the warmer months. We begin your treatment with a beautiful and relaxing back exfoliation and massage, because we all know it’s one of those places, we just can’t reach ourselves!!

Once your feeling revitalised on your back, we turn you over to start your beautiful facial. Using a customised cleanser to suit your skin type, we will gently double cleanse your skin. Next we will boost your skin with our Mceutic treatment. A true beauty treatment inspired by the medical world, it delivers a tailor-made treatment in three sequences – a renovating peel, bio-regenerative infusion and corrective intervention – to restore youthful, plump and radiant skin quality, while respecting the skin’s physiology. Your skin will be left soft, supple and ready for Spring.

Spring is also a great time of year to re-evaluate your skincare at home. Often a heavier moisturiser is needed during the cooler months, however it’s always nice to give your skin a change and look at moving to a lightweight day cream and keep your heavier cream for night time, while you sleep. Adding in a Vitamin B or C Serum can also help fight against free radicals and keep the skin clear and bright during the warmer months.

Check your SPF is still within its expiry date, as this is really important to ensure you’re going to receive maximum protection from the sun during the warmer months. The other key ingredient to your skin during spring is hydration from within, so aim to drink 3 litres of water a day to ensure your hydration levels are where they should be.

If you would like any help in how to best take care of your individual skin, we’re always here to help. Pop in and see one of our friendly therapists in the Spa.

Learn More

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College Counselor in Boulder, Colorado

David Keyek received his B.S. in Communication and Political Science at Syracuse University and a M.A. Counseling Psychology, School Counseling — University of Colorado Denver.

From 2010 to the present day, I have worked as a high school counselor at Niwot High School in Niwot, Colorado serving the college, career, academic and emotional needs of over 250 students annually. I take immense pride in my work in serving students from all economic groups and ethnicities. I specialize in serving high-achieving students within Niwot’s International Baccalaureate Diploma Program as well as those engaged in rigorous Advanced Placement courses. As a high school counselor and former special education teacher, I’m highly effective in serving niche populations whose learning differences or language backgrounds might otherwise be a barrier to their college process.

As a highly engaged college and school counselor, I pursue active membership and training with the IB World Organization (IBO), the National Association of College Admissions Counselors (NACAC), the American School Counselor Association (ASCA), the Colorado School Counselors Association (CSCA) and the Higher Education Consultant’s Organization (HECA).

Foremost, as a college consultant, I seek to support every student in their quest in exploring and developing their maximum potential. I thrive in creative environments where human relationships and risk-taking are highly valued and where trust, communication and collaboration are as important as the final outcome.

Book a meeting

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Quarter-lifers Coping With Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer’s disease is not limited to the elderly. Although rare, some individuals are diagnosed with younger-onset Alzheimer’s disease in early adulthood—some as early as their twenties and thirties. Quarter-lifers who are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s struggle with unique challenges. While coping with the symptoms of Alzheimer’s, they are also transitioning to adulthood, launching their careers, getting married, and having children. It is possible for quarter-lifers, particularly quarter-life couples, to enjoy life and manage this disease. For these reasons, it is particularly critical for Quarter-life couples to prepare for the changes associated with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease by communicating about important, and sometimes difficult, topics.

8 Important Topics to Discuss:

1. Adjusting to the Diagnosis

What is your understanding of Alzheimer’s disease? Where can you get information you need? How do you each feel about your diagnosis? What are your hopes, concerns, fears, and expectations about this diagnosis?

2. Medical Care

Do you like and trust your medical providers? Most likely, your neurologist and primary care doctor will be the physicians managing this disease. What will your medical care look like over time? What medications will be prescribed and what tests will be run? Do you want to consider genetic testing for you and your children?

3. Psychological Support

Where can you get the emotional support you need? There is a range of support services for Alzheimer’s disease: support groups for patients and caregivers, seminars, conferences, professional counseling, and online forums. The Alzheimer’s Association and the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America are good resources.

4. Social Support

Which family members and friends would you like to inform about the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s? How would you like to talk to your children about this diagnosis? Whom can you depend on for support over the course of the disease? Who will serve as the primary caregiver for the person with Alzheimer’s?

5. Career

How will your diagnosis affect your ability to work? How will this diagnosis affect your spouse’s ability to work, if there are significant caregiving responsibilities?

6. Finances

How will this diagnosis change your family’s financial situation? Be sure to research benefits and disability insurance that may be available to you and your partner. Look into Medicare benefits and retirement benefits, as well.

7. Healthcare Planning

What legal paperwork should be completed to plan for your healthcare in the future? Consider meeting with an attorney to create a Last Will and Testament, Power of Attorney, Healthcare Proxy, and Living Will.

8. Finding Joy

Most importantly, talk about what brings you joy and how you can maximize experiences that are fulfilling for you and your family. Be patient with yourself as you adjust to this diagnosis. Are there certain experiences you’d like to share and/or important conversations you’d like to have with loved ones before the disease progresses? How can you plan for these things? How can you make the most of your life while also attending to this disease?

About the Quarterlife Center (QLC):

Our QLC Counselors specialize in working with individuals and couples in their 20s and 30s in a supportive, caring, confidential setting. We will work with you to help you identify your passions, achieve your goals and thrive in your life.

Quarterlife Center offers the following services:

Individual Counseling

Couples Counseling

Premarital Counseling

Career Coaching

Perinatal/Postpartum Counseling

If you’d like more information or you’re interested in scheduling an appointment, please contact.

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When it comes to hiring a DJ for your special day, it’s important to select a vendor that is going to show up and do it right the first time. After all, you only get one shot at your Wedding Day. When brides talk to me about stresses around hiring a Wedding DJ, a few common concerns come up. I’ve heard brides express worry around being embarrassed by the DJ, the DJ playing the wrong songs at the wrong times, or worst case, the DJ not showing up at all. While these are all obvious ways that a DJ can make a mess of your big day, there are still a few less commonly considered ways that a DJ can make your Wedding Day memorable for all of the wrong reasons.

As with all event planning, I believe that screening vendors is one of the best ways to ensure your event goes as smoothly as possible. So with each mistake, I’ll recommend a question to ask in the interview process to help make sure you avoid a messy ending.

Not So Grand Entrance – While lots of people think of the DJ playing the wrong songs at the wrong time when they think of common Wedding DJ errors, another common way that a DJ can make things awkward is to mess up the name pronunciation and / or entrance order during the Grand Entrance. It’s definitely awkward for everyone when the person walking in isn’t called by the correct name or title. Interview Question: Do you have a process for handling the Grand Entrance? The DJ should say something along the lines of meeting with you before hand to get details about the order and names for the grand entrance. I work with my brides to determine the names and how they’re pronounced, the order in which their entering, and what music they’ll be entering to in our programming meeting. I also have an onsite helper to make sure the wedding party is coordinated and lined up in the correct agreed upon order. If the DJ you’re interviewing does’t say something like that, beware!

There’s No I in Team. The DJ Doesn’t coordinate with the vendors before moving through the timeline causing your photographer to miss key shots, or other things to run less than smoothly. Interview Question: Do you have experience doing Weddings? What role do you play in coordinating with vendors on the day of the Wedding? The DJ you’re interviewing should not be doing their first wedding ever. If they are, they won’t have the experience to know about these smaller details like the need to work as a team with the other vendors to make sure things go smoothly. Either myself or my assistant are in constant communication with the catering staff and photographer to make sure things are moving smoothly. We are also prepared to all work together to make any on-the-fly changes if need be. I also make sure to communicate with the photographer before moving into any important events on the timeline to make sure they’re in place for pictures. If the DJ you’re speaking with doesn’t talk about working together with the vendors, consider hiring a different Wedding DJ.

No Control of Event Flow. This is when a DJ doesn’t have control over the movement of the timeline causing the wedding to either drag, or time to run out before all important events have occurred (Bouquet Toss, Cake Cutting, Grand Exit, etc).*Note – a photographer who isn’t a team player or has poor time management can cause this to happen as well. Interview Question: How do you keep the Wedding Flowing when timeline issues arise? Let’s be real. Timelines in Weddings pretty much never go exactly as scheduled. The important thing is to work with a DJ who understands that it is their job to be in control of the timeline. If dinner is running late, or the champagne isn’t ready for the toast yet, or the reception hall isn’t ready to be seated yet, how does the DJ handle this? For me, I work with the other vendors and the couple to communicate the issues and determine what we can adjust. A Wedding DJ who’s a good fit is going to have a plan which involves taking charge and communicating for when things don’t go as planned.

Failure to Prepare for Equipment Failure. As with anything, sometimes unforeseen things happen. This can include day-of equipment failure. How awful to have the DJ on site and in place but their speakers or laptop or setup fail and they now cannot play. And you’re left with no music which is just as bad as having no DJ at all. Interview Question: Have you got a backup plan in case of equipment failure? A responsible professional vendor will have a backup plan. Don’t roll the dice on your Wedding Day. Choose a vendor who is prepared for any and all scenarios.

DJ Wildcard. This is when your scheduled DJ pulls a day-before or day-of DJ switch. (I’m sorry something has come up and I can’t make it but I’ll be sending out DJ _____ to cover me. Don’t worry. He’s great! ) I’ve actually been the DJ that’s been sent out last minute when someone suddenly didn’t have availability to do their contracted wedding anymore. The stress that you’re left with in not knowing who this person is or if they’ll show up and do a good job is an extra level of stress you DONT NEED. Especially when paying premium rates for a Wedding DJ. Interview Question: Make SURE the person you’re hiring is the person who will be showing up. Lots of companies book DJs for Weddings with several DJs on their rosters. There’s nothing wrong with this, but it will set your mind at ease to know who’s showing up ahead of time. When I book a DJ under my company that’s not me, the client is aware that a DJ other than me will be working their event. I also list in the contract the name of the DJ that’s handling the event and allow the DJ and the client to interact from the beginning so they’re comfortable working together. Be leery of a DJ or agency who won’t confirm who will be showing up on the day of your Wedding at the time of the contract signing.

Do your homework in the screening process, and you’ll find you’ll be much more likely to have a smooth and successful event. Don’t be afraid to ask a DJ more than if they’re available and how much they cost. Djing a Wedding successfully is part DJ skill, part personality, and part ability to manage an event. It’s the interviewing that will separate the amateurs from the true professionals. Don’t be afraid to ask questions to ensure the right fit.

Need some more ideas on how to find the best DJ (or any vendor really) for your upcoming event? Check out my blog about it HERE.