Our Specialists

Ross brings two decades of professional experience as a writer (fiction/nonfiction/personal narrative, screenwriting, journalism) into each college essay tutoring session. An experienced educator with an MFA in creative writing, Ross understands that every student writes differently. He is skilled at helping his students elevate their writing to compelling and original personal narratives that express who they are in their own words. Ross’ philosophy is that the college essay process is much more than a task that must be checked off but an integral milestone that helps students demonstrate readiness for the rigors of academic writing. Whether the student is already a skilled writer, one who struggles, or anywhere in between, through the drafting process, Ross will challenge his students to produce the best piece of writing they can possibly create, helping them to discover their most authentic voice to reveal their most authentic selves. Ross has helped high-achieving students gain admittance to virtually every top college in the nation. Ross also helps students with borderline grades not only gain admittance to a four-year college but also have options to choose from. Ross is excited to help every child meet their goals!

Kala holds a BA from Barnard College in Political Science and Music (magna cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa), an MMus degree in Opera Performance from The Boston Conservatory, and a graduate certificate in Spanish-to-English translation from NYU. Kala is a three-time small business owner, has worked for the federal government, in high tech, and as a freelance performer. She enjoys working with students who are interested in entrepreneurship, business, and the arts. Fluent in Spanish and highly proficient in German and French, Kala’s diverse cultural, educational, professional, and lived experiences have required her to communicate in many different languages, tones, and media. Kala is entering her ninth season as an application specialist with Rhodes Educational and has had students admitted to colleges such as Barnard, Northwestern, Duke, Rice, Tulane, the Universities of Michigan, Miami, Washington, and Wisconsin, American University and American University of Paris, Wake Forest, and the UCs, among others. She loves helping students discover their own unique voice – especially when that voice lands them admission to the college of their choice!