With more than 26 years as a distinguished teacher in both the Lake Washington and Seattle school districts, Joia brings decades of English instruction pedagogy, best practices, strategies working with diverse learners, an understanding of teens and motivation, and a love of teaching writing to the college application process. Most recently, in addition to teaching English, she has created and run a school-wide leadership program empowering students to lead, serve, and change the climate of the school to inclusivity, fun, and enriching experiences. She has a myriad of experiences in many educational pathways. Let Joia support you in making informed decisions for your bright future.

Joia believes that there is a college for every student and wants to help every unique student have as many options as possible. She will work to help you identify schools that fit your budget, interests, and goals. Providing personalized guidance on college searches, essay writing, college admissions, and educational planning, she is dedicated to helping students navigate the complex individual college application process with confidence and ease. Working with students of all abilities, she has successfully taught advanced learners, students with IEP’s and 504’s, and twice exceptional students. She has a deep understanding of the greater Seattle-area high schools and districts. She is a stickler for deadlines, loves research and touring colleges, and has an eye for editing. She also has niche expertise in college dance programs, especially ballet-focused.

She has an undergraduate degree from the University of Washington in Speech Communication, a Masters in Teaching from City University (Seattle), and a college counseling certificate from UCLA (pending 2025 completion). She has taught French, History, English, Leadership, and organized eight tours to Europe with high schoolers. She has a passion for research, organization, and travel and melds those together on her many college campus tours to better understand her client’s needs. She advised Kappa Delta sorority for over a decade at the University of Washington campus, leading them to earn the top chapter in the nation award. 

Personally, she met her husband at the UW (Go Dawgs!) and has two daughters. One attends a public university 2,600 miles away from home in Charleston, SC. The other will attend the UW, one mile away from home.

As a lifelong learner, she is committed to improving her practice through regular continuing education, memberships in College Counseling organizations (HECA, NACAC, IECA), and regular college visits.