I am a retired teacher, having worked in the U.S. public school system in Oregon and Washington, as well as international schools in Thailand, China, South Korea, and Viet Nam. I am passionate about learning and empowering others to find their own paths.
I have worked and volunteered in a variety of other fields over the years, from politics to conservation, from public health to emergency management, from journalism to social work, and more. This practical experience provides additional depth in my advising practice.
I currently live in México, where I am available to work with you on your time schedule.
Public Affairs volunteer with the American Red Cross 
Leading Citizen Science sea star project and finding crabs while looking for sea stars under the bull kelp 
Exploring the Oregon coast with students from Mexico 
Learning about Malaysia’s indigenous peoples 
Working with WY Conservation Corps and The Nature Conservancy 
Chatting with Buddhist monks in Thai National Park 
Getting creative with high school students in Bangkok 
Volunteering in an aviary, befriending a Northern Mockingbird 
Leading high school students in Opal Creek Wilderness 
Touring the Acropolis in my beloved Athens, Greece, with my Mexican niece 
Exploring via kayak 
Exploring Mexico on foot 
Training CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) volunteers 
One of many bookclub favorites 
Exploring Thailand during the pandemic 
Volunteering and Touring at Ames Research Center 
Showcasing the talents of Royal Thai dancers in Bangkok 
Playing in the sand and fog with fellow teachers 
Stopping to research while hiking
“Zoé is like the old-school Reference Librarians: if she doesn’t know something, she’ll find it. She truly does her homework to help you with your homework.”
My specialties & passions
I am passionate about working with students and clients who:
- Are the first to attend college in their family
- Are considering attending school or getting an internship in the United States for the first time
- Are considering returning to school after a break
- Are first-time job-seekers
- Are struggling to balance academics, work, and/or relationships
- Are activists, environmentalists, scientists, artists, writers, and/or performers
- Identify as LGBTQ+
- Have a global focus
- Struggle with anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues
- Are high-achievers but process or communicate in neurodivergent ways
I have helped many international students who wanted to study in the U.S., Australia, Europe, and Japan,
*by researching options, *by guiding them to reflect on their choices,
*by brainstorming and editing their admissions and scholarship essays,
*by empowering them to understand the cultural differences and expectations in academic and the job market,
*and by connecting them to local resources. I can help you, too.