Experienced perspective, genuinely personal guidance.

Alana Graham is a PhD student in Social, Personality, and Developmental Psychology at Western University, where she previously completed her MSc. Her research focuses on intergroup relations, masculinity, sexual objectification, system justification, and social attitudes. She has experience with quantitative and qualitative research, statistical analysis, peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, research labs, and volunteering with at-risk populations. She has mentored psychology students through graduate applications, academic writing, research, scholarships, funding, career planning, and program and supervisor selection.

Approach to consulting

Alana takes a personalized approach to mentorship because every student has unique goals, abilities, and experiences worth showcasing. Students can expect thoughtful, individualized, and collaborative mentorship grounded in evidence-based guidance, structure, and compassion, with honest strategic feedback that keeps their work polished and authentic.

Dr. Allen Ebrahimi holds a PhD in Education from Western University with expertise in applied linguistics, academic writing, and language education. He teaches academic and professional writing at York University and has extensive experience preparing students for IELTS, CELPIP, TOEFL, and the Duolingo English Test. He has also taught English for Academic Purposes, functional and professional writing, and teacher education.

Approach to consulting

Allen combines personalized instruction, practical test-taking strategies, and targeted feedback. He is committed to a supportive learning environment where students build confidence, strengthen communication skills, and work toward their academic, professional, and immigration goals.

Ashley Toohey holds an Honours BSc in Psychology and an MSc in Psychology from Trent University and is completing a PhD in School and Applied Child Psychology at Western University. Her research includes early life trauma, child welfare, autism spectrum disorder, theory of mind, language, and cognition. Her clinical experience spans school boards, community clinics, and private practice. She has worked as a workshop leader, teaching assistant, graduate student representative, psychometrist, and therapist, and holds training in ADOS-2, the interRAI suite, ASSIST, and San’yas Indigenous Cultural Safety.

Approach to consulting

Ashley approaches consulting through evidence-based assessment, clear communication, and collaboration with students, families, and educators. She translates complex psychological information into practical guidance and creates a supportive environment where clients feel heard, understood, and empowered.

Jaipreet Mattu holds a BSc in Biology and Philosophy from the University of the Fraser Valley and an MA in Philosophy from the University of Victoria and is completing a PhD in Philosophy at Western University. Her work spans philosophy of science, philosophy of mind, medical and healthcare ethics, epistemology, cognitive science, neuroscience, and psychedelic research. Her experience includes laboratory research, epidemiology, ethnography, research design, argumentation, ethics applications, grant writing, data collection, data management, coding, analysis, guest lecturing, and teaching assistance.

Approach to consulting

Jaipreet takes a hands-on approach that begins with each student’s goals and skill gaps. Her work emphasizes clarity, confidence, independence, consistent structure, proven strategies, close attention, and actionable feedback.

Jessica Ralph is an MD candidate at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry and holds an Honours BSc in Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour from McMaster University. Her experience spans mental-health research involving interRAI assessments, pediatric emergency medicine research at SickKids, thoracic surgery quality improvement, and research on psychiatric comorbidities in hyperemesis gravidarum. As a teaching assistant, tutor, and mentor, she has reviewed autobiographical sketches, essays, personal statements, and other application materials and has provided formal interview coaching.

Approach to consulting

Jessica believes every applicant has a unique story to tell. Students can expect individualized feedback, honest and constructive guidance, clear communication, and a collaborative approach that keeps their voice central throughout the application process.

Dr. Lauren Barter is a PGY1 resident in Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery at Western University. She earned her MD from Dalhousie University and a BSc in Mathematics & Statistics and successfully matched to a highly competitive Canadian surgical residency. Her experience includes tutoring, medical education, Indigenous outreach, mentorship, national educational-resource development, and research in health outcomes, pediatric otolaryngology, spinal cord injury, and quality improvement.

Approach to consulting

Lauren helps applicants communicate their story clearly, authentically, and confidently. She tailors her coaching to the individual and provides honest feedback, practical strategies, and supportive guidance grounded in firsthand Canadian medical admissions experience.

Dr. Rachel Creighton is a PGY1 Pediatrics resident at Dalhousie University. She holds an Honours Bachelor of Medical Sciences from Western University, an MSc in Global Health from McMaster University, and an MD from Dalhousie University. She has interviewed for U.S. universities, graduate programs, major scholarships, medical school, and Canadian residency programs, received the TD Scholarship, and served as a medical school admissions interviewer. Her portfolio includes leadership, research, mentorship, mental-health advocacy, and community involvement.

Approach to consulting

Rachel helps applicants move beyond memorized answers so they can think critically, communicate naturally, and present their experiences with confidence. Her coaching is supportive and judgment-free and is designed to help applicants feel calm, prepared, authentic, and proud of their journey.

Sara Ceresia earned an Honours BA in Psychology and an MA in School and Applied Child Psychology from Western University and is a first-year PhD student in the same program. Her research spans eating disorders, women’s hormones and psycho-emotional and cognitive symptoms, child and youth mental health, and educational outcomes for crossover youth. She has worked as a leadership and academic peer mentor and clinic assistant and has supported psychological-assessment processes.

Approach to consulting

Sara’s consulting philosophy is holistic and individualized. She begins by understanding each student and their goals, then collaborates on a practical and attainable path that builds on strengths and uses open, honest, and consistent communication.

Valentina Wang is completing an MA in Counselling Psychology at Western University and holds an Honours BSc in Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour from McMaster University. Her research centres on child and youth mental health, school disengagement, resilience, and positive developmental and academic outcomes. Her undergraduate research spanned social, evolutionary, developmental, positive, and health psychology. She has experience with large-scale datasets, quantitative methods, statistical modelling, peer tutoring, volunteer services, and university leadership.

Approach to consulting

Valentina focuses on clarity and individualized guidance. She works collaboratively with students to understand their options, identify strengths, and develop applications that authentically reflect their experiences, goals, and aspirations through thoughtful structure and evidence-based support.

Zach Geddes is completing an MA in School and Applied Child Psychology at Western University and holds a BSc (Hons) in Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour with a Mental Health Specialization from McMaster University. His research includes mental-health service access and risk and protective factors related to gender and 2SLGBTQIA+ identity. His experience includes work in the interRAI lab and at St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton, crisis response with Kids Help Phone, childcare, teaching assistance, and high-school STEM tutoring.

Approach to consulting

Zach believes mentorship is most effective when students set their own goals and intentions. He emphasizes empowerment, unconditional support, and clear guidance tailored to the areas where each student feels support would be most useful.

Maira Alejandra León Solarte is an Admissions Consultant (Medicine and Health Sciences), Medical Doctor (MD), Specialist in Family Medicine, and MSc in Healthcare and Hospital Management.

Degrees and institutions: Medical Doctor (MD), Universidad Pedagógica y Tecnológica de Colombia (UPTC), 2007–2014; Specialist in Family Medicine, UPTC, 2018–2020; Master’s in Healthcare and Hospital Management, Universidad Católica de Murcia (CEMP), Spain, 2024–2025.

Her areas of specialization include family medicine, primary health care, and community and rural health, as well as medical education, curriculum development, and postgraduate training.

Research experience: Principal investigator, interRAI Self-Report Mental Health (SAMH) protocol in Boyacá, Colombia (UPTC/interRAI); coordinator of Delphi Group 2, “Essential Competencies in Family Medicine” study across Latin America (2025); thesis director for a master’s project on artificial intelligence among Family Medicine residents. She has published in peer-reviewed journals, including the Revista Brasileira de Medicina de Família e Comunidade (2026), and is a co-author of books on epigenetics and neurodevelopment and on COVID-19 rehabilitation. She is an Associate Fellow of the interRAI international research network.

Clinical and applied experience: Family physician in outpatient, rural home-based, and specialist consultation settings, including ESE Hospital Santa Marta de Samacá and ESE Hospital Regional de Miraflores; medical manager of a diagnostic and specialist outpatient services provider (2022–2023); specialist physician on the Boyacá Department of Health team implementing Primary Health Care policy (2021–2022). She has designed and led community health interventions in rural and urban areas, including the Siachoque project.

Teaching, mentoring, and supervision: Full-time faculty member, School of Medicine, UPTC, teaching undergraduate medicine and the postgraduate Family Medicine program (since 2025; adjunct faculty since 2021). She teaches courses in primary care, health management, and medical research seminar, supervises student research projects and theses, and mentors young family physicians across Latin America through the Waynakay movement.

Certifications and professional memberships: President, Colombian Society of Family Medicine (SOCMEF), since 2026; coordinator of its Scientific Committee and member of its Editorial Board. Executive Council Member, Ibero-American Confederation of Family Medicine (CIMF-WONCA); former President of the Waynakay Latin America young family doctors movement. Winner, WONCA Rising Star Award 2025; Montegut Award 2024 (American Board of Family Medicine). ACLS and BLS certified; trained in comprehensive care for survivors of sexual violence.

Personal note: I enjoy accompanying students at the point where they are turning a goal into a plan, because I remember how much a good mentor mattered on my own path. Outside the clinic and the classroom, I am drawn to community work in rural Boyacá, where I learn as much as I teach.

Approach to consulting

I believe good guidance starts with listening. Every applicant arrives with a different story, and my job is to help them see it clearly and present it honestly, not to fit them into a formula. Having spent years teaching medical students and residents and sitting on the other side of selection and evaluation processes, I know what programs look for: preparation, reflection, and a genuine sense of purpose.

I value clarity, structure, and evidence-based advice. Students and parents can expect straightforward feedback, a realistic plan with clear steps, and steady support from the first draft to the final interview. I aim to build students’ confidence, so they leave the process knowing what they want and why.

Boden completed his undergraduate training in psychology at the University of Ottawa, while facilitating outdoor education workshops and groups for children in Northern Ontario. He is completing his doctoral degree in School and Applied Child Psychology at Western University, where his graduate research examines the quality of mental-health services in Ontario at a systems level. He practices as a psychometrist and has experience delivering supervised psychological assessment and intervention in clinics and schools. His systems-level experience includes contributing to a team contracted by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services to advise on trauma-informed care in the youth justice system, and facilitating and coordinating inter-agency clinical services in rural settings. Drawing on these academic, professional, and clinical experiences, he helps students consider career paths that reflect their values and goals.

Approach to consulting

Boden centres the client’s values and who they hope to become. He offers direct, realistic, and positive feedback, drawing on his varied roles to provide accurate and welcoming support. He recognizes the competition, stress, and uncertainty involved in applying to higher education and is grateful for the opportunity to support students through the process.

Liz Sallows is a Registered Psychotherapist with BRE, BA, and MACP credentials. She provides individual, one-to-one counselling services exclusively for adults. Her practice emphasizes a supportive, confidential, and collaborative therapeutic environment, with both in-person and virtual options. She believes clients know themselves and their stories best and works alongside them toward personal life goals in a way that feels right for them.

Approach to consulting

Liz takes a client-centred approach, offering a safe, judgment-free space where people can explore their experiences and progress at their own pace. She prioritizes feelings of safety, collaboration, and the confidentiality of client communications and appointments.