Seattle-based college advisor Michelle Silbernagel understands the anxiety and stress associated with college applications, both for students and for parents. She demystifies the process with concrete, actionable guidance that empowers students to own their college admissions process.
Her work with students is as much about listening as it is about advising. She prioritizes creating a rapport with students so they’re comfortable sharing their authentic story — first with her and then with the colleges through their essays.
Michelle has a master’s in sociology and worked in research, marketing, writing, and editing, as well as in higher education as the Director of Research and Planning at Seattle Community Colleges District Office, before she joined the college counseling community.
She started out by helping students write their college application essays. As she worked with students, she learned their need for guidance extended beyond the personal essay to the entire admission process. In order to provide expert guidance, she completed the Independent Educational Consultants Certificate program through UC Irvine.
Michelle graduated Magna Cum Laude earning a bachelor’s (with honors) in Sociology and Spanish from Gonzaga University. She earned an M.A. (Summa Cum Laude) in Sociology from Washington State University. Michelle is a Professional Member of IECA, a member of the Pacific Northwest Association for College Admission Counseling and the Seattle Area College Counselor consortium. She’s also certified in Youth Mental Health First Aid.
When not immersed in college advising and researching, Michelle enjoys walking Jinx (her very stubborn Portuguese Water Dog) and she usually starts her day by slinging around kettlebells and weights in her garage gym. Michelle has two high school teens herself, and loves to play “Would You Rather?” with her family around the dinner table.
Michelle considers it both an honor and a privilege to clarify college admissions for students and families in the greater Seattle area and beyond.
