Meet Your Sidekick, Chelsea Vasquez
My Background
I'm a graduate of The Loomis Chaffee School and hold a B.A. with honors from Trinity College and an M.Ed. from Harvard Graduate School of Education.
As an educational consultant, I started as an essay specialist, but I quickly learned that great writing only goes so far without steady strategy, research, and reflection behind it. That led me to expand my practice into comprehensive consulting, supporting students through the entire college process.
I've spent over fifteen years teaching English and creative writing, serving on admissions committees, leading teaching teams, and designing curriculum. Beyond the classroom, I've been the Director of Faris Education, a tutoring company serving the Salt Lake City and Park City communities. At Faris, I managed a team of 30+ tutors and worked extensively one-on-one as a college essay coach, test prep tutor, and academic mentor across subjects and grade levels.
In Utah, I taught at Rowland Hall in Salt Lake City, where I received the Cary Jones Faculty Mentor Award for excellence in teaching and mentorship. Before that, I taught in the Wayland Public School System, a high-performing school district outside of Boston.
My Philosophy
All students have stories to tell. Drawing on years in the classroom working with hundreds of students, I understand how teenagers learn and grow, and I meet each student where they are. I keep them organized, motivated, and on track while grounding them in their own voice. At the heart of my work is trust: I create a space where students feel comfortable enough to answer the thoughtful questions that uncover their values, quirks, and distinct perspectives.
While I've supported students in earning admission to top schools, what matters most to me is helping each student find the right fit and present themselves authentically. We do this by slowing down, reflecting, and getting honest about what's true for them and what they want in the college experience.
Outside of Work
An east coaster at heart, I recently moved back to New England (Madison, CT) after adventuring for over twelve years in Salt Lake City and Park City, Utah. When I'm not working with students, you'll find me exploring the outdoors with my partner, Nick, and our dog, Millie. I love to ski, bike, hike, and read on the beach in the sunshine.
