Completing a dissertation is a long, arduous process.

When left to fend for yourself, the experience can leave you feeling stupid, stuck, and scared. Without external support, it’s all too easy to avoid your dissertation for weeks...months...or years. Don’t waste precious time and tuition money lost in overwhelm or confusion.

Stay on track.

Save time, effort, and tuition money.

Learn new skills.

Move on with your life.

I care about your work and about you!

I was in your shoes not so long ago, so I understand your hard work, sacrifices, and fears. That’s why I chose to take my 20 years of experience working with academic writers and launch Compass Academic Coaching. Through customized one-on-one coaching sessions, I provide resources, guidance, and a listening ear to take the overwhelm out of research and writing.

Since going into business in 2020, I’ve helped 90+ academic writers move forward and 25+ graduate students complete their degrees.

Coaching Services

  • Planning + Accountability Sessions

    Together, we set long and short term goals for your academic work. We meet regularly to review progress, troubleshoot challenges, and define next steps.

  • Problem Solving Sessions

    Got a research or writing problem to solve? I help you work through puzzles like organizing your literature review, aligning your research questions and methods, or interpreting reviewer feedback.

  • Facilitated Work Sessions

    You’ve tried and tried but just can’t get started drafting. You’re afraid to read your advisor’s comments. You’re new to qualitative data analysis and want some guidance as you go. Do it with a coach at your side.

  • Feedback on Work-In-Progress

    All writers need an outside perspective on their drafts, and you might want that to come from someone other than an advisor or peer reviewer. I provide robust feedback you can actually use to move forward.

“Holy Toledo, you're a rockstar. I am feeling so grateful for all of your suggestions and even more hopeful now that someone's actually read my work and there's some confirmation that I'm creating something interesting and of worth. This is a massive breath of fresh air. I plan to get this edited and submitted Friday! I'm tearing up...this will be my first big step towards something official, and I couldn't have done it without you. Thank you.”

– doctoral student, Sex Therapy/Clinical Sexology

Getting started is easy.

  • 1. Schedule with me.

    A free consultation allows us to get to know each other and make sure we are a good fit.

  • 2. Share your goals and challenges.

    This ensures we both have a clear vision of your goals and the support I can provide.

  • 3. Get started with your custom coaching plan.

    You and your work are unique. Your custom plan is tailored just for you.

 You may be thinking…

  • The image of a writer toiling alone in an attic is pervasive, but it is a myth. Many academics struggle trying to do research and write alone in the “ivory garret.” In reality, most successful academic writers benefit from human interaction. They get support from coaches, editors, collaborators, and mentors.

  • All academics should be concerned about plagiarism, and students absolutely need to follow program policies. I won’t do your work for you--I already did my PhD, and I’m not interested in doing another one, thank you! If you are looking for a ghostwriter, you are in the wrong place. My role is to support your growth as a researcher and as a writer.

  • You’ve worked really hard to get where you are, and academia can be competitive. I keep client information confidential. I know academic communities are small, and I don’t discuss clients or their projects with anyone unless instructed to do so by the client.

5-minute guided transition into work time