Welcome to College Essay Easy Coaching Collaborative, where we're dedicated to simplifying the college application process for students. Our team of experienced teachers and college essay coaches are here to help you craft standout essays that showcase your unique strengths and aspirations. Our admissions and financial experts have decades of experience to help you get admitted and afford the college of your dreams!
Allison Weigel
President and Founder
Allison Weigel brings over two decades of experience in education to the forefront of our coaching collaborative as a distinguished high school English teacher and college essay coach. With a passion for empowering students and a knack for writing strategies, Allison has dedicated her career to guiding young minds toward academic success.
As the visionary founder of the College Essay Easy system, Allison has pioneered a revolutionary approach to essay writing that alleviates stress and confusion for students navigating the college application process. Recognizing the anxiety often associated with crafting compelling essays, Allison sought to create a user-friendly solution that streamlines the brainstorming and writing journey.
Gone are the days of staring at a blank page in despair. The College Essay Easy system guides students through a structured yet flexible process, ensuring each essay reflects their unique story and talents. By breaking down the daunting task of essay writing into manageable steps, Allison's system empowers students of all backgrounds to present themselves confidently to admissions committees.
Allison's dedication to student success goes beyond academic achievement; she fosters an environment of support and encouragement, instilling confidence in her students as they navigate the college application journey. With her guidance, students emerge not only with polished essays but also with a newfound sense of self-assurance in their abilities.
Randy Koetzner
Director of Curriculum
Randy Koetzner has been teaching high school English and tutoring since 2002 after earning his Master’s in English Education from Teachers College, Columbia University. Randy received his Bachelor's degree in English from Oberlin College. His areas of expertise include crafting the college essay and preparing students for the SAT, ACT, and A.P. Language and Composition exam, which he has scored for the College Board over the past three years. Randy finds “coaching students in writing to be very rewarding. Watching a student master the skill being taught is not only gratifying for them but also for me.” Randy is a Certified Journalism Educator and a Google Certified Educator and is currently working on his second Master’s in Journalism Education at Kent State University.
Cathy Hoffman
Director of Admissions
Cathy Hoffman is a seasoned college counselor with over 20 years of experience guiding students through the college application process. During those years, Cathy has enjoyed helping students find a college that is the right fit so that they may thrive academically, socially, and personally. Cathy's passion lies in assisting students with diverse learning needs, understanding that each individual has unique strengths and challenges. Her expertise includes working with students with learning differences, ensuring they receive personalized support tailored to their specific requirements.
Amy Rutkowski
Certified CEES Coach
Amy Rutkowski is a dedicated special education teacher with over 20 years of experience in empowering students to reach their full potential. Her expertise shines particularly in the realm of writing instruction and specifically instruction in the college essay, where she navigates the complexities of language acquisition and expression to help students create work that reflects their personal growth and achievement.
Amy's ability to differentiate instruction ensures that every student, regardless of their learning style or ability, receives the individualized support they need to succeed. By building meaningful relationships that inspire growth and confidence in her students, Amy continues to share her passion for the college essay in a welcoming environment that supports every student's achievement.
Jen Sorrentino
Certified CEES Coach
Jen Sorrentino is a dedicated educator with a strong background in special education and a passion for guiding students in their writing journey. With over five years of teaching experience, Jen has developed a deep understanding of effectively engaging students of diverse backgrounds and abilities in writing. In addition to her certification to teach students with disabilities, Jen holds a bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education and English. Her commitment to inclusive education led her to pursue a Master's in Education in Special Education, specializing in Autism Spectrum Disorder and Developmental Disabilities.
Through her ability to tailor instruction to accommodate various learning styles and abilities, Jen ensures that each student receives the personalized attention needed to succeed. For the past two years, she has successfully implemented the College Essay Made Easy system in her own classroom. By providing guidance and support, Jen helps students navigate the college essay writing process with confidence, unlocking their full potential.
Nicole Petrone
Certified CEES Coach
Nicole Petrone is an English teacher in Scotch Plains, New Jersey, who has ample experience with one-on-one writing tutoring as well as with writing instruction to larger student groups. As an undergraduate at The University of Delaware, she was selected to tutor both undergraduate and graduate-level students in the Memorial Hall Writing Center. In her graduate studies at Mercy College, she was again chosen to tutor undergraduate English students in a remote setting. Her expertise with both in-person and virtual tutoring will ensure successful sessions throughout the college essay process. Throughout her career as an English Teacher, Nicole has taught the college essay to each of her 11th-grade classes. She has used Allison Weigel’s “College Essay Easy” system to help students catalyze brainstorming, narrow topics, organize ideas, and ultimately compose a polished and competitive college essay. Not only is Nicole skilled at teaching the college essay, but she is also prepared to elevate students’ ideas and writing through years of teaching English at the AP level. Having taught and tutored a range of students for over a decade, Nicole will abate any anxiety around the college essay and calmly guide your students to a final product that will make them proud.