Andi Vaida

Andi Vaida is a certified bilingual school counselor, writer and college admissions essay coach based in New York City. She brings decades of experience in non-fiction writing, educational communications and Latin American-focused media work to her counseling and coaching practice. Her writing background spans community communications, educational content, public relations, travel writing and personal narrative, which gives her a strong foundation for guiding students on authentic, voice-driven college essays.

At Columbia Secondary School for Math, Science and Engineering, Andi served as Director of the College Office and previously as School and College Counselor. She developed college programming for all grades, delivered curriculum to juniors and seniors and provided individualized college advising to a diverse student body in a highly selective public STEM school. Her counseling work integrated academic planning, postsecondary guidance and socio-emotional support, with a focus on educational access for the majority Latino and African American students and close collaboration with families and community-based organizations.

Earlier, Andi worked as Director of Community and Family Relations and as a Parent Coordinator within New York City public schools, serving as liaison between families and staff, coordinating events and leading school communications. Before transitioning into counseling, she spent many years in media and production, including ownership of JCV Productions serving Latino television markets and earlier roles in public relations and travel research. This blend of narrative craft, cross-cultural communication and school-based counseling informs her current practice as an independent essay coach and admissions consultant.