About Anna

Hi! I'm Anna, a public defender in New York and an alum of Brigham Young University and Harvard Law School. I've always been passionate about helping folks get into their dream undergrad and graduate programs, and I'm excited to continue coaching through Leland. I attended BYU for college, where I studied English and economics, worked as an economics teaching assistant, and discovered my interest in public defense. After BYU, I spent three years at HLS, where I worked as a legal research and writing advisor and received the Dean’s Award for Community Leadership. I then clerked for a federal district judge and got my current role as a public defender. At each step of my journey, I spoke to as many people as would listen to get their insights and ask questions about the application process; I wouldn't have survived without great mentors! I'm passionate about paying that forward by coaching people like me, with dreams of attending a top school but without a role model to help them get there. As a coach, I hope to help you distill your story so you can communicate it clearly in a way that feels true to you. In each of my application processes (to undergrad, law school, clerking, and public defense), I spent a lot of time self-reflecting and honing my narrative so that I could share it succinctly and sincerely. I'd love to help with all aspects of your application journey, from essay brainstorming/writing, to handholding/nerve calming and interview prep. If you think we would be a good fit, let's chat!