Vanessa Garrido

College Admissions Consultant

Former admissions officer at
Reed College
VANESSA GARRIDO GLOGOWER

About Vanessa GarridoCollege Admissions Consultant

My Background

My career has been dedicated to education and educational access. After graduating from Reed College, I joined the admissions team at my alma mater. I then became Director of Multicultural Recruitment at Reed, reading applications from students of color from every state in the U.S., and organizing and hosting visit programs for our prospective students of color. After working in admissions, I decided to pursue a career in teaching. I completed the New York City Teaching Fellows program and became a high school English and special education teacher in the Bronx, and, later, in Brooklyn. In those roles, I supported the college counseling offices at each school, working with students from a variety of different backgrounds and learning abilities as they navigated the college admissions process. I then taught at an alternative school in Walla Walla, WA, where I helped students meet their high school graduation requirements and explore their educational futures. I have also worked as an independent tutor and college counselor, helping students carve out their unique educational paths to college or vocational programs. I have experience as a creative writer and editor, and I love working with students on their college essays.

My Education

Reed College
Bachelor of Arts, Anthropology
Hunter College, City University of New York
Master of Science, Adolescent Special Education

Get to Know Me

VGG List-2

Why I Joined Bright Horizons College Coach

The world of college admissions can feel exclusionary to people who aren’t “in the know.” I’ve felt this firsthand: I’m the eldest daughter of Latin American immigrants and the first in my family to go to college. I joined College Coach because I’m dedicated to educating and supporting families during this formative time. The college admissions process can feel daunting, but it can also be an experience of self-discovery and empowerment. One of my favorite parts of being an admissions counselor was leading case studies about how college applications are assessed. I enjoyed demystifying the admissions process for students and their families, helping them replace their confusion with clarity. As a high school English teacher, I created a unit on crafting college essays. I encouraged my students to tell authentic, meaningful stories and allow their unique voices to shine in their personal statements. I love working at College Coach because I’m able to combine the best elements of my previous jobs, while being part of an amazing team that centers care and education in our work with families.

Some of my Favorite Pastimes

Dancing, acting, reading, writing, knitting, watching excellent films and TV shows, expressing myself with colorful fashion choices, going on adventures with my family