College Essay Coaches

Talentnook Essay Coaches

Jose Ireta

As a dedicated counselor with 25 years of experience assisting students with college applications, José Ireta possesses a deep understanding of the challenges and nuances involved in the college admission process. His previous roles as both a private college counselor and a public school counselor at an International Baccalaureate high school have honed his skills in essay editing, building realistic college lists, and supporting students from diverse backgrounds. His academic background in Counseling & Guidance (M.S.) and Educational Administration (M.A.), coupled with his commitment to student success, allows for a greater perspective on the college admission process.

Ethan Jacobs

Ethan Jacobs is an expert writing coach who works with students primarily in areas of UC’s Personal Insight Questions, Common App Essays, Personal Statements, Supplemental Essays, and other non-fiction formats.

He is no stranger to the college admissions essay gauntlet, having helped students craft compelling admissions essays that have helped them gain admissions to elite universities including Johns Hopkins, Carnegie Mellon, UCLA, UC Berkeley, and the University of Southern California, among other top schools. His award-winning work has been published domestically and internationally and can be found in Deep South Magazine, Kind Writers Literary Magazine, Scrawl Place, and elsewhere.

Chika Okaneme

Chika is a graduate from Cornell University with a B.A. and from Columbia University with an M.S. As a skilled editor and strategist with a strong track record of helping students succeed, she provides in-depth writing support to students across the country. Her emphasis on detail, clarity, and constructive feedback helps students craft compelling essays that enhance their chances of admission to top universities. Dedicated to making every student’s future brighter, Chika is passionate about guiding students through the college application process with care and expertise.

Lauren Higgins

Lauren Higgins is an experienced online instructor with a Master of Arts in English Literature from Chapman University and a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from San Diego State University. With over a decade of teaching at the college level, she brings a supportive, structured, and engaging approach to writing instruction. Lauren fosters a positive learning environment where students feel confident expressing ideas and growing their skills. Outside of teaching, she enjoys exploring vintage home decor, spending time with family, and discovering new coffee spots.

Who is Talentnook?

Talentnook’s mission statement is to empower young minds with essential skills and a positive mindset to propel them toward lifelong excellence. Beyond academic achievements and extracurricular pursuits, our mission is to cultivate abilities that pave the way for a successful and fulfilling future.

Established in 2017 by Rajeev Tiwari and Sumit Kumar, Talentnook originated from the common struggle of finding high-quality neighborhood tutors for their own children. Since then, it has grown into a community of like-minded individuals, forming a cohesive team and extending to include customers and stakeholders, all sharing a collective commitment to making it a personal mission.