Hi

You deserve a student life that honors you as a human first.

Did you know that 40-60% of students don’t finish their PhD?

There are so many factors that can push students to not finish including people gatekeeping the hidden curriculum, abusive advisors, ableism, and misogyny.

If you’re part of historically excluded populations, then the systemic issues increase tenfold.

I’m here to help you navigate balancing the PhD and life so that you have more support in taking care of yourself when life, work, and school feel like too much.

Dr.

Woman with black hair wearing a white dress in doctoral regalia posing in front of a wall with vines

Hello!

I’m Shine

An academic coach working with higher education students to build a student life that honors you as a human first.

More About Me

I thought my former advisor’s behavior was normal (but it was abuse).

As a 1st-generation student, I assumed I just had a lot to learn about the hidden curriculum of a PhD.

After a vulnerable conversation with a friend, I realized my advisor’s behaviors were abusive.

You don’t have to keep suffering through your program alone. You deserve a humanizing academic journey.

And I can help you navigate and make progress in academia without losing yourself in the process.

All students need a safe space removed from the university.

I help you gain clarity and build a personalized capacity-focused approach so that you can move through academia with purpose and confidence instead of feeling unmoored.

Advisors and faculty should be on your side, but that’s not always the case.

You deserve to feel supported through your graduate program no matter who your advisor is. I’ll be in your corner every step of the way, cheering you on!

Ready to build a student life that honors you as a human?

Book a Free Discovery Call

Clients Say…

"I appreciate you listening to my story and providing concrete advice during a difficult time when I need all the support around me. Thank you!"

PhD Student

I have worked closely with Shine over the course of my first year out of grad school, and she is a gem! She is unfailingly kind and thoughtful, and as a fellow neurodivergent woman of color, knowing that someone who gets it is not only in your corner but ready to fight for you (and help you fight for yourself!!!) makes a huge difference. I know she will not let me sell myself short, but she also understands the roadblocks I might be up against. Shine also provides a huge wealth of knowledge about academia, so I can feel supported, confident, and informed. I cannot recommend her highly enough.

Sophia Walker, PhD

Swallowtail Editorial Services

"I had an easier outlook on the semester at hand and reasonable options for solutions in any previous struggles rather that related to my class courses or trying to help with internship opportunities. Something I appreciate most about our time together was how out of you way you went to ensure I landed an internship even if it was learning something new like information on pelvic floor related topics. I would let someone who is on the fence about reaching out to not be afraid of the outcome as reaching out is better to get answers from professionals like yourself who help people get easier outlooks on life and school courses. "

Lauren Lujan, BA Student from California State University, Fullerton

"Thank you so much for sharing all your experiences. This has been the best workshop I've attended and more students would benefit from hearing all this. Thank you! 🙏"

PhD Student at Claremont Graduate University

“It was a special and meaningful event and I learned a great deal. I’m deeply moved by today’s event. Thanks again for your generosity, wisdom, and knowledge.”

University Staff at Claremont Graduate University

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Make progress at your capacity, understand how power dynamics impact your experience, and build a student life that honors you as a human first.

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