With over a decade's experience as a coach in various forums, Lucas's success derives from his patient demeanor, his flexible personality, and his passion for helping others improve their lives. As an executive leader at ESM and one of its most experienced College Coaches, Lucas has developed a program for helping students navigate high school and prepare for college that reaches students of all levels, whether they have their sights set on the Ivy League or they have yet to see themselves as college-bound.

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After graduating as a three-sport athlete at Grant High School in Portland, Oregon, Lucas enrolled at the University of Oregon and studied political science, computer science, and business administration. It was at the UO where he first grew passionate about working with youth, primarily as a basketball coach for local teams. After receiving his degree in 2011, he worked at a middle school as an At-Risk Advocate, connecting individually with students in order to keep them in the classroom and away from drugs, alcohol, and violence. That experience led him to the 1-on-1 work with students at ESM, where he's been a leader on the team since first joining its ranks in 2012. He soon moved down to the San Francisco Bay Area and became a staple of the college counseling industry throughout the east bay.

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Over the past 10 years at ESM, Lucas has worked with over 200 individual students, guiding them through all aspects of the college preparation and application process: developing academic passions, choosing high school courses and extracurricular activities, developing leadership opportunities, navigating the SAT/ACT/AP/Subject Test process, exploring opportunities as a recruited college athlete, and, of course, developing a college list, writing essays, and submitting highly competitive college applications. Supported by the academic prowess of the other mentors at ESM, he is truly a one-stop shop for families looking to elevate their kids throughout high school and beyond.

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Today, Lucas leads ESM and counsels students from his new home in Portland, Oregon. He continues to coach high school basketball, but he and his wife, Abby, spend most of their free time chasing around their daughters, three-year-old Maisy and one-year-old Harper.

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Testimonials

“Our family is still buzzing about our daughter’s acceptance. We are so excited about this opportunity and her future. […] You played a role in a young person's life that will forever alter her path for the good. I'm not sure many people grasp the magnitude of what has happened - thousands of hours of studying for APs, Honor classes, SAT, summer internships, volunteering, varsity sports. […] Internalizing your role as more than a job clearly shows through. She could not have done it without you. Thanks again.” - Parent of college counseling student

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“I hadn’t fully noticed our son’s growth until you pointed it out that day. He has changed so much since freshman year. He is the man we want him to be and probably more. Getting teary eyed here, but the truth is the truth. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts because you were a big part of this whole process!” - Parent of college counseling student

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“THANK YOU for all the guidance, support, and encouragement you gave my son over these past few months. I'm so happy for him that he's past the stress of applications and into a school he's excited about. It was quite an anxiety-filled process for him, and you really helped him navigate through it and get his work done. You offered the advice he needed in ways that he could receive it.  No small feat, indeed!  And importantly, you were able to create the space for him to feel proud of himself for getting the applications thoughtfully completed.  He's practically a new kid this semester! Thanks again for everything.” - Parent of college counseling student

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