Yahellah Best

Meet Yahellah

Yahellah is passionate about helping students discover their voice and present themselves with clarity, confidence, and purpose. With over a decade of experience at selective higher education institutions, she brings extensive insider knowledge to her work as an essay and interview specialist. She partners closely with students to craft compelling application narratives and prepare for interviews that showcase their individuality, strengths, and potential.

She believes authenticity is the foundation of every standout application — a thoughtful blend of self-reflection, honesty, confidence, and meaningful vulnerability. Yahellah guides students through a highly personalized process that strengthens their storytelling, sharpens their messaging, and ensures their written and spoken responses resonate with admissions readers.

Career & Education

Yahellah’s professional experience spans multiple roles in higher education, where she has supported students in reaching academic and personal milestones and has been recognized for her impact and leadership. Most recently, she served as an Associate Director of the Success Coaching Program in Academic Advising at Johns Hopkins University.

A first-generation college graduate, Yahellah earned her bachelor’s degree in Anthropology and Ethnic Studies from Brown University and holds a master’s degree in Higher Education Administration from Boston University. She is currently pursuing a Master of Counseling at Johns Hopkins University.

Outside of her work with students, Yahellah enjoys dance (including professional Cuban dance experience), cooking, travel, health and nutrition, advocacy, and exploring new cultures.