Home - Alchemy Writing Lab

Helping college faculty navigate the PLA journey with adult learners

Helping Adult Learners Excel

The Professional Development PLA (Prior Learning Assessment) Essay workshop is tailored to equip college and university educators with the essential skill set needed to effectively support students pursuing credit for experiential learning.

The Four-Week PLA Bootcamp will lead students through the mechanics of writing successful PLA essays.

Contact me to explore all options and discover how a PLA workshop can contribute to your faculty’s professional development while optimizing your institution’s academic offerings.

If you’re a student looking for help writing a PLA essay, head on over to my PLA page devoted to adult learners.

Helping college faculty navigate the PLA journey with adult learners

Helping Adult Learners Excel

The Professional Development PLA (Prior Learning Assessment) workshop is tailored to equip college and university educators with the essential skill set needed to effectively support students pursuing credit for experiential learning.

The Four-Week PLA Bootcamp will lead students through the mechanics of writing successful PLA essays.

Explore all options and discover how a PLA workshop can contribute to your faculty’s professional development while optimizing your institution’s academic offerings.

My PLA workshop is coming soon!

Subscribe to the ALCHEMY newsletter and get the “College Resource Guide for Adult Learners.” Download a free E-book providing you with resources to successfully navigate your college journey. You’ll also be first to learn when the Prior Learning Assessment Workshop will launch!

Alchemy Lab Services

PLA & College Essays

Learn how to craft compelling personal statements showcasing your unique skills and experiences.

Personalized Sessions

Learn how to target and improve academic skills.

Research Techniques

Conduct effective research plus analyze and synthesize sources to support your writing.

Client Testimonials

“Deborah Johnstone changed me as a writer... She asked insightful, penetrating questions. She put me at ease and convinced me to trust what was underneath the surface... During the process, I learned to express my thoughts and experiences verbally and then easily transcribe them onto paper with clarity and unifying ideas. She also possesses tremendous patience, and the ability to communicate actionable ideas. She empowered me to trust that my strength lies in my experiences. Her technique made writing appealing, provocative, and life - changing for me. I am so grateful to have experienced her nurturing perspective.”

- Bernadette D.

“Deborah consistently demonstrated preparedness for our sessions, a quality that set her apart from my previous experiences and she respected my voice, never imposing her ideas onto my work. She actively listened and worked with me to ensure my perspective was accurately reflected. Her dedication and guidance significantly improved my writing skills, resulting in consistent A grades on assignments. I wholeheartedly recommend Deborah. Her support not only bolstered my academic success but also instilled in me the confidence to pursue further education at Albany Law School.”

- Amanda U.

“Deborah Johnstone is an amazing college tutor. I learned so much about writing and finding my voice in the master's program. She took the time to understand my strengths and weaknesses and offered constructive criticism. Deborah is always encouraging. I am truly grateful for her guidance.”

- Angel S.

"I had the privilege to be mentored by Deborah Johnstone during my studies at Empire State University, State University of New York. As my mentor, Deborah was professional, erudite but more importantly, approachable. She understands that education is a holistic endeavor and due in large part to her efforts and encouragement, I was able to complete my studies as planned and went on to earn a scholarship and an MA."

- S. T.