BIGGEST STRENGTH AS ORGANIZER

I actively work toward helping clients achieve their goals. Organizing projects are about the needs and styles of the clients.  My job is to come up with organizing systems that fit each unique situation.

SPECIALIZATION

I specialize in “no-purchase” solutions and often utilize “found-in-home” materials. People tend to think that they need to buy a variety of organizing supplies.  Most of the time I am able to use the materials that clients already have in their space.

EDUCATION

Organizing Training

• completed The Organizing Specialists Training/Mentor Program
• attended The Michael Golds Memorial AD/HD Conference

• takes part in NSGCD (National Study Group on Chronic Disorganization) classes

B.A. and Masters

I attended a small liberal arts college in Indiana, Goshen College, and graduated with a B.A. in Elementary Education with a Kindergarten Endorsement.  After a number of years of teaching I went to graduate school at Ohio State University in Columbus.  I earned a MA in Integrated Teaching and Learning.

HISTORY BEFORE BECOMING AN ORGANIZER

I taught for 13 years in the Chicago Public Schools.

•As a teacher I needed to use specific organizing skills in the classroom.  I arranged spaces for learning in the classroom.  I organized papers from students, parents, committees, and administration.  I also organized papers for curriculum, state goals, and testing.

•More generally,  I learned to move students forward in their learning.  I took the student from where they were and helped them reach toward the next level in their learning. As an organizer I use this same skill. I take the organizing client from where they are and help them move toward their goal.

•In teaching I assessed the needs of my students.  I listened to the students and developed assessment tools that helped me gather information.  As an organizer I use a similar approach.  I listen to clients and use assessment tools to work out the best path forward on a specific organizing job.

•After having spent 6 years as a student in the field of education, I learned how to teach.  As an educator in the classroom for 13 years I practiced teaching. As an organizer I teach organizing skills which clients can use in their lives.

Below are some “early years” organizing vignettes.

•Friends in college would tease me because I enjoyed organizing my files.

•When I was 7 I went on a trip with my dad. We traveled to a few different places. Every time we would get back on the plane I would dump out everything in my purse and reorganize it.

PERSONAL FACTS

travel - I have lived in England, Mexico, Guadeloupe, and Haiti.

sports – I consider Ultimate Frisbee the best sport in the world. I play it as much as possible.

pets – My one eyed cat has lived with my husband and me for 14 years. We love her very much.

homes- I have lived in 4 Midwestern states: Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, and Michigan.

SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENTS OR CAREER DISTINCTIONS

I have been interviewed by a variety of news sources.

•Television News station WLIO (Lima, Ohio) ran a segment in which I discussed organizing ideas on the 6:00 and 11:00 local news.  (see “publicity” web page - WLIO news interview)

•Newspapers including The Bluffton News and The Lima News have published full-page spreads with pictures and articles about my organizing business.  (see “publicity” web page - Lima News and Bluffton News)

PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

• Member of NAPO – National Association of Professional Organizers (www.napo.net)

• Member of NAPO Southeast Michigan Chapter

• Member of NSGCD - National Study Group On Chronic Disorganization