I began my college education with a BA in Cultural Anthropology (UC Santa Barbara). My organizing work often reminds me of an "archeological dig," in which anthropologists uncover cultural remains of ancient civilizations! I love “unearthing” and organizing my clients' treasures and memorabilia. After completing my degree in Anthropology, I went on to earn an MS in Occupational Therapy (OT), and then began a rewarding and interesting 18-year career as an Occupational Therapist in hospital and rehabilitation settings.

When it became necessary for me to switch to an occupation that didn’t require so much heavy lifting, a friend of mine suggested I consider a career as a professional organizer. This friend had noticed my organizing skills and admired my well-organized home, and felt that organizing would be the perfect career for me. After much reading, mentoring from other organizers, attending workshops, and practice organizing for my family and friends, I launched my professional organizing career.

I have been in business, and a member of the National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO), since June 2002. I have worked successfully with clients of all ages (10 – 80 years) and from all walks of life, including teachers, engineers, self-employed professionals, stay-at-home parents, and retired professionals.

Special skills: I specialize in residential and home office organizing I have a great deal of experience and specialized training in working with clients who have ADD and chronic disorganization. I am a member of the National Study Group on Chronic Disorganization (NSGCD.org), CHADD, and ADD Resources, and I keep up-to-date by attending conferences and teleconferences and reading several ADD journals. Through NSGCD coursework and study, I have earned the Chronic Disorganization Specialist Certificate, and the ADD Specialist Certificate. I've also earned the Certificate of Study in “Needs of the Elderly Chronically Disorganized Client.”

As a parent, I have experienced the joys and challenges of organizing my schedule and home to adapt to the many changes that parenting brings to one's life. I enjoy working with parents and sharing my expertise in organizing for families.

How I work:  I use a personalized and supportive approach in my work. My clients tell me that they feel a sense of accomplishment and feel more serene after working with me to attack the clutter zones in their lives. I consider myself a stress-reduction specialist! I use my knowledge of organizing techniques and products, together with a patient, problem-solving approach, to work out solutions to each client’s unique organizing challenges.

While I'm happy to take on small projects that I can complete independently, I find that collaborative work, in which I work side-by-side with a client, makes for much faster and longer-lasting progress. I recommend that clients plan to participate for the whole session for at least the first 2 visits. This allows me to better assess the client's needs and desires, and make a plan of action in collaboration with the client. In order to make maximum use of our organizing time, I also recommend that the client do whatever is necessary to minimize distractions during organizing sessions, including holding phone calls whenever possible, and arranging for child care.

I have a 3-hour minimum per session. I find that a 3 or 4-hour session is ideal for efficient, productive work. My service area includes parts of San Mateo and  Santa Clara counties, roughly from Millbrae to Santa Clara, Sunnyvale, and Los Gatos.

Ready to start?  Please contact me at (650) 367-1202, or by email.