Stacy Rafalko CPO-CD® Certified Professional Organizer in Chronic Disorganization |
"I'm doing what I think I was put on this earth to do. And I'm really grateful to have something that I'm passionate about and that I think is profoundly important." -Marian Wright Edelman- |
Background |
|
Why I am an organizer… When I was a young I observed my Grandmother who had compulsive hoarding disorder and lived in squalor. I didn’t know what to do or how to help.
I also observed her sister, my God Mother, who was also a hoarder. She was removed from her home by Social Services because her home had become unsafe as a result of her hoarding and died shortly after in a veteran’s hospital. She did not notify us that she had been removed from her home out of shame and embarrassment. In 2004 my favorite Aunt died suddenly. Her once very tidy home had become completely cluttered partially due to a long bout of depression. After she passed, I organized her home with my Uncle and young Cousin. It was a difficult, painful process. I knew that my organizing skills were good, but was unable to set up long term sustainable systems for my uncle who has AD/HD. I figured there must be a better way. I began to research and learn about chronic disorganization, hoarding and how to work and organize for those who have AD/HD. In 2005 I started Organize to Optimize LLC. I believe this is what God put me on earth to do. Education I have a B.S. degree in Engineering Graphics from Western Michigan University and have worked in the automotive industry for a number of years. Often people ask why I would switch from engineering to organizing. Passion is my answer. I love what I do. I found that engineering was intellectually stimulating, but not fulfilling. I was not ready or able to help my family members in their lifetimes. Now, I am equipped and passionate about helping others learn, maintain and enjoy having order in their lives. I am dedicated to ethical, confidential, non-judgmental, compassionate treatment of all my clients. I am a member of the National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO). I have served on the board of the Southeast Michigan chapter of NAPO for over two years, first as Treasure, and currently as Membership Director. I am also a member and Chapter Ambassador for the National Study Group on Chronic Disorganization (NSGCD). I have earned Specialist Certificates in Chronic Disorganization and Attention Deficit Disorder from the NSGCD and am currently enrolled in their eighteen month certification program. I will graduate from the program in October of 2009. National Study Group on Chronic Disorganization (NSGCD) Certificates Earned Level II - CD Specialist Certificate; September 2007 My home life In 1991 I married my college sweetheart after dating him for four years. We have been together over half of our lives and continue to grow together. We have four very active daughters that keep us on our toes. I have been both a working at-home and at work mom and know and the trials and tribulations of both. Having four kids of my own, I understand the needs of busy families. Our home is comfortable and I find it beautiful. It is not perfect. Perfection is a goal that is not a good investment of my time or resources. Being a very active family, we do make a mess, but we also clean it regularly and keep it tidy. Each member of our family is an integral part of keeping and maintaining our home.
|