I've loved organizing since I was young. I'd rearrange the candy bars at 7-Eleven to make them fit neatly. I'd line up my boxes of crayons and colored pencils. Perhaps I get it from my mother; she is a school teacher – a very organized one! – who was more than happy to teach me many organizing skills.
As a child, I saw my grandmother hoarding things and living in squalor. Her sister also hoarded, and was removed from her home by Social Services and sent to a veteran’s hospital because it had become unhealthy and unsafe. Out of shame and embarrassment, she did not tell anyone and subsequently died before we ever found out. I didn’t know what to do or how to help.
Then, in 2004 my favorite aunt died suddenly. Our family organized her home, which was a difficult, painful process. This once-tidy family home had become completely cluttered -- partially due to her long bout of depression. I knew my organizing skills helped, but I was unable to set up long-term sustainable, organizing systems for my uncle and young cousin who both have ADHD. I figured there must be a better way.
The Beginning Of Organize To Optimize
Having four kids, I understand the needs of busy families. Our home is comfortable and beautiful, but it’s not perfect. We make messes, but we also clean it regularly and keep it tidy. Everyone is an integral part of keeping and maintaining our home.
One year I received a label maker for Christmas -- the beginning of crazy good organizing for me. It was almost like I could hear angels singing as I went to town on my closets, drawers and shelves. Creating labels to help my family gave them a road map of where to put things and greatly reduced my own frustration.
After experiencing my grandmother's, great aunt's, and aunt's living situations, I began to research chronic disorganization, hoarding, and how to work and organize for those who have ADHD. I began my training, and in 2005, I started Organize to Optimize LLC. I believe it is what God put me on earth to do.
I have helped each of my clients enjoy a simpler, easier and more purposeful way of living. Let me help you learn skills that can influence your time management, your things, and your choices.
My Training
Education and training are important to me, as I see how they benefit my clients. Furthering my education has meant I'm able to provide a greater variety of more meaningful options to suit them, who they are, and what they need and value. I am the only organizer in Michigan to receive Coach Approach for Organizers® training. I am dedicated to ethical, confidential, non-judgmental, compassionate treatment of all my clients.
- Member of the National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO)
- Member of the NAPO Southeast Michigan chapter
- Member and Regional Ambassador for the Institute for Challenging Disorganization (ICD)
- One of only two Certified Professional Organizers in Chronic Disorganization (CPO-CD®) in Michigan
- Earned a Specialist Certificates in Chronic Disorganization, Attention Deficit Disorder and Hoarding from the ICD
- Earned a Certified Organizer Coach® credential from Coach Approach for Organizers® in 2011 after completing an 18 month intensive training program.
How I Became An Organizer...
