As a Certified Professional Organizer and personal assistant, I help busy people simplify their lives. I work with them to analyze their thinking processes and develop customized organizing systems to streamline their activities and belongings.

EDUCATION | BS in retail merchandising from University of Maryland, College Park. In 2007, I earned the distinction Certified Professional Organizer as a member of the inaugural class. I annually attend local and national conference for professional organizers. I regularly participate in webinars and tele-seminars to increase my knowledge.

HOW TO GET STARTED | Practice organizing yourself, family & friends. Offer to body double a friend when they are organizing their closet. Make it fun, create a home fashion show. If it is for you, attend a local NAPO meeting. Participate in tele-classes offered by NAPO or individual organizers. Sign up for a mentor through your local NAPO chapter. Offer to work as a junior organizer on a large organizing project with an experienced organizer. Track your paid organizing hours and educational classes. This information is required if you choose to sit for the Certified Professional Organizer® exam.

MUST HAVE TRAITS | Non-judgemental, understanding, organized, patient, friendly, detail oriented, compassionate.

how I got started | In my previous career, I was responsible for promoting life changing pharmaceuticals. My greatest joy in that job was talking with patients or hearing from doctors how the medications I promoted improved lives. Throughout my tenure, I was always helping colleagues and clients get organized. I realized I enjoyed the process and the benefits of organizing more than selling responsibilities of my job. I took a leap and left cold turkey in 2004 and started Put It Away!.

why this job?| I believe I have a knack for helping others see situations differently. I am an optimistic person and have found that my skill set and personality can be inspirational to others.

why I love this job!| We live in a very congested society. When people are organized, they have more time for them i.e. exercise, family, socializing, etc in their day. I find it incredibly rewarding to help others simplify their lives so they can focus their life doing what it important to them. I believe stress is at the root of so many other issues we face. If we can simplify our lives and reduce our stress, we are happier and healthier.

my typical day| Being a sole-proprietor in this job, each day and each client vary. On client visits, I arrive and chat with the client. We analyze what is going on in their head and inventory their space. I can then set up a game plan and we get to work. I require my clients to be active participants in the process. After all, they have to live with the system not me. I typically work four hours per day with clients. My non-billable time is spent returning phone calls, marketing (online & networking events), accounting, business planning and client shopping.

what they are | As a sole-proprietor, a lot falls on your shoulders. Practicing what I preach regarding time management is essential for success. The income varies so it is sometimes hard to budget. Some months are very busy and lucrative, others are slow.

all about growth | I am working to grow my career and business through social media (developing webcasts, web and tele-seminars) and social networking (Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn). Selling the benefits and value of getting organized in this economy is more essential than ever. I volunteer on the Board of Directors for the National Association of Professional Organizers - Washington, DC Metro Chapter (NAPO-WDC). 2009 represents my fourth term of service. Additionally, I recently volunteered for the National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO) Chapter Relations Committee.

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