Who I Am

People I work with see me as a problem solver, someone who tackles tasks they can’t or don’t want to do, someone who takes chaos and tames it, imposing order, stability and a sense of relief.

Although I received my B.S. in early childhood education from Tufts University, most of my life has prepared me for the services I now provide through Piles of Paper?. 

But since sharing my life story would take more time than either of us have, here’s a quick summary of my relevant experience.

Professional organizing.
For more than 20 years, I worked as a professional organizer, helping people alleviate stress, anxiety and sometimes embarrassment by implementing systems for clearing clutter and maintaining friendly, organized life and work spaces.

Healthcare activism.
In the mid-90s, while living in Maryland, I worked to create the state’s first non-emergency respite care facility for mentally ill youth. 

I continued my work and advocacy in that field, ultimately serving as president and executive director of the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI) of Montgomery County, Maryland.

Wanting to share what I’d learned in that capacity, I went on to found a consulting business to help families navigate the complex medical and legal territories of dealing with mentally ill children and family members.

Firsthand medical care experience.
Dealing with a number of complex medical issues within my family has given me decades of education and experience in navigating the worlds of healthcare and insurance. 

Just as important, it’s given me a great deal of understanding and compassion for others dealing with medical issues and the bewildering maze of insurance benefits, billing and claims.

Learn more about the specifics of what I do by reviewing answers to commonly asked questions, or contact me to discuss your situation.