About Susan
I wasn’t always an organized person. But I learned very quickly in my first office job that if I didn’t keep track of where I put things, didn’t meet deadlines, and didn’t have a plan of action for each day, life would not run smoothly. When I was promoted to office manager and responsible for training new admin staff, I discovered I enjoyed helping other people learn how to be organized.
Fast forward 16 years—I left my trade association job to start my own company providing services for small businesses. Clients needed my help setting up filing systems, arranging their workspace for maximum productivity, and managing their time more effectively. That’s when I discovered my ideal job—as a professional organizer! I gradually made the transition to the organizing field—working one-on-one with clients and teaching groups of employees how to be better organized.
My passion is to help busy people who want to be more productive but are overwhelmed with paper or digital files and with all the things they want to do and have to do.
It was in 1999 that I founded my professional organizing company—Balanced Spaces®, LLC—and joined NAPO (the National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals), where I learned how to take my skills to the next level. At that time, there were no formal classes on how to be a professional organizer. I learned through attending our annual three-day national conference and local chapter programs, through conversations with colleagues, and through experience.
In 2003, I served on a task force that developed the structure and direction for a series of classes to teach new organizers how to help clients become more organized and productive. We now have “NAPO University,” with many live and on-demand classes, where I am proud to be included as one of the instructors. In addition, I have presented many times at NAPO’s national conference and the Washington, DC, Metro chapter.
With a B.A. in Secondary Education and experience teaching adults, it was natural for me to develop seminars on productivity and organizing. I also became a Certified GO System® (Getting Organized) trainer.
In 2007, I became a Certified Professional Organizer® (CPO)—one of the first in the country. There are fewer than 400 of us who have passed the CPO exam, which requires a minimum of 1,500 hours transferring skills to clients in the three years immediately prior to taking the exam.
Currently, I deliver programs for local and federal government agencies, trade associations, nonprofits, universities, and corporations. In my seminars, I provide high-impact ideas and techniques attendees can implement immediately to reduce stress and be more productive. I emphasize the importance of changing behavior and developing habits to maintain your organizational system and make it a part of your everyday life.
Call or email me today to find out the best solution for you. 571-752-6355, Susan@BalancedSpaces.com.
Testimonials
I got a phone call from Sherry K. last night. She thinks you walk on water! She is so appreciative of your help. I am so glad I was able to put the two of you together.
—Barbara C., CPA
This is great! The filing system I had before just didn’t work. The one you set up with me is wonderful—I’m able to file my papers, AND find them again!
—Jerry B., small business owner
Susan’s suggestions were right on target. Everything is where I can get to it very quickly now, so it’s much easier to find what I need. I’ve been able to maintain the organization. It’s amazing. Everyone comes into my office and says, “You’ve kept it up. We’re so happy for you.
—Carrie-Anne M., corporate sales director
