The About section is the first place I go on any site. If I don't enjoy or find useful or, ideally, amusing what I read there, I most likely won't be interested in the person or company behind the words. If you're the same, you're in the right place!
In the simplest sense, an alloy is a mixture with properties superior to those of the individual components. Synergy—one plus one equals more than two—is key. I believe that synergy exists in every good partnership, and I seek out people with whom I can create something bigger than either of us could alone--the ideal mix for success.
I love to see people succeed and be able to live and work in ways that truly bring them happiness. The work I do with clients allows me to use my talents while supporting the success of others. It's truly a win-win. After nine years of experience in administrative assistance, related fields, and a mobile office support business, I founded Alloy Virtual Assistance in 2005, further formalized my company as Alloy Advantage LLC in 2012, and completed coach training programs in 2012 and 2015.
My journey to my current work began with my childhood passions of writing, creating imaginary businesses, and organizing people, stuffed animals, and my environment. I didn't just play office, I played employment office. (I've always been a stickler for detail.) Another favorite playtime as a child was to sell things. But I didn't settle for the usual lemonade. For me it was big marshmallows steeped in hot cocoa and individually packaged. I also sold "tickets" which were actually receipts for the subscription to the daily newspaper. My tickets were good for absolutely nothing, but I loved selling them to my family members (truly a captive market and, frankly, a bunch of suckers). I spent hours outside at the park nearby, riding my bike around our small town, and playing Rain Factory on rainy days. Books were my best friends. And then there were the many theatrical productions I enthusiastically attempted to produce. Who says that you can't stage "The Wizard of Oz" in the backyard with just three compliant cousins and a bed sheet thrown over the clothesline?!
After graduating from Simpson College (Religion and Political Science) and Iowa State University (Public Service & Administration in Agriculture—a program structured around sociology, economics and political science) and a foray into non-profit program and research positions, I took the courageous step of admitting to myself that I was happiest when creating systems to support executive and program work...and not actually leading executive and program work. I found administrative support positions unfulfilling and soon boring, and I knew there must be a way to make the most of my talents and my independent spirit. It was after a period of intense self-work and searching that I discovered virtual assistance and, even better, the training program and community of AssistU. I knew that I had found the answer to my professional calling. I've been on the most amazing journey ever since then as my work continues to deepen and further reflect the best I have to offer to the world. Much of the refinement of my skills and larger vision for my work came from over eight years of contract work with Martha Beck, Inc. to provide administrative and technical consulting and support along with world-class customer service.
In addition to college degrees and completion of the Virtual Training Program at AssistU (2005), I am a Martha Beck Certified Life Coach (2012) and a Sagefire Institute Trained Nature-Based Coach (2015). My coaching background is a strong enhancement to my work with clients and teams. It also powerfully complements the path of personal growth and women's work I have been on for over 25 years.
I live with my family in beautiful Fort Collins, Colorado after pulling up a lifetime of roots in central Iowa to move west in 2017. Along with authentically, wisely and fiercely mothering my old-soul son, that military maneuver of a relocation is the accomplishment in life I am most proud of.
Some of my satisfied clients, all doing great things in the world:
Martha Beck, Inc.
Center Grove Orchard
Sagefire Institute
Spirations Institute for Interspiritual Formation
Koelle Institute for Equus Coaching
Kristen Finch
Susan Hyatt
Soul of the Prairie
Windsor Oaks Senior Living
Heart Based Bookkeeping
Assist U
My bliggety blog
