FIRST THE BASICS
I was born and raised in the New York City metro area and moved to the San Francisco Bay Area in In 2017, after more than 25 years in fundraising for progressive nonprofit organizations, I began consulting with different clients with a focus on strategic planning, leadership transitions, and resource development. Most of my work is done remotely so I can take it with me while I travel, as long as there is fast wifi.
I am a non-smoker and single without children, not counting my 2 rescue cats -- Archie and Meyer. My home in Oakland, California is a two-unit house co-owned with my brother and his wife. This communal living arrangement makes it possible for me to travel whenever I wish. I am vaccinated and twice-boosted against COVID.
When not busy with work, I enjoy reading, hiking, biking and classic film. For fun, I lead a history book club and guide local walks for an urban walking group.
ANIMAL CARE & HOUSE SITTING
As a longtime cat-mom and animal rescue volunteer, I have extensive experience with cats and dogs of all ages, temperaments, and special needs. I have been pet sitting through since 2018 and have earned 5-star reviews from over15 completed cat and dog sits.
I grew up with cats and have been a cat-mom for my entire adult life. Years ago when I bought a home in Hawaii I took over the care of a resident feral cat colony, including trapping and neutering 9 cats. Here in the Bay Area I've volunteered with Toni's Kitty Rescue (TKR) and San Francisco Animal Care and Control (15 plus years) and Cat Town in Oakland (3 plus years). Cat Town founded the first cat cafe in the US and specializes in rescuing cats who are at high-risk for euthanasia due to behavior or health problems. Through TKR/ACC, I've fostered over 200 underage and sick orphaned kittens, plus a few geriatric and fospice cats (foster hospice). I'm experienced with pilling, insulin injections, subcutaneous fluids and more. And, of course, brushing, playing and cuddling!
There are many dogs in my extended family so I am an equal opportunity dog person. A longtime housemate was a professional dog walker/sitter/boarder and with him I helped look after a number of foster dogs. I love them all -- from pugs to pit bulls! Because urban walking and trail hiking are favorite activities, dogs in my care get plenty of exercise. I prefer walking dogs in my care on leash, just in case their recall tests the limits.
Needless to say, I'm more than happy to share a bed with any furry friend.