About Me

Photo 2024, Atlas Photography

I'm a seasoned consultant who started in data management as a DBA in 2002. I worked in fundraising and alumni relations at three schools in the UK, latterly as Development Manager at The Haberdashers' Aske's Boys' School. These roles involved managing data integrity, individual and campaign giving, communications and graphic design, reporting to board and leadership, and in one role I was also treasurer of the parents' organisation (the Canford School Society). I became increasingly responsible for CRMs and websites, implementing and managing The Raiser's Edge and two NetCommunity websites. I enjoyed a lot of networking in the industry and attended various conferences to expand my skillset and understand the challenges other users were facing. In 2008 I was a speaker at that year's CASE Europe conference, delivering my "lessons learned" on a NetCommunity implementation. Later that year I made the jump to the other side of database management as a consultant.
​
From 2008 to 2012 I was a consultant at Heller Consulting in Berkeley and Oakland, California. Heller Consulting is known for a wealth of expertise and knowledge, a team of experts who've worked on the frontline of fundraising, and a passion for innovation. During my four years with the firm I taught myself to code, created a suite of new services, hosted webinars and created videos and worked with dozens of Raiser's Edge and NetCommunity clients all over the country, from small community organisations to major multi-state foundations.
​
I've been an independent consultant since 2012. I work directly with clients in the UK and US and have worked with colleagues including Beyond Nines (now Nonprofit Garden) and Zeidman Development. Sometimes I collaborate with other consultants on projects needing expertise such as analytics and custom reporting. I regularly attend training and networking sessions to enhance my knowledge. I'm a member of the AASP and presented on US privacy law at their 2023 Summit in Chicago and 2025 Summit in Reno, and was a panelist on a webinar about data minimization in June 2024. You'll find presentation slides and other materials on my Resources pages. I also sometimes work with for-profit clients and pro bono for very small charities. Find out about some of the clients I have helped and read testimonials from my clients and colleagues.

I'm often told I look younger than I am - which is nice - but if you've read this far you'll have figured out I wasn't born yesterday. At nearly 50 I bring a mature (and I hope, wise) outlook to my work but with bags of enthusiasm for solving problems, inspiring better processes and improving the way nonprofits operate so they can get on with their vital work.

I took a step back from consulting in 2016 to help recover from an RSI I sustained early on in my consulting career. Whilst physically helpful, the break also gave me a fresh perspective and a better idea of the services I wanted to focus on. I'm a strong proponent of a healthy work-life balance and preventing injury - you'll find I'm someone who supports regular breaks, sensible working hours and postural mindfulness.

I have a BA Hons degree from Lancaster University and I'm a proud member of their alumni network. I did my junior year at Wellesley College, Massachusetts. When not consulting I pursue an interest in gemmology - I hold qualifications from the Gemmological Association of Great Britain and the GIA. I also dance Argentine tango (salon style) and hike in the hills around my home in Dorset. Sometimes I do all three in one weekend : )

Questions? Drop me a line and I'll be delighted to chat and see if I can help you.