Education

I completed 180 hours of real estate training at the American College of Real Estate in San Antonio, Texas, and Spencer School of Real Estate in Houston, Texas. This education gives me unique insight into the world of real estate sales and a thorough understanding of how important Home Staging is.

I graduated with honors from a year-long program in Medical Assisting with an emphasis on senior care at the National Institute of Technology, and I attended nursing school at The Health Institute of San Antonio, Texas. I have a full vocabulary of medical terminology and experience with moving patients, lifting patients, and the gait methods often employed by the injured, disabled, and elderly. This training allows me to understand the importance of creating an easily navigable environment for patients, as well as a calming and non-threatening environment (e.g. countering the "White Coat Syndrome" that creates stress and fear in some patients, especially children).

I studied interior design at the University of Central Oklahoma and am in the process of getting my Bachelor's degree in psychology, and ultimately my Master's. I use my knowledge of psychology to connect with my clients and understand their needs. Further, I am able implement the psychological elements of design, such as the proper use of color, light, and space to create positive feelings within a space. (For example, a phenomenon known as Seasonal Affective Disorder, or S.A.D., can be an issue for some people during the winter months when sunlight is less available due to shorter days and overcast weather. The disorder, when present, creates a need for proper, even specialized, interior lighting to combat the negative emotional feelings and depression associated with S.A.D.)

I earned my certification in interior decorating from C.I.D. International after completing training by renowned interior designer Ron Renner, founding member of the American Society of Interior Designers (A.S.I.D.), Certified Interior Decorators International, and the Decorator Training Institute, and one of the first NCIDQ licensed interior designers in the industry. By early 2012, I will finish very intensive Interior Refining training, taught by a renowned NYC designer who is a six-time best-selling author and frequent Oprah guest.

Mission

It is my personal goal to:

• Use the psychology of color and the Law of Chromatic Distribution to create positive feelings within a space.
• Make your home or office more comfortable for you, your family, your patients, residents, or clients.
• Create spaces that are stylish and functional.
• Create flow and balance within a space.
• Provide low- to no-cost redecorating with room makeovers that dazzle!

Fees

For Decorating:
My usual fees for decorating range from $55.00 to $85.00 per hour for interior decorating, depending on the type and scope of the project. A "Cost Plus" fee of 15% is added to purchases made from retail vendors that are not classified as To The Trade.

For Home Staging and No Cost (use what you already own) Decorating:
A flat rate or "Per Room" fee is offered. Fees are based on room size from longest point to longest point and combined areas are measured as separate rooms. For example, kitchens with attached dining areas, conversation areas or living rooms.

In-Home Consultations:
The price for consultations is subject to change, e.g. special discounts or market fluctuations. Currently, in-home consultations are $175.00 flat or $75 per hour with a one hour mimimum, whichever is lower. This includes travel and meeting time. I schedule only one client per day to allow for as much time as is needed for a consultation, so our meeting may be 1 hour or it may be 4 hours or more; I am yours for the day. The consultation fee is credited toward the final bill for clients who follow through with their projects. This fee is due at the time of the consultation or, if deferred under special circumstances, such as a bidding situation, when notification is given by the client that the project will not proceed. In certain cases, such as if I must withdraw from a project before work has begun, this fee may be 100% refundable.